Print credits

[a2rob]

I noticed that most photographers offer some type of print credit with their packages. Can someone explain this to me. Raymond went over this in class , but I was not paying close attention and missed the definition.
Thanks

[CobyPhoto]

Rob,

Print credit/Album credit is basically like a 'gift card.' If you include print credit in your sitting fee, it is basically having the customer to pay for prints (unspecified) when they pay for the sitting fee. They can apply this print credit toward purchase of prints, from the session off of your regular price list, or the price list you provided them. It is also a nice way of setting a minimum level of purchase on your work.

Example: Portrait session Fee: $195.00 for up to 1 hour of photography (studio time) and a print credit of $100.00.

They pay you the 195.00 + sales tax up front for the session, and when they choose prints, you deduct the 100.00 + sales tax from their order and the remainder is the balance due on the account.

CJ

[a2rob]

Thanks CJ

Unless there is a special need ie marketing for this, I really see no need to offer. Just include the items in the package and adjust the price accordingly.

[CobyPhoto]

Most commonly, this is used for weddings and events where the final amount of prints, album etc. hasn't been nailed down.

Also, it allows the client to decide on print size after seeing the images.

It has it's uses.

CJ

[EagleGirl]

I think it is a good marketing tool, especially when you are starting out. You might feel a little more comfortable with your session fee if you include a print credit in your price.