by guest contributor Debi Gomez
I was chatting with a friend the other day, lamenting about how props for the studio can cost SOOOO much, when she said something to me that stuck! “That’s true, but how much money did you make with that prop?”
I sat and thought… and realized that {wisely purchased} props are an investment into my business, into my bottom line.
Recently, I wrote an article on using props to market and grow your business: “Use Props to Differentiate Your Business!” In that article I share my journey into using props to attract clients and increase sales and started offering props to other photographers to do the same.
Now we take a minute to analyze ONE particular prop purchase and its Return On Investment.
I’ve purchased props that are still in the box or that went directly into a garage sale, so not every prop purchase has been “wise”. But to show how a prop that’s been thoughtfully purchased with a purpose in mind can have a huge return, we are analyzing a prop that has become my prized possession {and the one whose cost I was complaining about!}.
I talk in my previous article about how this particular prop actually gets me clients and is a highly requested item. It’s a baby swing (hammock, net, thingymabobber, basket, who knows what it’s really called). It cost about $70. That investment was a hard pill to swallow for knotted yarn - especially now that I am realizing I need to buy 2 more.
So this one $70 purchase has made me over $5500. That’s an acceptable return for me!
Next time you are contemplating that oh-so-gorgeous prop, treat that decision like you would any other investment into your business!
Special thanks to Debi Gomez from Marketing & Props for Photographers for this wonderful article. Debi has also generously donated a $40 Gift Certificate to ONE very lucky Rock the Shot reader. Need some new props NOW??? Debi has a special VIP sale page for RTS readers… check it out HERE
Here’s How To Participate in the Marketing & Props for Photographers Giveaway:
1. Follow Rock The Shot on Facebook.
Extra Entries (Optional): Please leave additional comments on the blog for each of the following items you complete.
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3. Become a member of Rock the Shot Photography Forum - you know you want to!!!
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Hurry! Contest ends Sunday at midnight CST.
See more of Debi’s portrait work at www.lifesimages.com
and her antique replica wooden bowl props for photographers at Marketing and Props for Photographers
Congratulations to ANGELA STEWART of Ivory Lime Photography on winning the Marketing and Props for Photographers Giveaway. Angela, please email me at karlen@rocktheshotforum.com within the next 48 hours to claim your prize. Thank you all for participating. Have a wonderful week!
Count me in 
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