BetterPhoto Q&A
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Jessica Jenney		selling images wholesale? I recieved an email from a designer who would like to purchase ten works from me. She wrote: "Re: pricing... usually we get 60% ,50% to 35% off of retail from the various publishers ... and some others offer discounts based on the number of images purchased, so if you buy 5 for example you will get 15-20% off ... if you buy more... a larger discount applies and so on. The challenge with the U.S. sites is: we have to pay in U.S. Dollars the exchange rate is usually of course, always higher than our Canadian dollar. Plus we have to pay freight, duty, taxes and customs. For example:if something is 10.00 Retail in the US we usually cannot "land" for under 18.00 to 24.00 our cost due to the above added costs. Then retail pricing has to then be added to that "landed" pricing. We cannot price any item until all these other costs have been worked into the wholesale price. Also, as you know art is priced based on size as well. So, there is a range and a limit in customers' minds what they will pay for a small piece of art. Hopefully this will clarify the pricing question." Do I want to do this? Instead of buying my work from my website (where the site does all the printing, shipping etc) She's asking me to give her a discount, ship to Canada etc! Is is worth it!? To love this question, log in above February 06, 2010

Jeffrey R. Whitmoyer		I wouldn't do it, plus are you sure this is legit? Just the way your post reads, my suspicious mind starts wondering about a scam of some sort. I'd certainly look online to investigate the designers reputation and determine if it's a legitimate business or not. Your prices are based on what you need to cover your expenses and give you money to work with, both for living and continuing your photography. Don't undercut yourself, even if the designer proves to be legit. Jeff To love this comment, log in above February 08, 2010

Jessica Jenney		Thanks so much for responding, Jeffrey! Yes it is legit, believe me I checked it out. I'm inclined to say no! She wants to get around paying the extra taxes and custom cost of shipping. In the end, it's too much work for me and the rewards wouldn't be worth my time and effort! To love this comment, log in above February 08, 2010

Lynn R. Powers		If your site is like many they send the order to Mpix. I checked their prices and even 10 of the same photo cost you the same per each as one does. You don't get a discount so why should she? Also you have to pay a commission for the order to be sent into the lab also. You are entitled to a fair profit. Does the "designer" plan on ordering them with matting and frames? Are they all of the same photo. How do they plan on using them? You may be able to request more for yourself if they give you a wrong answer. Living next to the Canadian border I often run into situations where they want the money to be "on par". That is another loss you have to eat. As far as having to pay custom fees and taxes the statement is an exageration. Customs in this case are the ones responsible for collecting the taxes. There are not two seperate fees. It seems to me as if this individual(s) wants to cut your costs so they do not have to cut theirs. They like your photos but have little respect for you as a photographer. I feel it is best for you to follow your inclination. To love this comment, log in above February 09, 2010

Jessica Jenney		Thanks, Lynn! I decided to follow my inclination and she decided to pay full pice! :-) To love this comment, log in above February 09, 2010

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