Starting out

[bobby_z]

Yup, I'm just about to start out - now, at first, I'm going to make stereo recordings with my new pair of 414 XLS's, recording church choirs and such. So far so good.

However, I see a huge possible problem up ahead: charging (the money).

So, when you're dealing with a possible new customer, how do you deal with the money part?

[Jim vanBergen]

"Charging money" is not a problem. Getting paid on time and having checks never bounce, now THATS a problem.

MY problem has always been the amount of money coming in versus the gear I want to buy. Seriously, Are you referring to how to set up a small business, how to gauge your rates (know what to charge), or how to deal with quotes, invoicing and receivables?

[Remoteness]

Charge what you feel you're worth plus 10% on top of that.
Then when they want a special deal you can give them a 10% discount and everyone wins...

If they don't ask for a break you win.
Just make sure you do an excellent job to make the extra 10% they spend worth.

[bobby_z]

Jim, yeah, gauging my rates it is
Knowing what to charge, and how to charge it.

"Getting paid on time and having checks never bounce, now THATS a problem."

Hm, that sucks. (although I think people generally pay on time here.)

"Charge what you feel you're worth plus 10% on top of that.
Then when they want a special deal you can give them a 10% discount and everyone wins..."

That's a great idea. (Is that how you do it Remoteness? )
I'll definetely use that one.

[Remoteness]

Well, it's really a mindset...

Percentages vary depending on a few variables.

[cajonezzz]

Originally Posted by bobby_z

Yup, I'm just about to start out - now, at first, I'm going to make stereo recordings with my new pair of 414 XLS's, recording church choirs and such. So far so good.

However, I see a huge possible problem up ahead: charging (the money).

So, when you're dealing with a possible new customer, how do you deal with the money part?

what do you mean by "deal" with? I think the best way, for me, has been to use a contract- specify the amount and the details, and get a deposit up front.
No materials released to the client until the bill is paid ( unless you have a special working relationship- rare)
It's important to have the deposit to hold the date. Whether or not you refund that deposit if the client needs to reschedule or drops out is up to you, but it will really help to establish a professional relationship.
You can do a search for remote recording and get quite a few different takes on the contract / biz approaches .
Don't under sell yourself, be prepared and act professionally and things will roll along for you.

keep us posted.