|
I know I bang on a lot about the photo industry not providing enough 'sellable' experiences to their customers, the fact that my day to day existence depends upon providing such experiences gives me proof of not only their profitability but the hunger people have for knowledge and just plain FUN with their cameras.
It got me to thinking about how many different ways people spend money on experiences and how many different opportunities that are not being tapped into by our industry.
First lets look at some odd ways people spend money to have an experience.
I am sure it is something that has been happening for a while but just the other day I noticed an iPhone app for a slot machine game. It is just like a real 'pokie' machine but you play for fake money.
The weird thing?
People PAY MONEY to buy fake credits to win fake money.
I've heard people pay good money to jump out of perfectly sound planes - ones that aren't even on fire!
Swimming with sharks seems to attract its share of people willing to fork over hundreds of dollars for a chance to be on the menu at the local 'Humans and Chips' Store.
And of course let's not forget those folk who flock to NZ to tie a rubber band around their feet and see what it feels like to be a yo-yo.
Yup there is no shortage of people wanting to spend their money.
So what can we sell?
How about balloon photo tours - aerial photography lends itself to dramatic shots with interesting perspectives. All you need do is help them with composition and point out interesting objects.
Make a deal with a local ballooning company. They'd love to have you driving business for them.
Swimming with dolphins.
Provide a bunch of 'tough' cameras and take groups out with a local charter.
Once again the 'work' is pretty easy, the rewards are great and who knows they may flock to your store to buy the cameras afterwards too.
V8 'Hot Laps' - People love going really fast in cars. Whilst you may not have the driving skills you have the ability to shoot them WITH the car (probably best BEFORE they get thrown around in 6G conditions) and provide them with a fantastic lifelong momento of their experience.
In all these examples the companies running them would love you to drive business to them.
What events and experiences are happening in your area that you can tap in to?
This last weekend I ran an experience for my customers.
I rented out an old movie set, put on some accommodation and food and a few models and set a price of $849.00 a head for the weekend.
Maximum numbers allowed -18
Time to sell out - 72 hours
Was it fun?
You betcha.
Do I have more people lining up to do it again?
You betcha.
Did I make money?
You BETCHA!
Did it drive gear sales for retailers?
Oh you better believe it!
This was not a weekend of training. Just a weekend for people to experience something they would not normally be able to do in a fun and friendly way.
Were they willing to pay for that experience - oh yes indeed.
How can you tap in to the experience market?
 | | A bunch of happy 'experiencers' |
| 
