Need advice on starting a photography business

[robro]

Hello,

If anyone can provide feedback of advice on this thread I would greatly appreciate it. I'm trying to start up a photography business for banking and insurance institutions that have vested interests in homes, cars, commercial property, businesses, trucks, stores, restaurants, or any entity requiring financing or insurance. These companies need to have updated and accurate information on the condition of this property continuously. It is simply not cost effective for them to have "field reps" in every single town in the United States. So, these institutions "sub" out their work to independent reps all over the country. But I'm not sure how to even get started. Any ideas? Thanks! :)

[Jon, The Elder]

You question is fairly generalized, so I will respond in kind.

Once you have found an interested party:

1) List your availability in terms of days of the week, hours of the day.

2) What type of files and transmission methods you are capable of using. What hardcopy (prints) you can provide.

3) Travel and mileage costs/reimbursment

4) Sample files of a specific/similar subject matter

5) Above all, what your prices are and why they are.

you will probably get all kinds of detailed advice in the next few days - this is just to get you started thinking.
If you come on like a competent professional - things will go much easier. Remember, they will want the MOST for the LEAST. Set your standards early - then live up to them.
Good Luck - Jon F.

[robro]

Thanks Jon F. for your advice. However I am looking for how to make a point of contact with these institutions. What's the protocol? Unfortunately I'm not certain of the professional title given for this line of work. Probably if I knew the professional or technical title for this I could research it a little further. Thanks again.

[CappuccinoDavid]

If your looking for some help, I found this while surfing the net - http://www.danheller.com/ - check out the whole site he has some usefule stuff.

[robro]

Thanks David and Bloo Dog for the info.

Regards,
Robro