Top 7 Mistakes New Photo Booth Owners Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Starting a photo booth business can be one of the most fun, flexible, and profitable decisions you make—but that doesn’t mean it’s without pitfalls. Many new photo booth owners unknowingly make decisions that cost them bookings, time, and money.

Whether you’re just getting started or already planning your first event, here are the top 7 mistakes new photo booth owners make and, more importantly, how you can avoid them.

Disclaimer: These mistakes are compiled from real-world PBSCO owner experiences, support team insights, and common pain points found in the photo booth industry.

1. Underpricing Their Services

One of the most common mistakes? Charging too little.

When you're new, it can be tempting to offer low rates to attract clients. But this often backfires by:

• Devaluing your services

• Attracting price-sensitive clients

• Making it harder to raise prices later

How to Avoid It:

• Research average prices in your area (e.g., $750–$1,200 per event)

• Use PBSCO’s photo booth pricing guide

• Focus on the value you provide, not just the cost. You are a service, not a product!

2. Skipping Contracts or Agreements

Verbal agreements can quickly turn into disputes. Without a written contract, you risk confusion around:

• Payment terms

• Setup/breakdown responsibilities

• Cancellation policies

How to Avoid It:

• Use a simple event contract for every booking

• Include your payment schedule, refund policy, and what's included in the package

• Look into contract templates or CRMs like HoneyBook or Dubsado

3. Not Practicing with Their Equipment

The event day is not the day to figure out how your booth works. Fumbling with lighting, software, or setup at an event looks unprofessional and causes stress.

How to Avoid It:

• Practice full setups at home multiple times

• Attend a Fiesta onboarding session

• Run a mock event with friends or family

4. Poor Branding or Online Presence

Even if your booth is incredible, you won't get booked if clients can't find or trust you online.

How to Avoid It:

• Create a clean, simple website with clear contact info

• Use Instagram, Google Business, and TikTok for local discovery

• Showcase real event photos and PBSCO booth features

5. Not Following Up with Leads

You had a great inquiry—then crickets. Not following up is one of the easiest ways to lose business.

How to Avoid It:

• Use email templates to follow up within 24–48 hours

• Automate responses with booking software

• Stay top-of-mind with polite, helpful reminders

Want help? Download our 5 ready-to-send booking emails.

6. Trying to Do Too Much Too Soon

It's exciting to want to offer every prop, every add-on, and book every type of event. But doing too much too quickly can lead to burnout.

How to Avoid It:

• Start with a focused service: one booth, one target audience

• Refine your setup before expanding

• Invest in training like Academy Plus for structured growth

7. Not Asking for Reviews or Referrals

Reviews help build trust, and referrals are often your biggest source of new bookings. If you’re not asking, you’re missing opportunities.

How to Avoid It:

• Send a quick thank-you email with a review request

• Offer a discount or gift for successful referrals

• Use platforms like Google Reviews, Facebook, or Yelp

Final Thoughts: Avoiding the Mistakes New Photo Booth Owners Make

Running a successful photo booth business doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly—but avoiding these common mistakes will save you time, money, and headaches as you grow.

Ready to skip the guesswork? Download your free photo booth starter guide and learn how Photobooth Supply Co helps owners like you thrive from day one.

Still researching? Explore the best photo booth options for beginners and find the perfect fit for your business goals.