How Much Should I Charge?

[TackSharp]

I am a Recruiting Manager at a Major IT Firm here in Dallas. We recently started a new high-profile training program that my team recruits for. A new training class starts each quarter with 25-50 people per class. (Four Classes Per Year). I was recently asked to take the class photo for the very first training class which is about to graduate. This class consists of 25 people. I was also told that the company will want me to do this each quarter.

For this class, they want me to provide them with 25 8X10's that will go to each student and 1 11X14 for hanging inside the classroom. My question is: "How much do I charge?" I am thinking about charging $15-$25 per photo. Is this the range I should be in? And if so, what's the right price point? Since this is going to be recurring business, I want to ensure that I don't price myself out of the market and cause them to go elsewhere for this service.

Please give me your thoughts.

Thanks

[ShaneKislack]

Are you charging for the service or just the prints? As far as the service, we can't tell you. You must figure your cost of doing business. Since you work for the company, is that what I'm reading?, then it may be difficult to price.

Prints traditionally have a 300-500% mark up. If it cost you $1..then charge $3-5.

[TackSharp]

Shane:

Yes, I'm asking what to charge for the prints.

[ShaneKislack]

Then 3-500% markup is reasonable.

[CaptainTom]

Since this is going to be recurring business, I want to ensure that I don't price myself out of the market and cause them to go elsewhere for this service.

That's cool, but for the same reasons you don't want to undercharge since it will be a recurring gig. No need to keep doing a gig that loses money, unless it is part of your new job description. Make sure you get a written contract. That will help seperate your photography job from your regular job with them.