What to charge and how many to take? HELP!

[rhoraq]

Ok I know it's different for everyone, but I do have some that are insisting on wanting to buy a cd with their edited images on it, so I would hate to turn someone away since I am just starting out, but what do you think would be a reasonable price to charge for a this? They are offering to pay extra so I think I'll do it, but don't know what to charge. I'm thinking it'll be a hr of shots all edited so...$100 or should I charge more? And one more question roughly how many images do you think is appropriate to provide in a 1 hr session? I looked at soemone elses and they offered 10 images on a cd 1hr for $100. This seem right?

[candleman]

10 images is about right.

but only as a sitting fee.

you need to tell them "i dont gve the CD"
*explain copyright theft, and that you loose out, its industry standard* etc etc

then give a price per image

lets add this up:
1 hour shoot + 1hr travel + 1hr preparation/battery checks, pose planning + 5 hrs editing = 8hrs work(minimum)

is $100 really worth a whole day of your time????
OH, dont forget subtracting expenses
petrol, buying the CD, postage, wear on the equipment, TAX

i think you could do better at McDonalds
is it realy worth it?

i say offer a "buy out" where she purchases images individually.
$80 each isnt unreasonable.. remamber you will never see another cent from this again.


if she still doesnt agree.. to bad.. its better to loose a customer than be taken for a ride.
feel free to ask her if she barters at the checkout when buying Milk.... it doesnt work like that

YouTube - The Vendor Client relationship - in real world situations

pay the price or p*ss off

[private]

What you are also gaining is experience of the sale and all of the things that go into running a photo business.

While I REALLY think $100 is a bit on the cheap side, if you are not comfy asking for more, you are not gonna get it. The confidence will come as you have more clients. But you need to practice - not only taking the photos and dealing with PPing. The art of the sale and learning how to market yourself is 95% of the business.

Now all of that being said, I am not sure what is customary in your neck of the woods. Charge what you want and gain experience - its hard to put a price tag on that.

[rhoraq]

Thank you both so much. While I am thinking $100 was way below. I live in the midwest and my little area is pretty heavy with photographers and there was only one I could find that said anything about selling the cd with images and I believe their price was $500 for the cd.

[PhotogChic]

Originally Posted by private

Charge what you want and gain experience - its hard to put a price tag on that.

This is some of the best advice I think I have ever read here! Thanks, Pat!

[rhoraq]

Well I told her $500. I think that's fine. Haven 't heard anything back.

[sinoman9]

This is great info I have been trying to get info like this.

[willbrawn]

I think its important to offer services that set you apart as well. If no one is offering a cd with their portrait packages then offer a cd. With your most expensive package offer a free promotion, give something away. Entice your customers to spend more, but make sure its worth your time as well.

In regards to how much you should charge you need to consider how valuable your time is, how much you spend on gear, how much your computer related stuff is, and how valuable time away from your family is. Also you should estimate how many jobs you want so you can do an average. Basically there is a lot to consider.

Stand out from the crowd and do business your way. Think of it this way, if you were looking for a photographer what are some things you would like to see offered?