Fishing for information

I get several phone calls and emails every year, purporting to come from potential clients for wedding photography.
The first question asked is usually "how much does it cost?", followed by "what do I get for my money?"
One golden rule I try to adhere to, is never to give a price over the phone. I always ask for a detailed description of the event and offer to supply a written estimate, after meeting with a potential client.
The reason for this is to fend off would be photographers fishing for information on pricing and using the information to undercut.
While I am all for healthy competition in the wedding photography business, these newcomers need to understand the business side of photography.
In today's economy, everyone wants a good deal, but the old saying still stands "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is"
So, to all you up and coming wedding photographers, don't use someone else for a price guide line for you. Get yourself known by asking an established photographer if you can tag along for a few weddings. Build a portfolio based on what you learn and price your services accordingly. Don't forget that a wedding shoot can sometimes mean working from 8:00AM until 1:00AM the next morning. After that, factor in post processing, printing, proof albums, final prints and enlargements and presentation.
All of this takes time, so price accordingly.
Finally, if all you want is to know how much I charge, then have the courtesy to agree to meet with me face to face, don't hide behind a facade of pretense.