Commercial Usage Negotiation

[Photo Plod]

Well, for the second time in my career, I've been contacted by a company wishing to use one of my images of the London Eye for an industry magazine on the cover. They're willing to pay for usage, but haven't stated what their budget is.

I've looked at the freelance rates and used them as a basis for negotiation (low budget, in-house magazine, cover) but am a bit nervous as the subject matter is very popular, and by no means are my images the only ones of their type. Their head of communications has said, however, that they "love" my particular night-time shot.

I'm worried that they'll spit out their cornflakes when they read my starting pitch at £280, but with no suggestion of a fee from themselves, what else can I do?

 

[artyman]

Looks like you pitched your figure around the daily rate, which would be for a job rather than a single shot, so is it perhaps a bit high? The problem is, too high and you get nothing, but on the other hand what is an acceptable figure you would be happy with.

 

[Photo Plod]

Not sure I have, Ken - these are fees for individual stock photographs, based on this table. The daily rate appears at the top for commissioned works.

I have stated that, as I did not undertake the commission specially for them, that I would be willing to look at a lower fee - but so far, they haven't given me a starting position to begin proper negotiations.

The table states:

RATES: Stock pictures: In-house magazine
Public relations category: Low budget
Cover 280.00
Double-page spread 235.00
Full page 180.00
3/4 page 150.00
1/2 page 100.00
1/4 page 70.00
1/8 page 60.00

 

[LongLensPhotography]

It sounds fair to me. Unless you are desperate for money, I'd rather get paid properly or dismiss the sale completely.