I could ask how much ?

[LMP]

Hi all,

I responded recently to a company asking for images to be put forward for use on packaging for a new product they are about to launch. The guy got back to me stating they really liked my images and it was one of a possible 3 they may like to go with.

Initially they said that free samples of their product could be traded for payment, unfortunatley I have no use for the product an mentioned we may be able to come to a deal some other way. Naturally they are now asking what I would be looking for in return for image use. As far as I can tell the image is only for use on packing but they also want to see more images for possible use on promo material and a website.

So ...what should I do next, it seems they dont want to 'spend' much on this but I'm keen to get something worthwhile from it whilst at the same time having them say forget it at the 1st hurdle and use someone (if they indeed exist!) else.

I think this is a new unestablished brand from a reletivley small company.

Any tips so I dont shoot myself in the foot on this ;)

[IndyJeff]

Unfortunately, this company will get an image for their packaging and possible future use for free because someone will do it for the "'cool" factor.

I don't know which is worse, the companies who prey upon people vunerable to this or the people who allow companies to use their work for free.

[LMP]

Anyone else care to pitch in with their opinions ? The guy has sent me another email this morning so I should reply to him sooner or later.

I know what you mean about which is worse and realise someone may do this gig for free. I'd like to try and get something from this as it may open doors for other jobs.

Any more help :confused:

[RichardtheSane]

Free samples of their product... even if you did have a use for it this sets a precedent for them that they can pay you in 'samples rather than money.

You will need to decide on a price, I don't have a clue there

BUT

Make sure you get a contract of use in writing on the images.
The contract must say the intended use, and what is not allowed.
So if you say they that can go on the packaging for x amount then that is all they can do. If they then want to use the images for marketing it will cost x amount more, website x amount more.

In this case don't settle for a credit or anything half assed that they offer like that... who reads a photo credit on packaging?

Personally I think the company is lookeng for an image on the cheap. Name your price, if they pay up then fine. If however they argue then then you probably want to consider walking away from it.

Remember, it is your image. You can charge whatever you think it is worth and if they really want it they will either pay, or make a reasonable offer.

[gmen]

Anyone else care to pitch in with their opinions ? The guy has sent me another email this morning so I should reply to him sooner or later.

I know what you mean about which is worse and realise someone may do this gig for free. I'd like to try and get something from this as it may open doors for other jobs.

Any more help :confused:Have a look here marc: http://photographersindex.com/stockprice.htm

Look under advertising >> packaging...

This could be a start point for negotiations!

Good luck

---- Gavin

[LMP]

Top man Gavin...ta very much ;)

[kenyc]

I think particularly in this case where it is for advertising then they should be willing to pay the price. Determine what your price is and if they are unwilling to pay, then walk. I know it's easier said than done, but there are always going to be a full range from hobbiest to business pro and pricing everywhere in between. You have to decide where you fit and go for it.

KAC

[LMP]

Guy's you have all been really helpfull, I'm now at the stage where we have agreed a price a price for use of the image on their pacaking alone.

They are keen to move fast on this (their words not mine) so I now need to draft a letter or invoice detailing what they get for their money and how they can use it.

Time to get the pen and paper out:confused:

[LMP]

Can I ask another thing ? I've noticed a few threads here and there stating that copyright should never really be sold. Why is this ?

[gmen]

Once you hand over your copyright to the image to another party, (in simple terms) they will have full control over the use of that image. I would say avoid doing that at all costs.

You need to licence your image, retaining the copyright. Specify exactly how the image can be used and a timescale for use if appropriate. Inform the client that if they wish to use the image in any other way (beyond the boundaries of the original licence) there will be a further fee to pay based on their new requirements.

Hope that helps.

---- Gavin

[Joe R]

Listen to Gavin. And I highly recommend the book "Pricing Photography" found on this handy list:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/listmania/list-browse/-/1YN3BKAHL9WXK/ref%3Dcm%5Faya%5Fav.lm%5Fmore/002-2219588-1445634

[Mike Panic]

the only product i would accept trade in would be one of their company credit cards

let me equate this the best i can. you go to your 8-5 job every day. day after tomorrow is friday, payday. your boss comes to you and says, [insert name here], you've been doing a great job this week, as our way of saying thanks, im going to tear up your credit card and instead give you this free big mac sammich from mcdonalds!

sure a free sammich is nice and tastey, but you work hard and you like to receive currency for your efforts.