Just today I received an e-mail, via a link on my Web site, from someone at McElroy Metal (www.mcelroymetal.com) which reads, in part:
/The company I work for, McElroy Metal, is interested in possibly using one or more of your images for the front of a specific brochure, which highlights the longevity of nature and the longevity of our panel coatings.
Please note that our brochure will be viewed as a printed piece which will be distributed, as well as, we strive to provide an electronic version of all our literature as a ³download² from our website at www.mcelroymetal.com.
Hence, with regards to the possible use of one or more of your images, would you please send me any or all the pertinent information required for us to proceed?
This is, quite frankly, the first time I've received a request like this and I'm not quite sure how to proceed--in terms of what to charge and exactly what to request in terms of image licensing. My inclination is to insist upon some sort of non-exclusive, non-perpetual image license, but I really don't know what the standard operating procedure is.
Any advice/assistance anyone can provide would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
(I'm going to post this note in General Discussion as well, in the hope that more eyes get a chance to see it.)
For the brochures, you ought to know how many will be printed and distributed and where they will be distributed (one city, state, country, national, international, etc.). You need to make it clear that this price is for one printing based on the above. If they want to use the images in another printing or another use, then it must be re-negotiated. Be as specific as you can. These above items should all affect the price of your images. A program like "fotoquote" would then help you in your pricing scheme and you could tell the customer you use industry standard pricing based on the above. On the internet side, things get pretty fuzzy. Many folks are now charging for monthly, yearly, etc usage rights after which the images MUST be removed from the internet. Don't let them have your images on the cheap just to get out there. It will hurt you and everyone else down the road! Try to find out exactly why they like the images of yours they have selected. This might give you more bargaining room. Find out who is responsible for getting the check cut and talk to THAT person, not just the underling who is just searching for images. Let them know you are a professional, or make them think that! Search the web for image licensing, and you will probably find verbage that will help you in yours. And if they are rich enough to want the images exclusively, then why not as long as you don't think you will ever make more money selling the images again and again. You might get surprised by offering exclusive use for say $2000 to $4000! Or if these are the ONLY images they can get, then go for alot more.
You should try to find out as much about the company as you can. Their website gives you some good data. A Dun & Bradstreet type report should tell you about the company earnings and credit worthiness. If you know a lot about the company and the people's names n the company, then you can drop bits of info on the image buyer that lets him/her know you have probably done more research on them than they have on you! This helps you look professional (and helps MAKE you a professional!).
Get signed contracts for whatever you decide. Proof read whatever writing you send to them and be sure it adheres to business format. More people get blown off in the business world because they cannot spell or write a correct sentence.
Discussion
2 replies/The company I work for, McElroy Metal, is interested in possibly using one or more of your images for the front of a specific brochure, which highlights the longevity of nature and the longevity of our panel coatings.
Please note that our brochure will be viewed as a printed piece which will be distributed, as well as, we strive to provide an electronic version of all our literature as a ³download² from our website at www.mcelroymetal.com.
Hence, with regards to the possible use of one or more of your images, would you please send me any or all the pertinent information required for us to proceed?
This is, quite frankly, the first time I've received a request like this and I'm not quite sure how to proceed--in terms of what to charge and exactly what to request in terms of image licensing. My inclination is to insist upon some sort of non-exclusive, non-perpetual image license, but I really don't know what the standard operating procedure is.
Any advice/assistance anyone can provide would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
(I'm going to post this note in General Discussion as well, in the hope that more eyes get a chance to see it.)
You should try to find out as much about the company as you can. Their website gives you some good data. A Dun & Bradstreet type report should tell you about the company earnings and credit worthiness. If you know a lot about the company and the people's names n the company, then you can drop bits of info on the image buyer that lets him/her know you have probably done more research on them than they have on you! This helps you look professional (and helps MAKE you a professional!).
Get signed contracts for whatever you decide. Proof read whatever writing you send to them and be sure it adheres to business format. More people get blown off in the business world because they cannot spell or write a correct sentence.
Good luck!
Troup