Friday, August 7, 2026  ·  Vol. 39, No. 32
A Consolidated Documentation Holdings PublicationNewsletterSign In
TheCoverage Journal
The Journal of Wedding Documentation  ·  Established 1987
Subscribe
Industry Analysis

Ninety-Four Percent of Inquiries Beginning “What’s Your Best Price” Do Not Convert. The Remaining Six Percent Are Described as “Worse.”

A three-season review of 4,100 inquiries finds the phrase functions not as a negotiating position but as a farewell.

By M. Halversen, Senior Correspondent  ·  August 7, 2026  ·  6 min read
An inquiry form, unanswered, at a studio in the Finger Lakes region. — Coverage Journal file photo  35mm · f/1.8 · 1/125 · ISO 1600

Inquiries that open with the phrase “what’s your best price” converted to signed contracts at a rate of 6.1 percent, according to a three-season review of 4,100 first-contact inquiries compiled by Coverage from voluntary submissions across 212 studios.

Continue reading

More From This Issue

Full Index →

Field Reports

Submit a Report →
Report No. 001

The Tablet in the Aisle

At 16:20 hours, the subject known as “Uncle Bob” entered the aisle with a tablet held horizontally. At 16:21, he achieved full extension. Our member was forced to shoot through him, around him, and, briefly, as him.

Hudson Valley, NY · Identity withheld
Report No. 002

Unscheduled Sparkler Event

The disc jockey announced a surprise at 21:40. The surprise was not disclosed to the documentation team, who were at that time eating. The team was informed by the light.

Cuyahoga County, OH · Identity withheld
Report No. 003

The Coordinator Who Was Not There

The couple confirmed a day-of coordinator in writing. No coordinator was present. The role was assumed, without discussion, by our member and a groomsman named Kyle. Kyle performed adequately.

Bucks County, PA · Identity withheld

Classifieds

Place a Notice →

SeekingSecond shooter, Hudson Valley region. Must own black clothing and no opinions. Weekends. References considered but not read.

WantedWhoever keeps taking the good Pelican case. We know it is someone at the Local 24 meetings. Return it to the hall. No questions.

For SaleDrone, gently used. Flown once. The once is why it is for sale. Buyer collects from the tree.

ServicesCulling and color, 72-hour turnaround, will not ask about your catalog structure. Discretion assured.

NoticeThe Northeast Regional Documentation Association will hold its annual meeting on the 19th. The venue has again declined to confirm parking.

LostOne (1) lens cap, 82mm, sentimental value only. Last seen at a barn venue in September 2019. Reward offered.

PositionStudio manager sought. Must be comfortable with weddings. Must be comfortable.

CorrectionOur July 24 issue stated the ceremony began at 4:00. The ceremony began when it began. We regret the implication.