What is the mark up

[lyssa615]

I was just wondering, for example if I were to sell a matted photograph and my out-of-pocket expenses (for the mat, printing the photo, etc) came to let's say $8.00, what would be an appropriate amount to charge the customer? Is there a certain percentage artists mark their work up to make a profit?

[ssim]

For an item that had a direct cost of 8.00, I would sell for close to 30.00 if not more. There are however allot of variables that you have to take into consideration with this.

One of the driving forces behind setting your pricing is what your competition is selling them for. Have you done any market research in your area to see what a comparable item from anyone else is selling for. Is is unique, in that they cannot get the exact same thing from someone else. This allows you to up the price somewhat.

It is a no-brainer to have to take your direct operating costs in effect but what about your other costs. Your cameras, your computers, etc. Do you do this as a supplemental income or is this a true business venture. Imo, this last point should not be all that important as good photographic work is worth what it is worth whether you do it as your sole income or not.

Do you have a margin in mind for yourself. Weigh this again what you think you can sell it for based on your competition and then come in at an appropriate price. Do you want to stay in the market long term or is this a one time thing. If it is a one time thing then you could probably come in lower.

[PhotosGuy]

Is there a certain percentage artists mark their work up to make a profit? That's something that you have to figure out for yourself. Around here, car guys are used to paying $10 for a 8X10 print some guy shoots against a wall at a car show. I charge 20X that for a 12X18 & refuse to lower my price. After a while, they get used to it. ;)

NPPA: Cost of Doing Business Calculator
http://www.nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/cdb/

What might I start charging for my work?
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=177972

[dmp-potn]

Hello,
I was just wondering, for example if I were to sell a matted photograph and my out-of-pocket expenses (for the mat, printing the photo, etc) came to let's say $8.00, what would be an appropriate amount to charge the customer? Is there a certain percentage artists mark their work up to make a profit?
Make sure that you factor in depreciation costs on your tools (mat cutter, printer, paper cutter, camera, lenses, tripod, computer), travel expenses, web hosting and marketing fees, software licenses and updates, taxes, etc. You may not be planning to quit your day job just yet, but if you dream of running a profitable business (or even one that just breaks even), you need to come up with a good and complete estimate of your production and operating costs before you set prices.

This number will be your true break-even point. Profit for most photographers is 35% of gross revenues accoring to a recent survey done by the PPA. The other 65% goes to fixed costs like power and equipment as well as production costs like paper and ink.

Hope this helps.

[Jon, The Elder]

Go to my gallery and print out an order form.

we print in-house up to 8x10
and do our own matting.

www.pbase.com/jpferguson

[strmrdr]

Go to my gallery and print out an order form.

we print in-house up to 8x10
and do our own matting.

www.pbase.com/jpferguson (http://www.pbase.com/jpferguson)

I have a what might be taken as a some what rude question but im curious and I hope you dont get upset..
Do people actualy pay those prices?
Around here matted and framed 8x10s go for what your asking for a 8x10 and mat is why im asking.

[dave13]

Do people actualy pay those prices?


In all actuality, those prices are more than reasonable. I've seen 8x10's UN-framed, UN-matted go for $45

[dmp-potn]

Hello,

In all actuality, those prices are more than reasonable. I've seen 8x10's UN-framed, UN-matted go for $45

Right. My understanding is that Jon is selling prints of photos that he created rather than providing a printing and matting service to other photographers. If that's the case, the prices are very reasonable. Depending on the market, I think he could even increase them.

I've heard of photographers who sell 8x10's for up to $250. In this case, the photographs are specially prepared and mounted on a board with guilded beveled edges, placed in a wooden box with a silk lined interior, and delivered in a heavy gift bag like the ones you get at Sax 5th Avenue.

His photography is very good, but it's his marketing, presentation, and packaging that fetches these prices.

In our market, 8x10's generally sell for $25 to $75 each with no matting.

[vwpilot]

I have a what might be taken as a some what rude question but im curious and I hope you dont get upset..
Do people actualy pay those prices?
Around here matted and framed 8x10s go for what your asking for a 8x10 and mat is why im asking.

His prices are more than reasonable, I will sell 8x10s for $40 when people want them, unmatted (I try to stay away from 8x10 because I hate the crop). Here is a price list for my prints. http://www.motorsportsimaging.com/prints.html

[strmrdr]

Thats kewl then I guess my area is just cheap.
Lesson to learn find out the going rate in your area if you want to move them.
At those prices they wouldnt sell in my area.

