Looking to charge for drone services in 2023? Look no further! In this informative video created by Dylan Gorman, a seasoned commercial drone pilot with nine years of experience, you will learn everything you need to know about pricing your drone services. Dylan covers three main topics, including the seven key considerations for pricing, different pricing structures, and important factors to consider such as training, equipment, client type, deliverables, software, insurance, and travel expenses. By watching this video, you will gain valuable insights and resources to successfully determine your rates and attract clients in the competitive drone industry.
But wait, there’s more! Dylan also provides recommendations for specialized certifications to add value to your services and discusses the importance of differentiating equipment levels, client and industry type, and deliverables and turnaround time. You’ll even discover the potential pitfalls to avoid and the need for collaboration within the drone community for growth and success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and pricing strategies for your drone services. Tune in to Dylan Gorman’s video today and charge with confidence in 2023!
Considerations for Pricing Drone Services
When it comes to pricing your drone services, there are several important factors to consider. These considerations will help you determine the appropriate pricing for your services and ensure that you are providing value to your clients. The seven key considerations for pricing drone services are:
Training and Certifications
One of the first considerations for pricing your drone services is the training and certifications you have obtained. While getting your Part 107 certification is a given, there are also additional certifications within the drone industry that can add value to your services. For example, becoming a certified thermographer can allow you to offer thermal mapping and inspection services at a higher price point. Specialized certifications in fields like oil and gas can also set you apart and justify higher rates.
Drone Equipment
The type of drone equipment you have will also impact your pricing. Drones can generally be categorized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. Beginner drones, such as DJI Mavics or Phantoms, are suitable for entry-level work in industries like real estate. Intermediate drones, like the DJI Mavic 3 or specialized Phantom 4 Pro models, allow for higher-quality work and basic mapping capabilities. Advanced drones, which often come with specialized sensors and capabilities, are used for industries like agriculture and oil and gas. The cost of your equipment will play a role in determining your pricing.
Client Type
The type of clients you work with and the industries they belong to also impact your pricing. Real estate clients typically fall at the lower end of the pricing range, while industries like agriculture and oil and gas tend to have higher budgets for drone services. Understanding the needs and expectations of different client types will help you tailor your pricing accordingly.
Deliverables
The deliverables you provide to your clients are another consideration when determining pricing. Are you offering aerial photos, videos, 3D models, or mapping services? The complexity and quality of the deliverables will factor into your pricing structure. Providing high-quality, detailed deliverables will justify higher rates.
Software
The software you use to process and analyze drone data should be taken into account when pricing your services. Certain software programs may come with additional costs, which should be factored into your pricing structure. Keep in mind that investing in specialized software can also allow you to offer more advanced and valuable services.
Drone Insurance
Drone insurance is essential for any commercial drone pilot, and it should also be factored into your pricing. The cost of insurance coverage will vary depending on factors such as the value of your equipment and the level of coverage you need. Including the cost of insurance in your pricing ensures that you are adequately covered and protects both you and your clients.
Travel Expenses
Finally, travel expenses should be considered when determining your pricing. If your services require traveling to different locations, you need to account for the costs associated with transportation, accommodation, and meals. Including these expenses in your pricing will help you cover your costs and ensure a fair rate for your services.
Different Types of Pricing
Once you have considered the above factors, it’s time to determine the specific pricing structure for your drone services. There are several commonly used pricing models within the industry:
Hourly Rate Pricing
Charging an hourly rate is one of the most straightforward pricing models. You simply charge an hourly fee for your time and services. This pricing structure can be useful for projects that have varying levels of complexity or require ongoing support.
Day Rate Pricing
Day rate pricing involves charging a set fee for a full day of work. This pricing model is often used when working on larger projects or when clients require your services for an extended period. Day rate pricing can be advantageous for both you and the client, as it provides a clear understanding of the cost for a full day’s work.
Project Type Pricing
For specific types of projects, such as aerial surveys, videography, or mapping, you may consider offering a fixed price based on the type of project. This allows clients to know exactly what they will be paying upfront and ensures that you are properly compensated for the scope of work involved.
Custom Quote Pricing
For more complex or unique projects, custom quote pricing may be necessary. This involves assessing the requirements and specific needs of the client and providing a tailored quote based on those factors. Custom quotes can be useful when dealing with large-scale projects or clients with specific requirements.
Deliverable Type Pricing
If you offer different types of deliverables, such as aerial photos, videos, or mapping services, you can price each deliverable separately. This allows clients to choose the specific services they need and pay accordingly. Pricing each deliverable type individually can be beneficial when clients have specific needs or budgets for certain services.
Adding Value with Specialized Certifications and Training
Obtaining specialized certifications and training can significantly add value to your drone services. While the Part 107 certification is necessary for commercial drone pilots, additional certifications in fields like thermography or oil and gas can set you apart from the competition and justify higher pricing. These certifications demonstrate your expertise and show potential clients that you have the skills to deliver high-quality results. Investing in continuous training and education can help you stay up to date with the latest industry standards and advancements, further enhancing the value of your services.
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Categorizing Drone Equipment
Categorizing your drone equipment is crucial when determining pricing. Different types of drones come with varying capabilities and price ranges. Categorizing drones into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels helps you set appropriate pricing based on the complexity and value of the equipment.
