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12/11/2006 07:30:26 AM · #1 |
I really apologise if this topic has been discussed before, I did look but couldn't find anything specific.
I happened to take quite a nice shot of some friends of mine when we were at a wedding together in the summer. They liked it so much they asked if I would consider making it into a Christmas card for them. I was flattered by this and did just that using Mpix (amazingly fast service by the way if anybody else is thinking of using them!).
As I'm in no way doing photography for anything other than a hobby, I was just planning on having them pay me for the cost of the printing.
However, my friend said she didn't think that was right, after all, I'd spent a lot of time putting the whole thing together, (True!) and she expected to pay for my time.
Help! I have no idea what something like this would cost and am still very reluctant to charge her. On the hand, would be interested to see what others do, in case I get asked to do it again. The cards cost $1.32 each for printing. Would you just bump up the per card cost to $1.50?
Any ideas or comments would be very gratefully received.
Sarah
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12/11/2006 07:39:50 AM · #2 |
| Taking into consideration your time and the work you did, I would bump it up to $2.50 per card. Make it worth your time. |
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12/11/2006 08:22:48 AM · #3 |
Hi Sarah,
If it's a shot I've already taken and the work was just to design the card, I charge just for the design time which is my regular PP rate of $25/hour plus the actual cost of the card and shipping.
HTH |
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12/11/2006 08:40:53 AM · #4 |
you're being paid so you are now a professional - so are you a fast food quality cook or a five star chef?
You're learning, it's your first job...when you got hired at your 'day job' did your boss says "since you're new and all, how about you work for $4 day?" - if he had, you'd have quit cause it isn't worth your time.
Same thing here. It has value to them. So they're your friend - would you clean their house or wash their car for free? Do legal work or surgery? Nobody would unless they're a charity case.
$50 an hour for your time (and that's cheap) plus double your cost of the cards.
I've been thru this and trust me, charge the right price to all your customers - you can offer them a discount if you want, but make sure they know the true value of your work - because people will see the cards and ask about them and you're name will come up - and if it's a favor your friend will have no answer to 'how much did these cost you'. If they can say "$65 for 40 cards" (before any discount) then they feel special for being able to afford a luxury good and the person asking has a much higher opinion of your work - and may call you!
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12/11/2006 08:49:05 AM · #5 |
I did some for my cousin, we exchanged services. He got an hour photoshoot of his kids, picked a shot for the card. And each child got their individual shots. They paid for the cards and prints actual cost. I get my hair straightened (which costs $200) for free. I don't have to report income. We're both happy. Does your friend have something to trade?
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12/11/2006 10:41:28 AM · #6 |
Thanks everyone for your input.
Very valuable information and recommendations.
Sarah |
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12/11/2006 11:00:58 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by kdsprog:
I don't have to report income.... |
Um...I know that barter exchanges are common and hard for the IRS to track. However, barter is considered income by the IRS. You might want to check with a tax accountant if you're in the habit of making such exchanges.
edit to add: This is what the IRS says about bartering. If your friend is a hairdresser by trade and/or you are claiming income as a photographer or graphic designer, I think you'd want to be careful.
Message edited by author 2006-12-11 11:03:39. |
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