Answering a Reader Question #1,036

Anonymous Wrote:

Hi Dania, so kind of you to do this and support us young in the biz. I did a print spot for a well known company as a NU model last Oct. for $2500 1 year buyout. They are considering renewing for 2nd year $2500 and 3rd year $3750. I’m unrepresented atm. I am union now. I’m on hold for my first scene in a feature and I just worked a Chanel commercial (featured BG, let’s not roll out the red carpet here). But, one: I think, even with the strike, I’m moving on up, and two: isn’t 2nd year buyout rates supposed to be more? Could you help me on what an appropriate response would be or a fair counter-offer would be? Again, you rock. Thanks for helping the wide-eyed!

Hey, Anonymous!

You're SO welcome, thank you for being a reader and reaching out...congrats on the recent bookings you've gotten so far, that's awesome...and yeah, you are definitely moving on up. :-)

As far as the buyout rate for the print job, I've been in the same scenario where the renewal rate was the same amount as the original buyout rate. I've also been in the opposite scenario where the buyout rate was more than the renewal rate offered.

So both are commonplace. But if the terms included broadcast then I would definitely counter with a much higher number. However, if it's print only, that's probably why they're sticking to that rate structure.

If you'd prefer to counter-offer, I would first respond with phrasing along the lines of asking if there is any wiggle room in the rate and seeing what they have to say -- as opposed to asking off the bat if they'd be willing to pay X amount more...just to put the feelers out there. 

If the rate is locked in, then walking away with an extra $2,500 for work you've already done isn't too shabby. If they respond asking for a number, that's where you can think about what you would feel is fair. I don't know what kind of shoot it was and exactly where those print spots are appearing (print, online, tradeshow materials, etc.) so I don't think I can say exactly how much more you should ask for but see how they respond to your initial inquiry about the wiggle room for the rate and go from there.

Wishing you the best of luck, either way, it sounds like you're gonna be just fine!

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