Gallery Fees and Comission

[BrandonSi]

I was invited to submit a few framed photos to a gallery here in the city. If their panel approves any of them for their upcoming show I'd get to hang the work in the gallery for sale. Here's the catch, they want a $50 installation fee AND if the peice sells, 50% comission. Seems a little steep to me, but they have plenty of work on their walls every show, and it's a pretty reputable gallery, not a scam by any means.. Does anyone have experience with gallery's and gallery shows? Is this the normal prices and fees I should expect?

[Bruce Hamilton]

If you end up with two or three photos hanging for only $50, that ends up being a pretty decent deal for some nice exposure. The 50% commission (for me, anyway) would be a little hard to swallow. I'd probably raise my prices enough to ensure I didn't lose my shirt in the deal.

[TonyKInTexas]

Hanging fees are generally per print/item. I would look up some of the other artists and see if you can determine the fees and commissions they are paying for their work to be displayed.

[DocFrankenstein]

That's a bit too steep, but if it's a reputable gallery with a rich clientelle it may be a good deal... Frame them nicely and charge 500 bucks per picture...

[chtgrubbs]

30-50% is common if it's an established and high-class gallery and you are an unknown photographer. The gallery hs no idea whether your work will sell or not, so they are taking a financial risk on you. As your reputation grows and you become a reliable sales producer you will be able pay a smaller commission.