Client wants to use their own gear to save money. HELP!

Philip Howells · July 14th, 2010, 11:27 PM

Of course I agree with the common sentiment and advice - don't take the job, but.....

I've been in a similar situation when the "new broom boss"at a major (confectionery) client I'd serviced for almost 30 years reacted to my quote for a Betacam-SP, lights, radio mic, on-premises shoot by saying "We can buy a decent camera for that and do it ourselves". They meant a DV camera of course, not a BVW507.

Well they did and screwed up royally, and ended up going back outside for a professional job - only it wasn't to me. It would have been too much of a climb-down to come back and I said farewell to a client I'd had through two "generations" of executives.

Bo Dechphant · July 15th, 2010, 02:47 AM

Thank you so much guys for all your helpful advice. I took all of your comments into consideration and it seemed as though I only had one choice which is to say no.

I stood my ground, insisting on quality of the footage and what a professional equipment can do for their image. At the end of the day it is also THEIR reputation that they need to think of.
So today I've got the gear booked. I ended up giving them a little bit of a discount anyway. So, I think everyone is happy now. AND, I also found out that they want to see how much sales these videos will convert as they are planning to make 4 more parts of the video which may eventually convert to a DVD! OMG! Good thing I didn't go with stupid handycam!

I am still a bit annoyed but I no longer have a headache and can finally sleep tonight!

Really appreciate your help. Thanks again.

Cheers,
Bo

July 14th, 2010, 11:27 PM	#16
Philip Howells Trustee Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 1,212	Of course I agree with the common sentiment and advice - don't take the job, but..... I've been in a similar situation when the "new broom boss"at a major (confectionery) client I'd serviced for almost 30 years reacted to my quote for a Betacam-SP, lights, radio mic, on-premises shoot by saying "We can buy a decent camera for that and do it ourselves". They meant a DV camera of course, not a BVW507. Well they did and screwed up royally, and ended up going back outside for a professional job - only it wasn't to me. It would have been too much of a climb-down to come back and I said farewell to a client I'd had through two "generations" of executives.

July 15th, 2010, 02:47 AM	#17
Bo Dechphant New Boot Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 5	Thank you so much guys for all your helpful advice. I took all of your comments into consideration and it seemed as though I only had one choice which is to say no. I stood my ground, insisting on quality of the footage and what a professional equipment can do for their image. At the end of the day it is also THEIR reputation that they need to think of. So today I've got the gear booked. I ended up giving them a little bit of a discount anyway. So, I think everyone is happy now. AND, I also found out that they want to see how much sales these videos will convert as they are planning to make 4 more parts of the video which may eventually convert to a DVD! OMG! Good thing I didn't go with stupid handycam! I am still a bit annoyed but I no longer have a headache and can finally sleep tonight! Really appreciate your help. Thanks again. Cheers, Bo