VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Mike Harrison

Realizing as times change, so do trends and preferences; what used to be standard practice may or may no longer be necessarily true.

If you are making an initial introduction to a prospect via email, do you include your rates (if for a specific genre, do you include just that rate)? What are some pros and cons of doing so?

I never have, but am wondering if any of the new potential targets might not even consider replying without them.
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Mike
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Bruce · Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 8:21 am Post subject:

I'm thinking your inquiry's job is to get them interested in you, as in liking your demo, and that leads to them asking about your price and availability. If you state your price(s) right up front you might be giving them a reason right up front to not listen to your demo (you're too expensive or too cheap) and to not contact you.

Plus, how do you quote for every potential job they might have for you without pages of description? Every quote is based on quantity, eventual audience, speed of delivery, and such.

So no, I'd say no to prices up front.

B
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Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

No. You may accidentally undercut yourself, in their eyes overprice yourself, or seem rude you brought up money in your first contact.

The first rule in negotiating is the first person to lay out a number loses.

Here's a great book for everyone: https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Power-Negotiating-15th-Anniversary/dp/1601631391

Get the audiobook so you can hear how he says certain tricks to use in a negotiation.

todd ellis · Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 12:07 pm Post subject:

absolutely not.
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scottnilsen · Posted: Fri May 04, 2018 6:54 pm Post subject:

I'm glad to see the question asked, as I've wondered it myself...and I'm glad to see the answers so far being "no", as that would be my own first inclination. I have the same fear of simultaneously undercutting and overpricing myself.
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Tre M. · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 6:42 am Post subject:

Nope.
Nope.
Nopitty nope.

I just recent had a production company in Spain ask for my demos....THEN they asked for my rates. I never offer them up front. IF they listen and like ya, let them ask first.
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DougVox · Posted: Sat May 05, 2018 9:21 am Post subject:

No siree.
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Bish · Posted: Sun May 06, 2018 6:13 am Post subject:

My rates are finely tuned to the individual client after initial contact, due diligence, and gut feel. You post prices for commodities. You discuss remuneration with fellow professionals.

... that being said, if I get a straight "how much?" question with no foreplay, I'll punt a relatively high number that works for me (with a little wiggle room if they want to negotiate... as some will do on principle).
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Mike Harrison · Posted: Sun May 06, 2018 7:53 am Post subject:

Thank you all for the replies. They're all in agreement with what I was feeling, but I just needed to hear some reinforcement.
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Mike
Male Voice Over Talent
I have taken leave of my sensors.

Art · Posted: Sun May 06, 2018 7:17 pm Post subject:

I'm afraid to disclose my rates even after they ask.
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MBVOXX · Posted: Sun May 06, 2018 8:36 pm Post subject:

I don't discuss rates with clients...ever. That's what agents are for.

Deirdre · Posted: Mon May 07, 2018 6:04 am Post subject:

That is just so adorable and tone deaf.
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Philip Banks · Posted: Mon May 07, 2018 6:27 am Post subject:

It is VULGAR to discuss money. Uriah Heep sends in my account and the person in trade settles before morning prayers the following Friday.

todd ellis · Posted: Mon May 07, 2018 6:44 am Post subject:

i don't even discuss rates AFTER the job - i just assume they'll send me ... something.
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who's/on/1st?

Philip Banks · Posted: Mon May 07, 2018 7:02 am Post subject:

“Sir, two Guineas for your trouble enclosed herewith “ has served me well since Pitt the younger got ideas above his station.