unlimited rights question: Here's a question for some of you more experienced photographers. I have a holiday image being considered for printing as a Christmas card by a retailer in a...

flyingcrown1 Loc: Moravian Falls

Here's a question for some of you more experienced photographers. I have a holiday image being considered for printing as a Christmas card by a retailer in a metro area near me. I would like to hear some opinions on what would be a reasonable figure to charge for unlimited rights usage where they would be able to use the image to print the card as many printings as desired as compared to a "one-time" rights for just one printing. Any takers?
Thanks in advance!

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Nice, good for you. Tough call. If your looking for a $$$amount, I can't help. But if your photo is that good, a one time right sounds better than essentially giving up your right. Is this a big retailer?? Regional, national or just local? Demographics should play a part in that decision. What will the market bear? Sorry, I probably just added fuel to your fire, but hopefully something to think about.

mdorn Loc: Portland, OR

flyingcrown1 wrote:

Here's a question for some of you more experienced photographers. I have a holiday image being considered for printing as a Christmas card by a retailer in a metro area near me. I would like to hear some opinions on what would be a reasonable figure to charge for unlimited rights usage where they would be able to use the image to print the card as many printings as desired as compared to a "one-time" rights for just one printing. Any takers?
Thanks in advance!

First let me say that I am not a professional photographer selling my photos, but I have a very good friend who is so I'm somewhat familiar with his business as we talk about it often.

Try never to sell unlimited usage rights as a general rule. Offer to sell the rights for set period of time---one year for example. The retailer can print as many copies as they want for an entire year. Asking $300 to $500 is not unreasonable for this.

If the retailer insists on having unlimited usage rights, then your price must be higher. Obviously, you don't want to price yourself out of this opportunity, but you really should be compensated for your work and investment. Asking $1,500 to $2,000 is not unreasonable.

Not sure if this was what you were looking for, but that's my imput. Good luck.

pjreed Loc: Tonopah, Arizona

I am only guessing but how about a set fee and then a percentage of the gross that retailer makes off of the card.
Like royalty fees that authors have.

flyingcrown1 Loc: Moravian Falls

Thanks for the info/suggestions guys. Yes mdorn, that's exactly what I needed. I appreciate your help very much and so much value the help and insight afforded through this site. Merry Christmas guys!

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

flyingcrown1 wrote:

Here's a question for some of you more experienced photographers. I have a holiday image being considered for printing as a Christmas card by a retailer in a metro area near me. I would like to hear some opinions on what would be a reasonable figure to charge for unlimited rights usage where they would be able to use the image to print the card as many printings as desired as compared to a "one-time" rights for just one printing. Any takers?
Thanks in advance!

twice as much as their first offer. do we get to see it?

flyingcrown1 Loc: Moravian Falls

Sure...I attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service at a Moravian church near me. This was on the window sill of one of the church's stained glass windows. Very simple shot processed through the "dry brush" filter in Photoshop CS3.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Excellent!!! I hope you can retire from this. Good luck.

flyingcrown1 wrote:

Sure...I attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service at a Moravian church near me. This was on the window sill of one of the church's stained glass windows. Very simple shot processed through the "dry brush" filter in Photoshop CS3.

RiverNan Loc: Eastern Pa

flyingcrown1 wrote:

Sure...I attend a Christmas Eve candlelight service at a Moravian church near me. This was on the window sill of one of the church's stained glass windows. Very simple shot processed through the "dry brush" filter in Photoshop CS3.

now i know why they want it....ok I stand corrected up your price... :lol:

billybob40

What ever you do get it in writing. I my life time I've make up 1,000s of logo, being used world wide. I make them up for a price, once sold its theres, I take the money and run. Its sad to see your work being used every day and not getting anything from it, like Weight Watcher o well. Get some in writing. OOD LUCK

flyingcrown1 Loc: Moravian Falls

Thanks Billybob...appreciate the recommendation and will definitely keep that in mind. Hope you have a Merry Christmas!!

billybob40

anGODbless

flyingcrown1 Loc: Moravian Falls

You too my brother!

billybob40

Heres a web site news letter I get about every day that helps me. Sign up for it. http://www.thephotographerslife.com
Also chick this out http://www.adorama.com/alc/article/How-Much-Should-I-Charge-Adorama-TV great videos of info. On your photograph thats a hard one. I would sell the rights for one time printing of 1000 2011 Christmas cards only, in writing. You still own it. Get what you can while the iron is hot.

flyingcrown1 Loc: Moravian Falls

I'll check those out "bb". Thanks so much again bro!