The Ultimate iPad Based Digital Photo Booth
How I Stopped Undervaluing My Services & Started Making Real Money
When I first started my photo booth business, pricing felt like a guessing game. Should I match my competitors? Offer discounts to get more bookings? Charge as much as possible and hope for the best?
The truth is, most new photo booth owners make critical pricing mistakes that leave them overworked and underpaid. I learned the hard way that your pricing isn’t just about what others charge—it’s about profitability, positioning, and the value you bring.
If you’re struggling to price your photo booth services, let’s fix it today. Here are the best pricing strategies I’ve used to book premium clients and increase my event revenue without working every weekend.
Mistake #1: Not Charging for Your Time & Expertise
When I started, I focused only on physical costs—booth equipment, printer paper, props. But I wasn’t charging for:
- My setup and teardown time (which takes at least an hour per event)
- The time spent communicating with clients before the event
- My expertise in running a smooth, high-quality experience
If you’ve spent hours learning how to run your booth, perfect your prints, and troubleshoot issues, that expertise has value—and clients should pay for it.
💡 Pricing Fix: Instead of just selling a "photo booth rental," position yourself as an event expert offering:- Seamless event execution (no tech issues, no headaches)
- Professional-quality prints & branding
- A fun, engaging experience for guests
When you shift from selling a service to selling an experience, you can charge higher rates without pushback.
Mistake #2: Comparing Your Prices to the Wrong Businesses
Early on, I made the mistake of looking at my competitors' prices and thinking, I have to match or beat them to get bookings.
Here’s the problem: You have no idea if they’re actually profitable. Some companies:
🚫 Price too low because they’re desperate for bookings.
🚫 Have lower expenses (working from home vs. renting a studio).
🚫 Target completely different clients (budget vs. luxury).
- Booth Equipment & Maintenance – Camera, printer, software, props
- Business Expenses – Website, marketing, insurance, storage
- Your Time – Setup, teardown, travel, client calls
- Profit Margin – Aim for at least 50% profit per booking
When I ran the numbers, I realized I needed to charge $950+ per event to make a real profit—even though my competitors were charging $500. But when I positioned myself as a premium experience, I got fully booked at my higher rate.
Mistake #3: Attracting the Wrong Clients
If your inbox is full of price shoppers asking for discounts, you’re marketing to the wrong people.
The best photo booth clients aren’t bargain hunters—they want:
✅ Reliability (No last-minute cancellations)
✅ Customization (Branded overlays, glam filters, unique backdrops)
✅ Professionalism (Smooth setup, high-end equipment)
- For corporate clients → Highlight branding & data capture features.
- For wedding clients → Showcase luxury backdrops & keepsake prints.
- For event planners → Emphasize stress-free execution & seamless guest experiences.
Instead of trying to book anyone with a pulse, I focused on clients who valued quality—and suddenly, price objections disappeared.
The Anchor Pricing Method: How to Set Rates for Maximum Profit
The best pricing strategy I’ve used is Anchor Pricing—a method that starts with a base package and lets clients customize their experience with add-ons.
Here’s how I structure my pricing:
| Package Type | Price Range | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Package (Digital Only) | $950 - $1,500 | 3-hour booth rental, online gallery, instant sharing (text, email, QR) |
| Prints Add-On | +$250 - $500 | Unlimited 2x6 or 4x6 prints |
| Custom Backdrops | +$200 - $400 | Sequin, greenery, step & repeat, or branded backdrops |
| Glam Filter | +$100 - $300 | Beauty filter for a Kardashian-style look |
| Custom Props | +$100 - $200 | Personalized signs, themed props |
| Email Collection & Analytics | +$300 - $600 | Capture leads for corporate events |
Instead of saying "My booth costs $1,200," I say "Here’s the experience you can create"—which feels like a personalized service rather than just a price tag.
Why This Works: Clients feel in control of their budget, and I end up making more per booking without feeling like I’m overcharging.
Why You Should Adjust Your Pricing Every Year
Pricing isn’t set in stone. If your calendar is fully booked but you’re still struggling financially, it’s time to raise your rates.
Pro Tip: Instead of increasing your base rate, raise prices on specific features like:- Prints (+$300 per event)
- Custom Overlays (+$75 per event)
- Branding Features (+$100 per event)
These small price increases add up over time without scaring off potential clients.
Final Thoughts: Charge What You’re Worth & Book the Right Clients
When I first started, I thought lowering my prices would get me more bookings. Instead, I ended up attracting cheap clients, working long hours, and making way less than I deserved.
Once I stopped pricing based on fear and started charging based on value and profit, everything changed.
Quick Recap: How to Price Your Photo Booth Services for Success
✅ Charge for your time & expertise (not just booth equipment).
✅ Stop comparing yourself to budget competitors.
✅ Target premium clients who value quality.
✅ Use Anchor Pricing to let clients customize their experience.
✅ Adjust your pricing yearly to maximize profits.
More Must-Read Guides for 2025:
📖 How to Start a Photo Booth Business
📖 How to Market Your Photo Booth Business
📖 How to Get Your First 5 Photo Booth Clients (Fast!)
📖 Best Photo Booth Software for Beginners
📖 Must-Have Photo Booth Accessories & Add-Ons
This pricing strategy helped me go from struggling for bookings to making real profit. If you follow these tips, you’ll be able to charge what you’re worth, book high-quality clients, and run a sustainable business.
