Do you charge Mileage?

[dsze]

When you're contracted to shoot portraits or weddings or anything, that is far from your studio/home, do you charge milage past a certain reasonable distance. One booking just let me know that they are a good distance (about 90 miles round trip) from me, which I didn't know initially. Nothing has been set in stone, but I did just let them know that I will have to charge after the first 25 miles. I feel bad about having to do that for some reason, but I also will feel like an idiot making minimal $$ on this large photo-session and then putting the rest into fuel. Opinions?

-daniel

[tim]

Charging mileage is a very reasonable thing to do. You have to decide if you want your standard rate for driving, or if you just want to cover costs and a little for your inconvenience. Personally, as someone starting out, i'd charge a reasonably low flat fee.

[RockSlut]

My soon to be released pricing structure includes "local travel". If someone wants me to travel further afield, I would negotiate based on how far and how long was required.

I hope this is some assistance.

[dsze]

Well, I do quote mileage costs on my website so its no secret hidden cost or anything...I'm very upfront about it, it still just feels funny I guess. I charge .40/mile after the first 25 miles. That is about what some companies pay for their employees milage. I think thats about what my school corp. pays for mileage.

thanks,
daniel

[MTalley]

I agree with everyone else. Go ahead and make an additional mileage charge standard fare in your rates. I charge mileage outside of our tri-county area, of which I live approximately in the middle. Essentially, anything over a 25 mile one-way trip.

Given that gas runs about $2.15 a gallon and my truck gets 18 mpg on a good day, I think most folks would understand if I charged a little extra for a trip out of my normal area.

[dsze]

Yeah, my truck might get 18mpg, but diesel is nearly $2.50 right now! :)

-daniel

[chtgrubbs]

There is also the time factor involved. 90 miles is going to add more than an hour to your day.

[S230]

In Canada, if you don't charge the milage, you can still claim it back during income tax time (Business expense). Like if you go have dinner with clients, etc., but make sure it is business related. It's roughly works out the same. Charging the customer will generally give you more profit because you can always ask for more.

[dsze]

Ok, I feel a little better now about charging mileage. Thanks!

-daniel

[PhotosGuy]

My day rate was based on 10 hours (my door to my door), & I included 50 miles without extra charge because I didn't want to nickle & dime clients.

[natalka]

No mileage charge unless we're travelling more than 150 miles round trip. After a wedding I don't want to be driving home two hours, at night, in the dark. I would charge for a comfortable night's stay. Clients whose weddings are in DC or NOVA (I'm in Baltimore) there is no extra charge. But I do keep all of my mileage records for tax purposes.

Natalie

[dsze]

Frank, so your clients had to book you for a 10hr day regardless? I am totally for NOT nickel & diming clients, BUT a portrait session doesn't take a 10hr day. What would you do for a session that might last 1 hour long, but require 150 miles of driving? ...just curious. I don't need to make a fortune as this isn't my primary profession, but I also don't want to work for free so I'm just interested in how the more experienced guys have found it works best.

thanks
daniel

[PhotosGuy]

For the previous 15 years my clients were editorial & advertizing for stills & video production. Most jobs ran into overtime, but I did have a 1/2-day rate of 5 hours D-T-D for the small ones. Travel time was 1/2 the day rate.
I had a much lower rate for model comps, and never looked for paid portrait work, so you'd be better off getting advice from someone else, Daniel.
I was addressing the "mileage" part & got off track. ;-)