Arab vs East Indian Clients

I fully appreciate Arab and East Indian cultures. Both have a very rich history and offer arguably two of the best ethnic dishes of all time in the form of Shwarma and Butter Chicken.

That being said both East Indians and Arabs are a pain in the ass to have as a client.. The people themselves are often entertaining and colourful characters, its just their cultural upbringing has taught them to do business in a certain way that clashes with how North Americans do business.

Doing business with both cultures has become increasingly frustrating.  I now have to profile the clients right from the first phone call to decide if I can emotionally handle doing business with them. 

In an attempt to help young photographers understand what to expect if they choose to open the eastern version of Pandoras box, Ill share some of the more common traits I deal with when getting a call from potential Arab and East Indian clients.  

How I feel when I have to reduce my invoice a second time

When I get a phone call from a potential Arab client you can tell right away that they typically want the best possible product for the cheapest possible price. But be cautious with the Arab, the lowest price you quote is not the final price. The Arab will almost always negotiate an even lower price once the work is complete. They use every tactic in the book from complaining to simply not paying the full invoice when it comes to this. So if you take on an Arab commission be prepared for it.  

The first portion of the phone call with an Arab is great. They pump you up. They tell you that you are the best photographer in the city and they want the best. 

I always set the tone early with “I’m not the cheapest guy in the city”… The Arab always responds with “Price doesn’t matter to me. I want the best” – Well played. However we both know this is complete bullshit its price thats making the call here..... and so the dance continues….

The Arab asks very few questions, but prefers to talk about themselves and their product. Keep your wits about you here, because throughout the entire call the Arab will constantly drop nuggets of praise for you and your work. If you are not experienced in dealing with Arabs you will be easily sucked in by their charm. 

However I am experienced and keep my guard up against this façade.

Eventually I quote the Arab my price. Its usually about 60% higher than usual. To the Arabs credit they never blink. Not even a hint of the fact that my quote is insanely high. However after receiving my ludicrous quote, conversation always comes quickly to an end. 

Its usually concluded with the Arab blowing smoke up my ass of a promise that we will surly work together. “Great! Ill call you next week and we will book something with you when we are ready”… Inevitably the call never comes.  

Most East Indian clients who call are also concerned about quality, but unlike the Arab they do not have a burning desire book the best, its all about the price.

The East Indian will expect a discount on your initial quote. But rest assured that this will usually be the final price. Personally I only mark up my East Indian quotes 25% because it’s a significant discount to them and they don’t pull the post shoot discount bull shit that an Arab does. 

East Indians tend to ask a lot of questions about final deliverables to ensure they are not getting ripped off. They want to know about the process and why are they paying so much money.

Although I am fully aware that when the East Indian hears my rates, they will never book me, I respect this process, so I take time and walk them through it.  As the conversation wears on I eventually end up giving my quote its always too high for them.

Once they get my rate the conversation comes quickly to a close. 

What I like about the East Indian clients is that they tell you they will get back to you if they want to go with you. Its never a grand promise of future work. We both know that this is the last time we will ever speak, but still in some way its kind of nice.

In closing; Of course I know not all Arab and East Indian clients exhibit these traits. But the vast majority of them do. And if you dont think so, try me and good luck. 

I’m in no way suggesting that photographers avoid doing business with them, its just that one should be prepared for the challenges and expectations that one will face when doing business with another culture like Arabs and East Indians.