Would you go for a recording + photoshoot + graphic design package deal?

[MDV]

Poll says it all.

A bit of market research. I'm an audio engineer/producer (as many of you likely know by now), and have the chance to work with a photographer and graphic designer. If you were after an album or EP, would you go for a single package deal, fixed amount for the recordings, artwork and photography? (or mixing and art, say, if its over a distance/the internet).

If yes, please explain what would attract you to that.

If not, please explain why.

If maybe, please explain upon what your desicion would be contigent.

Thanks.

[FernandoDuarte]

Could be a Yes, if all the guys involved had the same level of work and the service combined would bring $$ and/or time advantages from having it made separately...

[MDV]

Cheers dude. Duly noted.

Of course the objective, to make it appealing, is to have the combined service cost less than each seperately. The theory is that that, plus the one-stop-shop simpler nature of it would make it more appealing.

Edit - I voted maybe so I can see the poll.

[Sancho]

As long as you're flexible, and don't try to strong arm your customers into taking the package, I don't see why you shouldn't offer it. Some bands are bound to find it interesting, while others may prefer to have the artwork or pics done by a friend/brother/uncle...

[HTH AMPS]

a one-stop-shop package is a good idea if you can offer all services to a high standard - don't want one dragging the others down in terms of quality.

[Roobubba]

I voted no, but that's because I would do the photoshoot and graphic design for our band - and that's the only reason.

I think it's a good idea and if there's enough interest from other bands out there, you should ignore my 'no' :)

[MDV]

Cool. Thanks for the feedback so far chaps.

That was my impression. We'd still operate independently (i.e. I'd record and mix without her doing art and photography and vice versa), and I'd guess that only offering the all in one package or trying to force people into it would be a very bad idea, but the vibe seems to be so long as we're both good at our jobs and theres an opt-out/pick and choose what parts you want, its an attractive setup?

[Andrew W]

I'm voting maybe because all aspects here, recording, photography and design are very personal aesthetic choices. I may love your production and your friend's photographs but perhaps not her design. In that instance you wouldn't opt for the package deal. Everyone's portfolio has a style, how can it not, so if someone loves both your production and your friend's visual skills then why not offer a deal but perhaps look at breaking it down a bit, production design, photography, design etc. so people could choose the bits they feel comfortable with - if someone chooses the whole package then maybe they get a better deal than someone who picks and chooses some services but I don't think it can hurt to offer it.

[MDV]

Wise councel, Andrew. Cheers.

[Sancho]

the vibe seems to be so long as we're both good at our jobs and theres an opt-out/pick and choose what parts you want, its an attractive setup?

Yep.

[nfe]

I've voted maybe for much the same reasons as Andrew.

I'd probably be unlikely to use this kind of package service because I think it'd be unlikely to come across a set up where I'd feel all the constituent parts fit in with what I/we feel is appropriate for my bands. If I did come across a package thing where they did, then certainly I'd use it. Particularly if you offer the recording/production/art/photography in all possible combinations.

When I was younger and was trying to get first recordings out I'd certainly have been game for it, and provided the art/photography stands up beside your production, I think it could be a real winner for younger bands.

[Telerocker]

I think a packagedeal could be interesting for artists. A lot of musicians/bands don't have fixed ideas about artwork and how to create their image in photo's and video's. It would be certainly worth to offer it, but leave the customer some choiche. Maybe you could offer different packages.

[JDC]

If anyone hardly wanted it I would still offer it if the quality of service/product is good. It'll make less prestigious product options more appealing, same reason why the average cars come in 5+ models, aka door-in-the-face technique. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Door-in-the-face_technique

[AndyR]

I voted maybe, for exactly the same reasons as Andrew H and nfe.

But I was voting as the current old-git that I am! :lol:

So this might help you as well: when I was younger, and in the market for this sort of stuff, I would have been a definite Yes. Obviously, the vibe/aesthetics of all departments would have had to coincide vaguely with mine for me to have taken it up. But a one-stop-shop to get the whole thing out, at a competitive rate, would have been very attractive for me. If you were able to throw in "we can also recommend (or even liaise with, if required, for a fee) reliable pressing/printing/etc services" as well, then I would have been biting your hand off!

[JacksonRR]

I voted no because the job market for graphic design is and has been flooded. If I was looking to purchase I'd say no initially, do my research and then get back to you with slightly exaggerated numbers to negotiate with. Should've voted maybe.... All in all, I think the sales pitch/presentation is going to be key for those customers open to the idea, as it is a sound one. Can't use the Billy Mays "AND THAT'S NOT ALL!!!" template here.