[vwpilot]

have you tried?

I think that if you provide a good product, that is good quality, and provide unique photography, you should be able to get those prices. If your competition provides an ok shot for $20, you provide a great shot for $30 and people will buy it.

[chtgrubbs]

I learned somewhere in an econ or business class that the average retail selling price of a consumable item (as opposed to major expenditure such as a car) is 8 times the cost of production. So a print which cost you $8 to produce should retail for $64.

If I am selling an original, creative image (what might be referred to in some circles as "Fine Art Phtography") I usally charge $150 for an archivally matted and framed print. If it is being sold in a gallery, they will add their own mark-up on top of this.d

[LBaldwin]

Thats kewl then I guess my area is just cheap.
Lesson to learn find out the going rate in your area if you want to move them.
At those prices they wouldnt sell in my area.

Strmrdr,

Unless you live in the back country of New Guinea :lol: . People will pay for good work. Just because you have a camera does not mean that folks will beat a path and fill you with riches. (darn Iwish it was that easy).

If you are going door to door in poor section of town, you are correct, you may have a tough time. Sell your best stuff where the money is!!

I don't expect rural West VA to pay the same as New York, but someone in WVA has cash, find out who that is and sell to them.

Grandma's will part with their false teeth to pay for kiddy pics if they are cute enough. And yes I have been asked if I can take a trade..... for teeth.

So tell me again why you can't charge good money for good work?

Is your work good enough to charge for?

Les

[Jon, The Elder]

DMP-POTN (Et Al)...thats pretty much right on the money.
I have found over the last 40+ years, that after meeting the prime criteria of being at least a competent photographer, the rest is marketng and promotion of your services/product.

I searched out a niche market that has great potential. I learned (and am still learning) what the customers wanted. I fill the wants (and needs) for which I receive compensation. I keep prices reasonable, deliver a good quality product, and thank each customer by name.
Repeat business is a sizeable factor and requests for my services from new sources is growing. All by word-of-mouth.
I enjoy a rare situation whereas I have proven customer loyalty (unusual in todays market). My clientelle is primarily working class (blue collar) in the worst economic state in the country (Michigan).
Sales this year are on par with last year so far, so I must be doing something right. Thanks for your time.

[strmrdr]

Strmrdr,

Unless you live in the back country of New Guinea :lol: . People will pay for good work. Just because you have a camera does not mean that folks will beat a path and fill you with riches. (darn Iwish it was that easy).

If you are going door to door in poor section of town, you are correct, you may have a tough time. Sell your best stuff where the money is!!

I don't expect rural West VA to pay the same as New York, but someone in WVA has cash, find out who that is and sell to them.

Grandma's will part with their false teeth to pay for kiddy pics if they are cute enough. And yes I have been asked if I can take a trade..... for teeth.

So tell me again why you can't charge good money for good work?

Is your work good enough to charge for?

Les

Mid size city in the midwest.
At one time my work was sellable and as I get back into it I would like it too be again.
Which is why I have been hitting the some art shows and flea markets and window shopping to see what the prices are like around here.
What I have seen so far it doesnt look like the market will support those prices.

[LBaldwin]

Art shows and flea markets? Marketing your work directly is good, Selling at flea markets. NO. Set up a small website so that others can see your stuff. Make business cards, pass them out. If you are after the fine art market get set up with a local gallery. All this costs cash. Local art scenes are cool and can generate sales. Don't price your stuff over or under because of their prices. Price your stuff by the quality of your work.

Put togeather a portfolio of 8-10 images 13x19. Get some feeback from the local art teachers, other photogs and perhaps places where you can hang a few images where they will be seen. If you have stuff that is unique to your area, make sure that you connect with local interior decorators as well as design studios and paint stores. Yes, paint stores. I know it sounds funny but I knew someone that took that novel approach and he sells through his uncles Sherwin Williams. I know other shooters that put up images in wedding boutiques and portrait guys that advertise with framed prints in Dr's offices. Go though the phone book and see who the caterers are, then drop off business cards to them, the same with local DJ's. Make 10-20 prints matted and framed and have a open house at a coffe house or other open area where you can hang your work.

By now you should have quite a few busines cards, start you data base and keep these folks appraised of any upcoming shows you are doing as well as referal stuff too.

You sell at the flea market, that puts your work up against the poker dog rugs two booths down, get my meaning? Sell where the money is.

I have one friend that has a beer and brot party twice a year for his sports photography, he can't print it fast enough.

I hope this helps, and try to be positive,

Les Baldwin