Any tips for price shoppers?

[Sherry]

I just had a call from someone asking nothing but my prices, which I find odd sometimes, because I have my prices very visible on my website, just to curb these types of calls.  I prefer calls from customers that want to seriously book us.  How do others do it?  Anyone have any techniques for making a customer more likely to book your services?  I feel like I could do more than just quote the price, them say thank you, I say you're welcome and then we end the call.   

[fancy]

I always get those calls too -- sometimes I will ask them real quickly when their event is or something about the party to try to start a conversation or I might ask them what their budget is.  I don't think I have ever gotten one where they were obviously shopping though.

[vixx]

Ive recenty took up twisting balloons in order to add as an enticement when people ring up for quotes- im not very good so just add it in with the price,obviously I let them know that this only happens if I get time at the end,so that they get their monies worth.I think if you can add a little extra if you know that theyve got 20 kids coming and they are booking you for 2 hours.

[Sherry]

I think adding balloons is a great tip, because it's worked for me also.  Since I added balloons to our services in March, I feel like it's helped us book more events.

[PappaG133]

Going along with the balloons/costumes idea. I think a business needs a competitive edge in order to create more revenue. Anything that can differ your services from the rest (at close to the same price) will bring in more customers.

[Deva]

If they don't have time to talk with me and only want to discuss prices, I cannot answer them, so I say, "I have a few questions first before I can give you my rates: 1. Where is your event going to be?  2.  How many children do you expect will be there?  and 3.  What date/time? (To see if I am available).  Once I get this information, I explain to them, for example, "Your birthday party is not in my general area, so I would need to add an extra $25 for my traveling fee.  I am able to paint 12-15 children per hour - full faces according to my web site - You HAVE seen my web site, haven't you?  And yes, by the way, I am available on the date that you need a face painter.  This takes about 30-45 seconds. "Please have a look at my web site and get back to me. " Sometimes on the net, they come across my name and like the name for a face painter or they're just simply calling around to get the best rate.  If they are calling around, they don't necessarily want or need a fabulous face painter - they want to have the most kids painted in the least amount of time.  That's OK.  I am fine for them to call me back ... or not.  It is important for me that they see the type of work that I do before they book me - so they are aware of the artistry involved, and how special I can make their child's birthday party.

Regards, Deva

[GaFacepainter]

Do you ever get anyone annoyed by you asking those questions?

[Kristal]

I always ask for the number of children and the party location/date, as well. I don't mind fielding calls - I don't have prices listed, but I (right now, anyway!) prefer to have the chance to speak with or email them info - I get to come across as personable, and I get to chat with them about the supplies I use and all that's included. In time I'll get at least most of that online, but I just registered my name and haven't quite had the time yet.

I don't mind the chat, though! Sometimes they won't call or email back, but I'm sure that personality has something to do with why I get bookings.