sort of space rental, sort of co-op (portraits)

[DJane]

I have an opportunity to work with a local business. It would be on appointment, and they would have a dedicated studio room. From what I understand so far, they would charge a package price for their services and include a 'free sitting'.
After that, they want me to set up about a $100 base package for prints (in my setup right now, I don't have any packages- it's all a la carte).

They would keep a percentage of my sales, and I was asked to come to them with what I thought was fair, and we could work from that point. Only thing is, I have no idea what would be a good place to start, or even how to add it up to figure it out!
Lost.

Anybody have any advice on this sort of thing?
I would really enjoy this, and want it to work out, but don't want to be taken advantage of or give them a totally lowball number, either. Thanks so much for all the collective wisdom!

[DJane]

Oh, and for what it's worth- my pricing structure now is to charge up front, and less for individual prints rather than do the make the money on the prints route.
Not that one is preferrable, but it's just different than my current pricing schematic.
Anyway. Thanks!

[Angelo]

not really clear what's being offered versus requested.

[Scott McLeod Photo]

So they already have this area ready to go, or would it be created. Is it equipped or would you have to bring in and out equipment every time. Not cameras, but lights, backgound, etc.

Can you be more specific about the size of the room, the location of this business (mall, shopping center, strip mall, stand alone bldg) and is it a highly visible location on a major thoroughfare, or a hidden location, etc. What city is it in, (or if not specific city, population of the city), etc. What type of business are they? Is it something where they have customers that regularly visit, that you could target as potential customers?

Will you be able to advertise or promote this location? Can you put up signage on the storefront, or will you be a hidden entity in this? Will you be exclusive, or are other photographers being approached? Do you have to commit for a certain time period or would it be more of a use by use agreement (like month to month in rental terms)?

[DJane]

So they already have this area ready to go, or would it be created. Is it equipped or would you have to bring in and out equipment every time. Not cameras, but lights, backgound, etc.

Can you be more specific about the size of the room, the location of this business (mall, shopping center, strip mall, stand alone bldg) and is it a highly visible location on a major thoroughfare, or a hidden location, etc. What city is it in, (or if not specific city, population of the city), etc. What type of business are they? Is it something where they have customers that regularly visit, that you could target as potential customers?

Will you be able to advertise or promote this location? Can you put up signage on the storefront, or will you be a hidden entity in this? Will you be exclusive, or are other photographers being approached? Do you have to commit for a certain time period or would it be more of a use by use agreement (like month to month in rental terms)?
It's being created- they're planning on an open date in 10 weeks. In a large metro area, population 2-3 million in a two county area. I will be a hidden entity (I believe it would be considered that way) inside the business. They are approaching other photographers as well.
The clients would be getting an appointment for a session included in the price of their other services, and it's maternity based- so in that vein. Kind of a pregnancy spa vibe. They're essentially doing massage, keepsake 3/4d u/s, and of course, the portrait sessions.
As far as what is going to be available on-site vs. what I need to haul back and forth, I don't know. Now, I'm completely portable as far as equipment goes, so it wouldn't be impossible to set up each time I'm there, but it would get old, I think, putting up the same stuff all the time.
I would be able to promote myself through them, essentially advertising myself at their location, and I would be able to target those clients for further sessions outside of this venue (ie, a first year baby plan or the like).
So far there hasn't been any commitment requested, but we're very early in the conversation.

Again, I do appreciate the handholding. I've been in the industry for long enough, but am a fairly new business owner, and a total greenhorn when it comes to partnering with another entity. Thanks!

[Toshido]

Would you be using this space only with their clients? Or would you be able to bring anybody off the streets for a portrait session?

[DJane]

I am not positive, but assume that it would be only their clients.

[DJane]

I'm reading more into rental space and independent contractors and who would file a 1099 and I've got to say...
the % of my sales agreement is starting to look like the least of my concerns.
Am I right on this? Yikes. I need to ask a lot more questions.
Thanks for the help so far, but I think the questions I was asking were short-sighted.
Whoopsie.