6 Legal sales contracts photographers need
Photographer’s Sales Toolbox
Portrait Contract – This governs the relationship between Client and Photographer. This will lay the foundation for sales by having provisions (if drafted right!) about completion schedules, ordering deadlines, etc.
Model Release – The model release is the specific form giving the Photographer rights to use images for marketing purposes.
Payment Plan Contract – This document outlines the payment plan details such as payment dates, amounts, and any penalties.
Final Sale Agreement – This document is done on the ordering session day and acts to inform the client of a final sale and prevent a client from having “buyers remorse” and changing their mind.
Album Design Agreement – This agreement is super important when you are spending lots of cost-of-goods on items, particularly an album that can be hundreds of dollars out of your pocket. I like to have an acceptance of the proof design by clients prior to ordering.
Product Delivery Agreement – This agreement is a written acceptance of all products after the Client has had the opportunity to view them. This is especially helpful to prevent any potential “I didn’t get X product” statements after you have delivered the complete order.
All of these aren’t necessarily needed as it depends on your client’s order and your business policies. Just keep in mind you want to prevent issues instead of trying to fix them later.
Outlining all expectations ahead of time in writing is a great way to keep expectations clear and provides a foundation for optimal customer service.
