I've just received an inquiry about using one of my images for a commercial product that is in its developmental stage. I'm asking for clarification about type of usage, placement and the potential number of times the image could be used. Is there a generally-accepted source for pricing this type of usage or does anyone here have any experience they'd be willing to share? Are there other questions that should be asked? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Usually it depends on whom you are dealing with, the ad firm, the producer, the end user? Normally the companies have rate sheets they schedule pay. Also you can google for rate sheets, and I dont have any links sorry, but there are a lot of commercial photographer assocations that have websites than can give you a good idea. Thankfully I havent had to use anything like this in a long time. When I stopped doing this unlimited 1 yr rights to an image was about $3K-3.5K.
Also you can get a good idea from commercial photographers websites, many include full rate charges for all types of jobs.
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Good idea Artie! I think it is like $200-300 or so for the software.
As a FYI note Jeff (sorry it sounds negative, I am not trying to discourage you but I am just letting you know the truth from experience);
Some large companies use their own price scales and rate sheets. They dont care what anyone else pays and wont even talk about it. Many dont respect agreed on terms, photo credits, usage limits, time limits, payment terms in their own contracts and agreements. They know most photographers will never sue. They also know there are dozens or even hundreds of hungry photographers right behind you that will take the job if you dont.