Help! Price for Restaurant Sign??

09/24/2007 11:25:53 AM · #1

I was contacted by a very nice restaurant owner who wants to use one of my photos for their new restaurant sign. The problem is that I have never sold an image for this particular type of use, "advertising signage". We need to settle on a price immediately as he just got the permit and wants to send for the sign to be made ASAP.

I guess the price would depend on the copyright. If I give him full copyright to use the image in anyway he needs for his new restaurant, in photos on the wall, business cards, on menu's, etc, the price would be higher than a one-time usage fee (signage only). I guess I need some quotes for both. Below are images of how they plan to use my image (its just been temporarily added to preview usage)

- I need to negotiate a price within the next few days

- I need to send some links to websites where he can see what other photographers would charge him for this type of sell.

Thanks Guys :)
Dana

edit: Thanks guys. I think I will send him this link and let him see what other professionals would charge. DPC comes through as always! :)

Message edited by author 2007-09-24 17:56:25.

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

09/24/2007 12:28:09 PM · #2

bump

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

09/24/2007 01:03:50 PM · #3

I don't have the link myself, but several people have previously posted a link to a stock photo price calculator -- you might try searching the forums for that.

For this kind of extensive "corporate identity" use the price should be pretty high, especially if it's exclusive (you can't license the image to anyone else) and unlimited as to time. You might discount it some if they agree to place a photo credit on the printed materials.

PS: You could make an agreement to let them make monthly payments or something if they can't afford the "correct" price all at once -- just get everything in writing.

Message edited by author 2007-09-24 13:05:18.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

09/24/2007 02:53:13 PM · #4

You say he will get "full copyright", which borders on meaningless without further explanations.

Typically one sells images for "one time use", "specific use", "unlimited use", and "exclusive use"/"all rights". The first is out (he wants to use the image in various and ongoing ways). The second sounds like it's out (he may come up with more ways to use the image as time goes by). So he is going to need to buy unlimited use or exclusive use.

It's important to specify whether or not the image may be used, for example, as part of a franchise operation; if he plans a chain, the image just became MUCH more valuable. So, for example, you can license unlimited usage/single location with a contract provision for specified additional payment for further locations if he expands.

If this is a local eatery, with no expansion plans, the image is less valuable.

Off the top of my head, I'd be thinking $1,000 to $1,500 for unlimited, single-location usage, and $5,000 for the sale of all rights to the image. But it's hard to say for sure without knowing more about the economics of your region.

R.

Bear_Music

Samsung Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra

Sony 24-70mm F4 Vario-Tessar T* FE OSS

09/24/2007 02:56:13 PM · #5

Here's a website with a product for commercial photography pricing:

//www.hindsightltd.com/products/PriceGuide.html

Free limited demo available, I have not tried it.

R.

Tlemetry

Olympus E-300 EVOLT

Olympus 50mm f/2.0 Macro ED Zuiko Digital

09/24/2007 04:29:50 PM · #6

Here is a pricing calculator that might help.
Stock pricing calculator

Cyclop

Pentax K10D

Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.5 DC Macro for Pentax

09/24/2007 04:44:53 PM · #7

What is the most important thing for you... the selling price or the fact that your photo will be used in the restaurant? Are you doing this professionally?

The cost of opening a restaurant is quite high and he might not be open to buy a photo for 1000$. If the price is too high for him, can you sign your photo as a local artist and can your name be in the menu as a small reference? This can be a great marketing concept for the restaurant.

I think this is a great opportunity and I would asked for the price of a good lens for my camera... that way you will benefit both ways, your art on the restaurant and a great addition to enjoy.

PhantomEWO

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

09/24/2007 05:09:55 PM · #8

I owned five restaurants in two different states. Both 200+ seats. Based on the diagram of the sign, the sign itself no counting the cost of the photo could easily be $10,000 or more. As a major part of the sign and using to establish it's permanent identity your picture is worth a great deal. If you are nice, and he is your friend and he will allow you to have photo credit then a minimum of $1000 as Rob't has said. In reality for it's stated use it should be several thousant IMHO. Best of luck. You should at least get a new camera out of it.
EDIT: And free meals the first five years ;)

Message edited by author 2007-09-24 17:11:24.

09/24/2007 06:18:28 PM · #9

I did forget to mention the location where it will be used. It will be used in Kansas City, Kansas. I live in North Carolina, so eating out there would be impossible for me Don, but great suggestion. I told him I had family in that area and he did offer them free dinners.

Message edited by author 2007-09-24 18:20:07.