How much to charge for prints ?

[TigerBlack]

I've been geting a s*it load of requests for prints of my photos. A cupple of the F-5 shots I got (posted in the Sola Airshow thread) have been getting quite alot of attention.

Now is the dilemma, how much do I charge  ?


For a A3 size print the local photostore will charge  NOK 70, or about 12 USD.  (Yea it's really pricy over here. but let's not get into that). I've talked to the different chains of photostores and websites that make prints and the prices are more or less the same all arround.

My sister is also a photographer and she charges NOK 400/70 USD (but I think that may be overkill).


So what do you guys charge for A3 prints, and are how are your production costs ?

[JClark]

I guess the simple answer is to charge as much as the market will allow without taking a loss (considering both production AND your time).  I charge approximately 3.5 to 4 times actual production cost for an A3 size print (just under $30 US).    You say your sister charges 5x her production costs and I assume she is selling the prints at her asking price.  That is a great guide as she has likely found an acceptable price point.   Why sell for NOK 50 when a sale can be made at NOK 70?

You might also poll people and ask at what price they would consider buying your prints.  Ask something like "I am thinking of producing a run of these prints for NOK(make up a reasonable number here).  Would you be interested in purchasing a print when completed?"  You should probably have a high quality sample or two available. 

Bottom line, don't undervalue your own work and set an artificially low price.  And remember, it is a lot easier to drop prices than to raise them.

[Liza]

Might find some hints in the What's an image worth thread.