DPC Prints... buy files - DPChallenge Forums

02/17/2005 12:39:23 PM · #1

We've been waiting for the new version of DPCPrints for a while now...
how pleased I would be if it offered me the ability to sell digital files (either by download or by posting a CD) along with terms and conditions for their use that I could specify.
I can't tell you how useful this would be.
I would be willing to pay extra for this feature.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

02/17/2005 02:55:36 PM · #2

Is no-one else interested in this feature?

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

02/17/2005 03:10:30 PM · #3

Sounds like a good idea to me.

Karalew

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

02/17/2005 03:14:33 PM · #4

Sounds great!

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

02/17/2005 03:35:04 PM · #5

In other words, you want them to run a rights-managed stock site for you, as well as an online print gallery.

They are two separate business models. I would not expect them to be conveniently combined, nor for the admins to be able to run both businesses simultaneously -- although I'd be happy to be proven wrong in the latter matter. (ugh!)

For now, why don't you put the download terms you want to offer in the additional info area of the print image -- anyone who wants to download it can PM you and make individual arrangements.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

02/17/2005 05:51:29 PM · #6

I have no idea what it's called, it was just a friendly enquiry, but yes I suppose it could be called a rights-managed stock site.
Instead of sounding so snooty about it, could you tell me why it would be so difficult to run? I'm not saying it's easy, just that I haven't given it a lot of thought and can't see many obstacles straight away.
People can already contact me if they want to buy my files, but I have a feeling that if people could order them online (I'm thinking specifically about my gig photography), I'd sell more if people could just impulse buy.

deapee

Kodak V803

02/17/2005 05:54:49 PM · #7

I think there's a big difference in selling art and selling stock. There's a lot more laws when selling images that can be used for advertising as opposed to a print someone might want to hang in their wall.

Just because Ford buys my print of a Chevy Tahoe for example, doesn't give them the right to advertise their computer-generated f-350 towing it out of a mud-hole -- whereas, technically, me selling my image of the tahoe (legally) to ford, would imply that I am giving them the rights and that Chevy, in-turn, has also given them the rights.

There's probably enough stock sites out there if you want to get involved in that -- without bringing the headaches here to dpc. Although if it were to happen, I'd be first in line to sign up ;-)

02/17/2005 06:00:35 PM · #8

I just want to sell concert pics!
In theory, people could buy prints under the current system, scan them and use them for anything they wanted. What would be the difference in selling a file? The seller could specify the conditions and the price per condition. Obviously the seller would have to agree to terms and conditions that they are allowed to sell their print (ie, no photos of the Eiffel Tower at night, etc.).
Maybe there might be more legal ramifications than I first anticipated, but isn't this at least worth looking at?

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

02/17/2005 06:02:31 PM · #9

Originally posted by deapee:

There's probably enough stock sites out there if you want to get involved in that -- without bringing the headaches here to dpc. Although if it were to happen, I'd be first in line to sign up ;-)

Where?
I've already asked about companies that would do this in the UK, and I haven't found any. If you can tell me any sites that would do this on a commission basis without a whopping set-up fee, I'll go for it.
Edit: Just making it clear that I don't want to sell my photos to a stock site, I want full control over my terms and conditions and prices to the public, but I don't mind paying a commission (such as 10%).

Message edited by author 2005-02-17 18:03:56.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

02/17/2005 06:32:38 PM · #10

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

I didn't mean to sound that way -- it was way early in the morning when I'd had a half-cup of coffee. I am not qualified to explain why such a site would be hard to set up, only that judging from the time and complexity which seems to attend any commercial site, that it's not the kind of thing you just dash off a couple of pages of HTML.

On the other hand, there are many inexpensive e-commerce "solutions" available, where you install a pre-fab shopping cart/ordering/billing system on your own site, where you're hosting the photos.

Since no one seems to (as yet) have developed the business model you propose -- essentially a consignment-based online gallery selling files instead of prints (is that right?) -- perhaps you should get someone to help you draw up a business plan and get such a site up yourself.

After all, the real money isn't to be made from selling your images, it will come from skimming off a commission on the sale of everyone else's images.