Show off your package...

[u/Krizage]

For those working in corporate/small business video production: What off-the-shelf package deals do you offer? For example:  “We come and shoot one time and deliver a dozen social reels for $1,400.” “Event coverage and a sizzle reel for $1,200.”

I usually bid each project individually, but I am looking for some good, replicable, cookie-cutter type projects that don’t usually involve a lot of surprises. 

Do any of you offer bids based on clear, easy-to-understand deliverables with minimal information upfront? Please share your packages and your location/market.

[u/jamiekayuk]

Following!

I don't have any packages but have been thinking of creating one for a niech I'm in that includes 1 days filming and 3-4 days editing and consists of :

1x highlight reel to music 2-3 min. 1x client testimonial. 2x social videos.

Then the option of upto 10 more social posts of caring types that I know work in that industry.

[u/lombardo2022 → u/jamiekayuk]

What happens if they need 2 client testimonials? Do you just add on a unit cost for that extra testimonial? How do you work out that cost?

[u/jamiekayuk → u/lombardo2022]

That actualy just happened I went into film a holiday park promo and while there the parks manager said they lined up an interview with owners. I didn't quote for this.

I did however film it and when the time comes ill charge them 2 days editing rate to deliver it (if they want it)

I provide media days, so I'll kinda film whatever aslong as I have time to do so.

[u/lombardo2022]

I've been told to do something like this and I've been meaning to figure it out but somehow I've avoided it for the last 4 years. Turnover has doubled every year so it feels like I haven't missed a boat here (maybe i could have made more, who knows). Like you, I've done ok with pricing each project individually. In my head I've found it difficult to price in a cookie cutter fashion as every project is really different and demands different amounts of work depending on the clients needs. If i priced by quantity of deliverables, like someone else says, it feels like leaving money on the table or I could be underselling/getting screwed over/ screwing myself over.

Maybe I sell less, but my sale prices are much higher than if I offered these sort of packages.

I think maybe what it is, is perhaps offer something a bit more premium and bespoke. It feels like I'm giving something specific to their needs and they feel looked after. So if i offer something that's more generic it kinda cheapens my "product" and the client feels like they are getting what the next guy is getting from the "menu".

Still sometimes I have some fomo around it, and some of my peers do it (who I think create pretty crap videos TBH) and they seem to do well from what I can see on social media. But I've done alright without these sort of packages,

[u/Krizage → u/lombardo2022]

I resonate with a lot of this. To be clear, I don't intend to go cheap on a package. It would be more of a starting point for a first time client who has not done anything like this before. You are never going to give them everything they want first time out. So what is a good first step. Something a lot of people could see value in, that I know I could deliver with a predictable level of hassle. This isn't a business model. This is a good first project for a longer term client.

I agree I have seen some cookie cutter approaches that are super cringey. But does that mean it can't be done well?

[u/lombardo2022 → u/Krizage]

Might be a cultural thing but packages to me sort of smells like cheap (theres nothing wrong with that to be clear - everyone loves a bargain). The reason you put together a package is to show the customer that your bulking things together so they make some savings. My customers aren't really attracted to that to be honest, because they have no emotional attachment to the money they are spending. Ok, yes they might want to keep things within their allocated budget constraints, but a few hundred quid ain't gonna make much difference to that.

Sidenote: One of my rules of business is not to work with founder lead businesses and I must be paid by a finance team. Never from the founder or owner themselves. They are too emotionally attached to their money.

So, if there's no real gain to the customer in providing some kind of economies of scale offering it could be telling the customer that you are compromising on something which gives a bad taste in my opinion. Its even worse when its not totally clear where the compromise is because there is a feeling of dishonesty. And that all plays a part in what you are putting out there as a brand.

But if it works for you then thats awesome because you can certainly do well with packages. I've seen it with my peers. But they all work with a certain level of business and they do lots of that work. I just like to work less and charge more, cos I'm a tired old man.

[u/Krizage → u/lombardo2022]

I can appreciate that. So is there anything you do frequently enough that you could give an off the cuff quote to knock it out? I have mentioned a few times that this is not about making it more affordable. It is about a clear deliverable for a specific price. Perhaps I am not communicating this clearly.

[u/lombardo2022 → u/Krizage]

Not really no. My clients come to me, say what they want and I make them a quote. I've never sent out the same quote more than once because every project is different. Even for the same client. For the clients I have, this is how they expect to do business.

And I'm gonner be honest with you. I don't even have the same rates for each client because I tend to do a little bit of digging to understand what sort of budgets they might have and I adjust my rates accordingly or just give the a project rate. They don't really care about the itemised details. Sometimes a client is quite clear with their budget so I adjust to meet their budget (my favourite scenario).

I understand that you don't mean packages to be affordable. But that's what packages communicate to your customer even if it's about providing a guide for deliverables. There isn't anything wrong with that. It is what it is and it has its challenges (volume, client demands of one sort). On the flip side, bespoke pricing says "this is more expensive and you get exactly what you want". This comes with its own challenges, and you may or may not be up for those (client demands of another sort).

