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**Tamia** · 04-08-2013, 07:59 AM

I've been approached by someone who wants to use one of my pictures in a commercial venture. He is producing a series of cards for kids showing animal scat, and will sell the cards on his website to help support that website.

Though I know every case is different, I was hoping to learn what kind of license and fees others here might expect for the use of a photo in this way. I've sold prints and digital downloads for personal use, but never have sold any photos for this kind of venture. Any guidelines about writing a contract and fees would be very welcome. Thanks!

**Miguel** · 04-08-2013, 05:44 PM

No right answer, but a few factors for your thinking:
- Does he have a track record of success that you can partner with? If so, you can charge a fair fee knowing that both of you will generate some money.
- Is he green at this? Then you may want to go a little cheaper to help him get going, especially if you think you can partner with him later. His success is your success.
- How much potential money are we talking about here? Scat cards for kids sounds sounds fun at first, but quite obscure--not a growth item to me--but maybe a start of something. Are the cards virtual only, or do people actually get a physical card with photo in the mail?
-Remember, it costs you the same whether he sells a dozen or 1200, so factor that in your fee structure. With some retail products, I have a structured fee in that I get a higher percentage if a product sells for a lower cost up to a certain level. That ensures my time is covered by small sales to some extent.

Hope this helps. Do you know the cost of the retail product?

M

**Kerrowdown** · 04-09-2013, 04:16 AM

You need to charge more, just for the handling of the subject matter or not as the case maybe.

**Tamia** · 04-09-2013, 04:18 AM

Thanks, Miguel. I appreciate your advice, which informed the negotiations and led to forging an amicable working relationship which will stand both parties in good stead in future.

Again, thanks!

**Tamia** · 04-09-2013, 04:19 AM

Originally posted by kerrowdown

You need to charge more, just for the handling of the subject matter or not as the case maybe.

I had already done that before anyone paid me!

04-08-2013, 07:59 AM	#1
Tamia Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Here, there, and everywhere. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,384	Question About a Licensing Fee I've been approached by someone who wants to use one of my pictures in a commercial venture. He is producing a series of cards for kids showing animal scat, and will sell the cards on his website to help support that website. Though I know every case is different, I was hoping to learn what kind of license and fees others here might expect for the use of a photo in this way. I've sold prints and digital downloads for personal use, but never have sold any photos for this kind of venture. Any guidelines about writing a contract and fees would be very welcome. Thanks!

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04-08-2013, 05:44 PM	#2
Miguel Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Near Seattle Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,743	No right answer, but a few factors for your thinking: - Does he have a track record of success that you can partner with? If so, you can charge a fair fee knowing that both of you will generate some money. - Is he green at this? Then you may want to go a little cheaper to help him get going, especially if you think you can partner with him later. His success is your success. - How much potential money are we talking about here? Scat cards for kids sounds sounds fun at first, but quite obscure--not a growth item to me--but maybe a start of something. Are the cards virtual only, or do people actually get a physical card with photo in the mail? -Remember, it costs you the same whether he sells a dozen or 1200, so factor that in your fee structure. With some retail products, I have a structured fee in that I get a higher percentage if a product sells for a lower cost up to a certain level. That ensures my time is covered by small sales to some extent. Hope this helps. Do you know the cost of the retail product? M

04-09-2013, 04:16 AM	#3
Kerrowdown PEG Moderator Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Highlands of Scotland... "Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand" - William Blake Photos: Gallery Posts: 57,866	You need to charge more, just for the handling of the subject matter or not as the case maybe.

04-09-2013, 04:18 AM	#4
Tamia Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Here, there, and everywhere. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,384 Original Poster	Thanks, Miguel. I appreciate your advice, which informed the negotiations and led to forging an amicable working relationship which will stand both parties in good stead in future. Again, thanks!

04-09-2013, 04:19 AM	#5
Tamia Site Supporter Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Here, there, and everywhere. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,384 Original Poster	Originally posted by kerrowdown You need to charge more, just for the handling of the subject matter or not as the case maybe. I had already done that before anyone paid me!

Question About a Licensing Fee

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