Best Business Practices for Photographers [237]
There are numerous things you can do for your clients that can make a difference. Another example from my own experience is that I will leverage my status as a top-tier member of several frequent-flyer programs to the client's benefit. Most airlines typically extend upgrades to first class to members of these programs. On some airlines it's free, and you can confirm 24 to 72 hours before departure. On others, you pay a nominal $50 to $100 per direction, depending upon distance. (Any coast to Chicago, for example, can be $50, and coast to coast can be $100.) Knowing that the client is traveling alone, I will indicate to the airline that the client and I are travel companions, and then we are both upgraded to first class. Now, traveling on the same flight with a client in this capacity has a risk to it: If there is only one first-class seat, you must not accept it and leave your client in coach! Also, as noted earlier, make sure that if your client is an agency, their client is not traveling on the same flight. That would make you and the agency AD look like over-spenders! Used judiciously, this tactic can be a really amazing way to let the client know that you value them. Of course, you'll be covering whatever charges for the upgrade. You should have that much wiggle room in your overhead to do this for them.
Feeding Clients: Fast Food and Takeout Coffee Won't Cut It. Cater and Bill for It!
There are a number of different assignment types, from rites of passage, to editorial, to corporate/commercial, and numerous others. For a number of high-end assignments, you can easily lose the assignment for no other reason than that you didn't include catering. This service is sometimes called craft services, after the company that feeds crew and stars alike on movie sets. If you are going to be doing an assignment that crosses a mealtime with an art director, photo editor, your client, or their client (who is also your client), make darn sure you include catering as a line item. It can always be struck, but it lets the client know that you are going to be taking care of them and you are paying attention to the details.
There are other things that may also go into this, such as a production trailer (a.k.a. motor home) where clients and art directors can relax while on location and where you and these stakeholders can review images from the shoot while crew and talent are outside prepping for the next assignment. Sometimes it is necessary to have the production trailer for makeup to be applied and such. Again, having a production trailer or catering as a line item as well indicates it can be struck, but also reiterates the idea that, "We're thinking about you and want to ensure you're comfortable while on set."
On-set lunch is not fast food, nor carryout from the corner deli (but at least that'd be a step up from fast food), nor homemade foods—unless you or your spouse is a gourmet chef who knows presentation and healthy recipes. Further, after winning the assignment, don't overlook the importance of the not-so-little details. Call the client and ask about particulars: Is there a vegan, a vegetarian, a low-carb dieter, or someone who requires that their meals be kosher? Then, call a catering service. It doesn't have to be one that's used to doing banquets (but it could be). It can be a gourmet delicatessen or a well-regarded restaurant in the local area. Call around where you are shooting, or if it's local, call places you know. Ask whether they can prepare meals and dishes