Newbie question here. Professional Photographers: How would you charge an online store that sold physical prints of your portfolio? Is there an industry standard?

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Posted Dec 9, 2014, 1:42 PM UTC

69
NakedLenshttp://facebook.com/nlphotodallas•

Did you give them permission to sell the prints?

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NeglectfulOP•

I don't have any prints. I'm asking from a buyers perspective.

I'd like to sell prints by paying either a fixed fee for the right to do so, a percentage of the sales, or a combination of both.

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DudeduDudewww.synowiec.ca•

So If I'm understanding this correctly, you would like to set up a website that helps OTHER photographers showcase and sell prints.

You would have to figure out what usage rights you are looking for then go from there.

I.E. If you are looking to set up a website where you sell very limited edition, high quality prints, from photographers who's portfolios you carefully curate; At sizes that are determined by the photographer to ensure maximum quality. Then the prices and profit splitting would probably work differently than if you ran it as a "stock" photography site where the photos are available for an unlimited number of sales in an unlimited number of applications.

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NeglectfulOP•

Yes, you're understanding correctly. Thank you for your kind reply. :)

1
IAMMADEOFEVERYTHING•

I worked at an art gallery where photography was sold. Typically, the gallery and artist split the sale 50/50, or 40/60. The gallery provides the space and visibility, while the artist provides to work. I would imagine the same here.

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NeglectfulOP•

Thanks! That figure really helps.

1
82364•

Not having the overhead or esteem of a physical art gallery, 50% may be high.

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NeglectfulOP•

I think the overhead and esteem may affect the negotiation of percentages, but more likely the final price. The gallery needs its 50%s to add up to its overhead. A web site would have vastly lower overhead with higher variable costs.

edit: stupid typo

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IAMMADEOFEVERYTHING•

Totally agree. A typical sales commission is only 10-15%. With no overheard (rent, staff, utilities), this might be more accurate for web sales.

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