I love tasty, authentic Mexican food. That's a problem here in Oregon. The mexican food in downtown Bend is neither. Jeff and I had lunch at El Caporal today. It's a big restaurant–with a bar, fancy tile, cowboy decor, a 4 page menu, and real plates. I had a chicken burrito. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great.

But it was $9.

Back in Grover Beach, I could get a burrito at Taco de Mexico ("TDM" to the locals) for $4.25. It comes wrapped in foil and placed in a paper bag. Or, I could go to Juanita's and get some carne asada tacos for $1.85 each. They come on a styrofoam plate with a radish and a mint. Go to TDM and they'll say "hi" as soon as you walk in the door. Go to Juanita's three times and she'll remember what you like. The food is amazing and the people are real–a combination that makes me want to keep coming back.

Yet the price is less than half. Why? (My guess is overhead, but I'll save that for another post.)

I fear some people will never enjoy a TDM burrito. They'll stop at the big restaurant. The one in the new building. They'll pay $9 for a burrito. Sure, they get to eat off a real plate ... but are they getting twice as much as the person who only spends $4.25? I would say no. In fact, I would say they're getting less in some regards. It is funny how a business can create the illusion of being luxurious or superior simply by being larger or more expensive.

Occasionally, I feel we suffer from the same problem. I'm almost certain some photographers will never choose BIG Folio because our prices are too low. It's too bad ... we make a mean burrito.

Update: What about you as a photographer? Do you ever feel some brides will not consider you because your prices are too low? Do you care?