Short answer: yes, you can.
Better answer: yes, but let’s do it right.
Better answer: yes, but let’s do it right.
Because negotiating doesn’t have to be awkward. It’s not about haggling. It’s about finding the sweet spot—where your budget and their expertise meet.
1. Start with Your Goals, Not Just the Price
One client once told us, “We only have RM3,000—can you make it work?” That’s a fair ask. But here’s the thing: we had no idea what they wanted to create.
When we asked more, they said it was a 90-second video to launch their new product, complete with interviews, animations, and a shoot across two locations. Suddenly, RM3,000 didn’t align. But we didn’t walk away—we re-scoped. We proposed a leaner concept that still hit the main goals, with fewer shoot days and stock footage instead of custom animation.
Tip: Be honest about your budget and your vision. We can’t help unless we know both.
2. Ask What’s Flexible
Production isn’t just one flat rate. It’s made of moving parts—location, crew size, gear, edit rounds, delivery format. Knowing what’s “must-have” and what’s “nice-to-have” gives both sides flexibility.
One marketing team needed weekly content but thought it would break their budget. We offered a monthly package: one shoot day, batch shoot four videos, streamlined edits. It worked for their budget, and it saved time on their end.
Tip: Tell us what matters most—speed? style? volume? From there, we can adjust.
3. Understand Where the Value Comes From
Some clients think they’re paying for “just a video.” But you’re actually paying for:
‣ Concept development
‣ Scriptwriting
‣ Scheduling and coordination
‣ Professional-grade equipment
‣ On-set crew
‣ Editing, sound, animation
‣ Revisions
‣ Licensing and delivery
When one client asked why their quote included “storyboarding,” we explained how it saved time during the shoot and helped them get internal approvals faster. They realized it wasn’t an extra—it was an advantage.
Tip: A good videographer is your production partner, not just a camera operator.
4. Don’t Just Cut—Collaborate
Let’s say your ideal video is outside the quote. Don’t walk away—talk to us.
We’ve turned 3-day shoots into 1-day sprints. We’ve split one big video into a series of short clips. We’ve done hybrid setups where clients shoot some parts themselves and we polish the final cut. That’s real collaboration.
Tip: Instead of saying “too expensive,” ask “what can we do within this budget?”
Let’s Talk, Not Tug-of-War
Negotiation is really about partnership. You want to get the best work within your means. We want to deliver great work and build trust. When both sides communicate openly, the results are often better than expected.
TL;DR:
Yes, you can negotiate with your videographer—by being honest about your goals, budget, and priorities. Ask questions, understand where the value lies, and collaborate on creative ways to make it work. A great outcome starts with a great conversation.
adVirtus Creative Works publishes these articles to assist prospective clients and the creative circle in making informed decisions. Based in Ipoh, Perak, and serving all of Malaysia—especially Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, and Penang—we specialize in corporate and branding videos, documentaries, and digital content strategy.
