VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Mike Harrison]

Ahh, frustration. When a prospect asks for quote, and you reply, specifically inviting them to respond again over any concerns (such as the rate)... but they never respond again, thereby eliminating any chance of negotiation.

Or is there something that can be done?
_________________
Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

[Frank F]

Asking questions BEFORE you provide a quote is a great to resolve this issue. Fishing works both ways, sometimes the fisherman catches the fish and other times the fish catches the fisherman.

When a quote is requested ASK what their budget is for the project?
You will find out if they are fishing or the fish.
Ask what their timeline is for the project? And further where or how it will be used (broadcast, industrial, one time shot, etc.)?
Become the fish who hooks the fisherman.

Frank F
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Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

[Philip Banks]

Do what the budget (low cost) airlines do in these circumstances.

Fee for Voice = $10.99

That will get you the gig. Final invoice will be for $10.99 plus
Studio time
Priority scheduling
Editing fee
Delivery fee
Admin fee
Credit charge

Serious point. You can't negotiate when someone is buying a price, you can when someone is looking to buy your voice.

[Lance Blair]

Whenever they don't write back, no matter what the circumstances are, I just move on because it's proof that they are just bean-counters. If they can't be bothered to write a mere "Thank you, but we'll pass." Then they're not interested in building relationships, and media production is all about building the trust that comes from building relationships.

I agree with Frank that the right questions before quoting prices can save face for all concerned. I also agree with Philip that some are looking for the budget price and not the best performance.
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Skype: globalvoiceover
and now, http://lanceblairvo.com the blog is there now too!

[Mike Harrison]

Frank: Great thoughts; thank you! As it has happened several times, though, I have asked what the budget was only to have the prospect throw a wrench into the works by taking the role the fisherman: "I don't know. I was hoping you could guide me in that area."

Philip: Thanks... point well taken.

Lance: I've thought the same thing when the prospect didn't even acknowledge receipt of my reply. Thanks!

On several occasions, when asked why my rate for a corporate marketing piece was what it was, I've had positive outcomes by saying, "This video will be a tool that your company can use over and over, for months or even years, as long as the contents don't change, to help close sales. The cost of my services will be easily recouped by the first sale."
_________________
Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

[Frank F]

[Bill Campbell]

Or, you could have a well thought out rate sheet, and stick to it.

Be realistic, know what your talent is worth. Your voice is a product. Your timbre, inflection, diction, energy, warmth. It can't be duplicated.

I've been in a position to hire very expensive talent on several occasions.
John O'Hurley for example. You want him, you pay his price. Period.

Know your worth. Quote your fee. Move along.
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www.asapaudio.com

[Lee Gordon]

[Mike Harrison]

I too, Lee, am still optimistic for just that reason.

And, I didn't click the link, but I surmise it is the famous Jack Benny routine. A nice touch!
_________________
Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

[Mike Harrison]