Hello! I would like some "business" advice in regards to selling one of my 3d models. I know this might not be the right place, but I am asking here because CGCookie is the only 3d community I've ever been part of.
I recently received an interesting offer from a troll-museum in Norway to buy a 3D model I worked on last year during my studies. They would show it to visitors through their augmented reality technology, and my model would be part of a new project in which it would fit right in. I would be very proud to have it there, but the problem is that I have no idea what I should sell it for, or even if I should sell it for a one-time sum at all, considering that they will make money off of paying visitors. Basically, I worry about making a bad deal one way or another that either turns them away, or sells me short.
I have been assured that the rights to the model will remain mine, and they just want my permission to use it in their museum. It's also not be used elsewhere.
Regardless of this offer, I was planning to improve the model this summer to make it more optimized. They want the model as is, but can consider paying extra for the improvement if they like it, but that would be sometime in the future.
Anyway, does anyone here have experience with selling 3d models and got some advice for me? I don't know exactly how many hours I spent on it, but I spent the greater part of last spring working on it.
Thanks in advance!
I have no idea really, I've never sold a 3D model. I wouldn't be surprised if models are cheaper nowadays, just because of the huge availability of people that can make 3D stuff and websites where you can buy models. Maybe you could also shoot an email to the Cg Cookie folks at the Blender Market, they've had years selling all kinds of Blender related things, specially 3D models and they have to set prices and manage the market. So if anyone knows the price it's them.
I don't know if my response will help, but when selling art in any market look at the market values for comparable models (poly count, style, etc..), look at various sites such as Turbo Squid, CG Trader, etc..., talk to others actively selling models, look at how long it took you to make the model, your time is valuable, what is the quality of the model (level of detail, mesh quality, materials/textures included, rigged or not)and the demand for that style of model. You will find models in the same category (Spaceships or Figures) will vary. You will find some that are $5 while others are $25 or up to $75. and more. You are in a unique situation since you have a demand for it. Which is awesome. Congratulations.
Also, the pricing for developing a custom model for a client vs selling a pre-made model is different. You are right to be thinking along the lines of varying pricing for selling them sole use of the model vs you retaining the rights and ability to continue to sell it to others. If they were to buy it for their sole use, that cost would be equal to developing a custom model for the client. I have also seen some modelers offer limited-custom use rights. IE 6 months or 1 year. But it doesn't sound like your client is interested in limited or exclusive use rights. Just something to consider if you decide to sell your work.
Also consider if will you need to rig this for them? Or do they have someone who will rig and animate it? Make sure you include the pricing for any extra work you may need to do before they take possession of the initial model. This is outside of any future development you may do on the model for them.
I hope any of this was useful to you. Good luck and congratulations. The model looks awesome.
EDIT: Be sure to have a contract that clearly states the rights they will have to the model and what you retain. It doesn't have to be fancy. Just a doc that clearly delineates the rights and expectations. This way there is no question. You will find every site that sells models has this information for each model they sell. I believe some sites even have a separate 3D print license for the model while others may have a personal use vs commercial use license. It varies per site, but is there.
I also forgot to mention, consider the credit you will receive and if you intend to sell, what is it worth to you to get this into their hands as part of your active client portfolio to use for marketing? Also, will they likely be a future customer? If you are fairly sure of repeat sales vs a one-off purchase, you may consider a better value for them in order to build a long-term relationship. I would absolutely price a one-off purchase at the higher-end market value vs if I knew I could establish a long-term relationship with them. You can even lock them into the updates you want to make now by offering a discount on whatever the market price you decide it will be as long as they want the future development. I don't know if you have an idea of how your working time and process is yet. That may or may not be a viable option for you. But it is something else you can consider.
If you are selling your model on a market place, then yes, comparable model value is a good starting point.
However, in this case you have been approached to sell your model, I would evaluate the price based on your time.
How long did it take? You can guesstimate this.
Then decide how much your time is worth.
You are obviously a skilled artist, so don't undervalue yourself. Find out what other skilled artists charge.
Example: Time = 20 hours, Hourly rate = $30. Sale Price = 20hx$30 = $600
If they want exclusivity, meaning you can't sell the model elsewhere, bump up the price a little more, say $800.
You can always negotiate, as this wasn't a commissioned piece. You could negotiate an agreement for more commissioned exclusive work.
Remember selling on a market place such as Blender Market will give you repeat sales over time, and quite possible exceed the example above.
So don't sell at a market place value to a single buyer, who approached you.
I certainly would be interested in developing a long-term relationship which is something I should investigate in further dialogue. At the same time it is a good point that they approached me for this model specifically so I could bump up the price. Also, a good idea to get a written contract! My guesstimate (good word) of how long I used on this model is kind of uncertain, because a lot of that time was spent learning things or being an obsessive perfectionist - in other words, I used a long time and I don't know if I should count that extra time if it amounts to the model becoming overly expensive? But perhaps that's normal and part of the process.
Anyway, lots of things to consider! Thank you guys for very helpful and informative replies, and the kind words! I really appreciate it! <3