I just got off the phone with my internet provider for the second time in three weeks. The experience was PAINFUL to say the least. I was trying to set myself up with the advertised plan on the company website, only to learn that these attractive rates were for NEW subscribers only. My nearly nine years of subscribing to their services and calling them first instead of the competition meant a big fat NOTHING to them. I still am shocked that a loyal subscriber would be charged extra and offered significantly less attractive packages than someone off the street. I do not agree with this business model in any way! I treat my “regulars” quite the opposite. If you have booked services a few times over the last year or so, your may have noticed a “loyalty credit” or a “preferred client credit” applied to your invoice. I believe that your faith and trust in me as your personal photographer should be rewarded, and that is why I have created a Preferred Client Program.
How to Qualify for Preferred Client Status
Qualifying is simple: book photographic services within 24 months of your last booking, and the credit is automatically applied to your invoice. You can choose from portrait sessions (Senior Session, Family Session, or Extended Family Session) or Event Coverage. For example, if you booked a session on December 1, 2018, you would get a Preferred Client Credit Applied on your next session as long as it occurred before December 1, 2020. Your date continually resets, so you always have a 24 month window after your most recent session in which the Preferred Client Credit applies. You do not need to purchase the same type of photographic service to qualify as a Preferred Client. For example, you can book a Family Session in March, then receive a Preferred Client Credit on Event Photography for your child’s birthday party in August. It’s a mix-and-match thing. Most photographic services are eligible for Preferred Client Status, but there are a few exceptions. Headshots, Group Headshot Sessions, Mini-Session and Destination Sessions are excluded from the Preferred Client Program.
Preferred Clients are First on My List for Special Projects
Occasionally I need models, and my Preferred Clients are first on the list for these opportunities. Sometimes these are just fun personal projects or trying out a new location. When I want to test out a new piece of gear or a new technique before I adopt it in my regular sessions, I will offer a free session to my Preferred Clients. Other times I just want to expand my portfolio. You are never obligated to consent to these sessions, and I would never hold a grudge if you said no. If the concept appeals and you love playing for the camera, the photos from these sessions are completely complimentary and available for you to download in exchange for your consent to use them in my advertising and portfolio.
That’s the Plan – For Now!
As of this post, the qualifying time range to become a Preferred Client is 24 months and the discount is 15% off the rates posted on my website. I may at some point change the terms to reflect a change in the discount percentage, a change in the qualifying time period, or a change in the qualifying services. Even if the terms are changed at some point, I will always make sure that my repeat clients are given the priority treatment they deserve.
Some Final Words on the Why
I spent most of this post explaining how the Loyalty Program works. I’ll close it up with my reasons for creating this program. You have a choice, and you choose me. That decision is not lost on me. I am beyond grateful for those who choose to come back to me for their family photos year after year. I can’t tell you how much I enjoy seeing how your kiddos have grown, or watching couples who are still schmooey in front of the camera after so many years. I love what I do, and I get to do this because of you!
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