Bidding for a high school account

I have the opportunity to bid for a high school account which includes everything from sports portraits, dances, club photos, graduation portraits, student id photos, etc. The school is large (2800 students). I have never bid for a job like this though I have a lot of event experience which is what drawled them to contact me. Any thoughts or ideas would be great.

Just doing the math on what kind of revenue a contract this size is going to generate I would imagine there will be a great deal of competition. Especially the large national companies. You really should involve your accountant in your proposal, this can potentially be a half million dollar (or more) a year contract don't you think?

I would look at a lab like Millers that offers all the software etc. you need for order entry and management and figure out your cost of sales, include all your costs, not just lab costs. Like your time, wages paid out to assistants, vehicles, home office, supplies, etc. With this volume you are probably going to hire 4 or 5 (competent) photographers on photo day!

Then calculate what return (profit) you want and you will have a final number to use. This will have wiggle room but you should try to keep a healthy profit margin. Too many businesses offer services so low they end up losing money in the end.

Bottom line is if you cannot make money from it after all expenses are paid then it is not in your best interest to pursue.

Sounds like this job will keep you busy all year long! (except school breaks) 2800 students is in deed a large school. It seems like they'll be wanting all your photos for their Year Book as well (I'm surprised they don't have a photography club where students handle this end of the business).

Keep in mind they'll probably want rights to publish the year book and make money off that.

On a side note if you have a studio this will definately be a way to get residual business for Senior portraits!

There will be no time for residual business!