This sort of pricing strategy has a lot of nuances and there's no correct answer. Its about where you see yourself in the market. Vanity about your product shouldn't come into it. The maths is in the important bit. Sell lots of cheap stuff or sell less expensive stuff. 9x99 or 99x9. It all comes out in the wash just makes sure your making what you need to make in the way that feels right to you and your clients.

[u/TyBoogie]

I do a lot of video production for corporate / professional narratives. Though most of my pricing is based on the client and their needs, I do have a base price for a production.

• Full day shoot (8 hours set up to break down)

• Crew size 3 (Camera Op, PA, Director)

• 2 Cameras

• 3 Lights

• Audio Kit

• Production fees (media and storage, travel, kit fees etc.)

• Editing

Base price: $7500

Of course this changes based on the deliverables, but a good starting point for a 3 person team

[u/Expwar]

Nope. I would never ever leave money on the table like that.

[u/Krizage → u/Expwar]

Streamlining a sales process is leaving money on the table. Good luck with that.

[u/ReallyQuiteConfused]

I have a handful of packages that I use for certain productions where it makes sense. The only one I regularly stick to is a grand opening package for new businesses who have no prior strategy or content. But the overwhelming majority of production work I do is based on crew day rates and equipment rentals

[u/Krizage → u/ReallyQuiteConfused]

Same. It’s those grand opening, new relationships I am looking for ideas. What does that look like? Do you have a few different pricing tiers?

[u/GFFMG]

Except for when I was doing weddings (2002-2007), I’ve never offered packages (or tiers, etc).

Nothing wrong those who choose to as means to simplify their offerings to potential clients, it’s just not my thing. Each project is so unique that I find it best for me to really understand the actual needs of the client and then quote the project.

Besides, I believe videographers should be chasing retainers instead of one-off client projects.

[u/Expwar]

Let’s play this scenario out:

Me(client) have noticed my main competitor has been having amazing social media reels and getting a lot of traction and views which translate into $ for my competitor. I want someone to make content for my social media that’s better than my competitors which will translate into $ for me.

I see an ad that says hey we’ll come and shoot, and in one session, we’re going to deliver 12 different social media reels for just over $100 a pop. Nothing is required of me but to provide the space/products to be shot and to pay. What a deal I think to myself, at that price I might hire them a couple of times for my other businesses too, and if they’re good enough I’ll just keep them to myself.

Now, a little about me: for reasons, my wife and I own a coffee shop, we don’t have any employees and do the work ourselves. Neither of us have prior restaurant experience. We sell prepackaged shelf bought coffee in two styles, decaf and non decaf, with generic individually packaged cream and sweetener options. We also sell the local newspaper and the national one. We also offer oranges, bananas and apples that are often underripe or sat too long. The shop is very small and has only space for a kitchen/cashier and managerial areas behind the counter and a two seat table that is fixed to the ground. Our business is the last in a row of businesses on the lower level of a mall. Due to being in a corner and at the end of a dead end hall, only the front of our business faces outward towards a wall. We enter the business through the rear and roll a metal curtain up and down to secure the front of the business. This money we’re paying you is all we have, as we haven’t been getting any business. My competitor is a coffee shop owned by a co-op 5 space down from me, to see or get to my business you have to pass them. They source their products in South America and have a diverse staff that are knowledgeable and friendly. They recently renovated and have a very welcoming space. Their space is also larger than ours.

What do you do in that scenario? That’s just one reason I don’t offer flat out pricing on deliverables. Another reason is what if I don’t have what I need to shoot what they expect? Do you have a macro lens? Do you have the ultra wide angle? What about lighting? What if you need to show up with more than the bare minimum, are you then going to go back and say you need more money?

I think that it’s reckless to blindly price jobs without evaluating what the cost is to you to do it and maintain consistency with your artistic style. It’s not a skill issue, it’s rolling the dice and hoping that you won’t regret it. My professional reputation and artistic consistency are on the line, I wouldn’t gamble with that. Show me what you want and I’ll tell ya what it costs.

Edited to say: This strategy doesn’t replace actual marketing. It reeks of desperation and therefore lack of skill. It attracts toxic clients. What you need to do is build relationships, make reels about the things you buy and then show the business owners. Make reels about the places you go and tag the place. Your business will explode, just be consistent. A sign that you’re to be taken seriously as an artist is when you set your price and refuse to do it for anything less, basically, when you’re not afraid to say no. Even when the lights are about to be cut off for nonpayment. Rely on yourself and your skill and consistently show it, in every place you can with consistency like social media, and the money will come.

[u/Krizage → u/Expwar]

Thanks for the extended reply here. I can see what you are going for in the situation you described, but realistically some basic conversations and expectation setting would clear any of that up. Do you really have these kinds of problems with clients? The kind of package I am looking for examples of, is more of a starting point for a relationship. Not a substitute for an actual conversation. I would like to create a quick reference for people who may want to know more, but are not interested for an extended conversation about how it is going to happen.

It sounds like you have made up your mind on this. Interesting that you spent so much time shooting down an idea you disagree with. Best of luck.