Should You Offer Package Deals? Pros, Cons, and Structuring Them for Success

Package deals can be a hot topic in the audio world. Some engineers swear by them, while others avoid them altogether. So, should your studio be offering them? Let's break down the potential benefits, challenges, and how to structure packages that work for both you and your clients.

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What Are Package Deals (and What They're Not)

First, let's define what we mean by "package deal":

• Bundling Services: Offering a group of services (e.g., recording, mixing, and mastering) at a combined price.
• Incentivised Upsells: Encouraging clients to upgrade to a larger or more complex package.
• NOT a Discount: It's about value, not simply pricing services cheaper than if purchased individually.

The Pros: Why Packages Might Be Right for Your Studio

• Attracting New Clients: Packages can make your services more accessible, particularly for budget-conscious clients.
• Predictable Income: Consistent sales with upfront payment can improve cash flow.
• Streamlining Workflow: Clearly defined packages simplify onboarding and reduce back-and-forth with clients.
• Differentiate Yourself: Unique packages can help your studio stand out in a crowded market.

The Cons: When Packages Can Backfire

• Inflexible Pricing: Packages can become difficult to modify for bespoke projects.
• Scope Creep Central: Clients may push boundaries on what's included if not clearly outlined.
• Attracting the Wrong Clients: Package deals can attract price-focused clients more likely to be demanding.
• Devaluing Your Work: If priced improperly, clients may undervalue the skills bundled into the package.

How to Design Smart Package Deals

1. Know Your Costs: Calculate the real cost (time, gear, resources) to deliver each service component. This is your pricing foundation.
2. Clarity is King: Explicitly outline deliverables, revision limits, and any add-on costs.
3. Tiered Packages: Offer options (Basic, Plus, Premium) to suit different budgets and project needs.
4. The Upsell Opportunity: Use packages as a starting point for expanding the project scope with paid upgrades.

Should YOU Offer Them? Ask Yourself:

• Does it fit your niche? Packages may be more successful for specific genres or client types.
• Can you streamline? Are your services easily repeatable for efficiency?
• Is your pricing sustainable? Packages must be profitable, not just generate bookings.

The Bottom Line

Package deals can be a powerful business tool for audio engineers, but they're not a one-size-fits-all solution. Consider them strategically – carefully designed and marketed, they can increase your studio's revenue and client base. Hastily thrown together, they can lead to client headaches and financial strain.

Rich Steve Beck is the creator and owner of Produce Mix Fix Conquer/We Are PMFC and PMFC Atlas. As well as being a Mastering Engineer, Blogger, Podcast Interviewer and Community Leader, Rich has 20 years + experience in finance, insurance, account management and online marketing. This will be a regular series supporting new up and coming audio engineers and producers as well as hopefully throwing around some fresh ideas to industry veterans to help assist sustainability. Cherry pick what is helpful, leave behind what you don't need. Good luck on your audio adventures!