Hired by a client of over 200 or more guests. Some of them don't know the host and have asked me if they need to pay me for a photo booth photo. I said no. Some still did pay, and some even donated.

1、Is it unethical to charge if they ask? Is it also unethical to pocket tips?

2、How much would you say a single horizontal DNP print costs? If you're printing strips, they get cut in half. My guess is $2 per 4x6''. Then $1 for each strip?? If so, you might be able to make more by running down 1400 prints per roll if you charge by print at an event.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but most in my area charge $250-$330 for 2 hours and they still include prints. I think they're being taken advantage of, what do you think?

一、Ethical Considerations

1、Charging for Prints

If the event host has already paid you for the photo booth services, it's generally expected that the prints would be included in that package. Charging guests for prints, especially if they were not informed beforehand, can be considered unethical as it might create confusion and a sense of unfairness.

2、Accepting Tips

Accepting tips is typically considered ethical as long as it’s clear to the guests that the photo booth services are already covered by the host. Tips are usually given as a token of appreciation for good service, and it's common in many service industries to accept them.

二、Cost of Prints

1、DNP Print Cost

To understand the economics of running a photo booth, let's look at the cost of prints. For instance, 800 sheets of 4x6" DNP printing paper might cost around $118, making the cost per print approximately $0.14. If you're printing photo strips (typically two strips per 4x6" print), the cost per strip would be roughly half of that, around $0.07.

2、Pricing Strategy

If you're considering charging $2 per 4x6" print or $1 per strip, this is significantly higher than the cost price. This can potentially generate a good profit if guests are willing to pay. However, it’s important to consider the overall experience and expectations set by the host.

Most photo booth services in your area might charge around $250-$330 for a two-hour event, which includes prints. This pricing often covers not only the cost of prints but also the setup, operation, and any additional services like props or custom backdrops. While the profit margins can be attractive, it's important to ensure that your pricing reflects the value you provide and meets market expectations.

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