The age old question... fee

[Jimages]

I apologize if this is a boring question.

I have a possibility of making a sale, but I have very seldom sold my images. I don't want to undersell myself, but at the same time I don't want to rip somebody off.

The type of sale in question is for images to be used on a online shop.

I'm asking, because the prospective client has asked about the fee, I don't want to ward them off by plucking a big figure out of the air, though obviously I want it to be worth my while should they choose to buy from me.

Thanks.

[Tim Sheridan]

Only you can set the value of your time. How long will the job take? What will be your out of pocket expense? Like any other business you have fixed costs that determine selling price.

[Jimages]

The job would take approximately 5 minutes, since I will only be selling what I already have in stock, my expense is nil, unless you count the original expenses entailed.

[liza]

You should count the original expenses. Read the pricing sticky at the top of this forum. That should help you immensely.

And if you're in business, you need to establish a fee schedule.

[Jimages]

Okay thanks guys. I decided to ask for a £150 per image fee, based on a licence to use the photo. I retain the image royalty etc.

I made the estimation based on a sale I made a few years ago, but slightly undercut, a couple of images sold would certainly recoup the original expenses and provide some profit.

I'm well aware that some here would consider this fee as underselling, but I feel something is better than nothing, and I certainly do not get many people trying to buy my images. I used to get several after freebies, but I do not entertain them anymore.

I learnt a few years ago, that giving freebies only earns you a reputation for so, and when you come to ask for a fee you're only going to be accused of "selling out" which ofcourse is the idea.

[Jimages]

Got a reply from the prospective customer, and predictably they feel it is a rather high price. They haven't made a counter offer, but say they will look at my site further. I feel in this situation it's probably best to leave them to get on with it, if they want to buy they will contact me again.