Low Rates for a :60 spot???

D

DVX100Shooter

Veteran
An owner of a Salon has contacted me and wants me to shoot a :60 spot on her salon that she can post on her website, facebook page and whatever else. Her budget is only $250 and I told her that would only cover part of my shooting costs. We are not even talking my mileage and editing costs. So my question is do I turn this job down or accept her budget of 250 bucks? I figure the shoot could last several hours getting all the shots I would need and then several hours of editing time. The price I quoted her was much higher than $250. This is why I never say my rates right off the bat. I always ask the client if they have a budget, but in this case I think her budget is too low. What do you all think? She is not a family friend...she found me on facebook!
 
I have worked for less than my proposed amount (almost every time I think) and had it pay off (not quite every time I know). This seems really really low though. I would have to say I'd pass on that one. I was in a similar boat with a local daycare provider. I gave a 3k ish estimate and they countered with $850. I told them I couldn't do a shoot but I'd use any photos they had and cut them a 60 second spot with the owner providing the voice over. They decided their money should go into their regular print adds (which apparently aren't doing it judging by their low numbers). But they planned to call in the winter to work on a video.

Do you think this would generate any new work or leads? Or just more lowball work? How bored are you? Do you need a haircut (or 12)? Go with your gut.

Cole
 
Don't ever lower rate unless you see a clear advantage. I did some reduced rate work for a nonprofit that I knew I could leverage into paying gigs and I did. Just finished my biggest gig this year because of that connection. If you have a clear future advantage take it. If you have a broke client walk away. You are investing in your personal brand with this decision. No one will value what you do if you don't.
 
Be very careful if you do accept that $250 rate. Remember, all discounts are permanent. Always start high and negotiate with the client. If they hit a number you are comfortable with, then go for it. Otherwise, decline.
 
Thanks a bunch everyone that commented! I am going to go with my gut and decline the job. Maybe she should contact a college student or someone desperate for work for this job.
 
I shoot and edit (for a company and sometimes on my own) web videos of that length for about that price weekly. The key, for that low amount, is that you tell them how it will be done versus them telling you. Existing light, in and out in under two hours, no re edits without an extra charge. I can shoot and edit a business profile in 5 hours total, earning $50 an hour at that rate. Mileage not included, but neither do most jobs. Maybe not for everyone, but works for me. This is what the end product looks like:

Salon http://exposureroom.com/members/mainstreetprod/6451d6ff0f8449e586182996d17b4ebe/

Daycare http://exposureroom.com/members/mainstreetprod/f323813ce7554c3ab3487ed85379d6fe/
 
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