Beginner Level
Beginner-level drones are typically priced under $1500. These entry-level drones are suitable for basic commercial real estate work, such as photography and cinematography. Popular models in this category include DJI Mavic drones and Phantom drones.
Intermediate Level
Intermediate-level drones range in price from $2500 to $10,000. These drones offer higher-quality capabilities and are suitable for more advanced work, such as basic mapping and construction projects. Models like the DJI Mavic 3 and specialized Phantom 4 Pro drones fall into this category.
Advanced Level
Advanced-level drones are priced above $10,000 and come with specialized features and sensors. These drones are used for industries that require advanced data collection and analysis, such as agriculture, oil and gas, and infrastructure inspections. Advanced drones come with additional costs due to the specialized equipment they carry, such as lidar sensors or methane detection capabilities.
Client and Industry Type Impact on Pricing
The type of clients you work with and the industry they belong to can significantly impact your pricing. Understanding the differences in pricing expectations for different client and industry types will help you set appropriate rates for your services.
Real Estate
Working with clients in the real estate industry often falls on the lower end of the pricing range. Real estate agents and property developers may have limited budgets for drone services, especially for basic photography or videography work.
Agriculture
Agriculture is an industry where drone services can provide significant value. Farmers and agronomists rely on drones for crop monitoring, yield estimation, and pest detection. Due to the importance of accurate data in this industry, pricing for agricultural drone services tends to be higher.
Oil and Gas
The oil and gas industry has specific requirements and demands for drone services. Drones play a crucial role in infrastructure inspections, environmental monitoring, and security. The high level of expertise and specialized equipment required in this industry justifies higher pricing.
Others
While real estate, agriculture, and oil and gas are prominent industries for drone services, there are numerous other industries that may require drone services, such as construction, infrastructure, and environmental consulting. Pricing for these industries will vary based on their specific needs and budgets.
Considering Deliverables, Software, Insurance, and Travel Expenses
Aside from the key considerations mentioned earlier, several additional factors should be taken into account when determining your pricing structure.
Deliverables
The type and complexity of deliverables you provide to clients will impact pricing. Aerial photos and videos may have a different price point compared to more advanced deliverables like 3D models or mapping services. Ensure that the pricing aligns with the time and effort required to produce the deliverables.
Software
If you use specialized software for data processing and analysis, be sure to factor in the cost of the software when determining pricing. Some software programs may require a subscription or additional fees, which should be included in your pricing to cover these costs.
Drone Insurance
Drone insurance is a necessary expense for commercial drone pilots. The cost of insurance coverage will vary depending on factors such as the value of your equipment and the coverage limits you require. Including the cost of insurance in your pricing ensures that you are adequately covered and can provide peace of mind to your clients.
Travel Expenses
If your drone services require travel to different locations, you need to consider the associated expenses. Transportation, accommodation, and meals should be factored into your pricing structure. Including travel expenses ensures that you can cover your costs and provide a fair rate for your services.
Exploring Different Pricing Structures
The different pricing structures mentioned earlier (hourly rate, day rate, project type, custom quote, and deliverable type) offer flexibility to meet the needs of different clients and projects. It’s important to evaluate which pricing structure best suits your business model and the services you offer. You may find that a combination of these structures works best, depending on the project requirements and client preferences.
Factors Affecting Pricing
While the considerations and pricing structures discussed earlier form the foundation of your pricing, there are additional factors that may impact your rates.
Quick Turnaround Time
Clients often appreciate quick turnaround times for their projects. If you can deliver high-quality results within a short timeframe, you may be able to justify higher pricing. However, it’s important to consider your capacity and workload to ensure that you can consistently meet these quick turnaround times without compromising the quality of your work.
Need for Specialized Training
If a project requires additional specialized training or expertise, you may be able to charge a premium. Offering high-level skills and knowledge in niche areas can set you apart from competitors and allow you to charge higher rates. However, ensure that you have the necessary experience and qualifications to provide these specialized services.
Importance of Training in the Drone Industry
Investing in training and continuous education is crucial in the drone industry. Not only does it improve your skills and expertise, but it also allows you to provide higher-quality services and justify higher pricing. Ongoing training ensures that you stay updated with advancements in technology, regulations, and industry best practices. It also provides a competitive edge and can help you secure more lucrative projects.
Conclusion
Pricing your drone services requires careful consideration of various factors, including training and certifications, drone equipment, client and industry types, deliverables, software, insurance, and travel expenses. By taking these factors into account and choosing the appropriate pricing structure, you can provide value to your clients while ensuring a fair rate for your services. Continuous training and specialization further enhance the value you offer. Remember that pricing is a balance between your costs, the value you provide, and the expectations of your clients.
In 2023, one of the most common questions that you always get as a commercial drone pilot is what to charge for drone services. In this video, we will cover three main topics about how to charge for your drone services. If you’re looking to learn more about drone photogrammetry, you can also check out our online course here: Drone Photogrammetry Course
UPDATE 7/19/22
Exciting news! Drone Deploy has just added support for the DJI Mavic Air 2s. Now, with supported IOS devices, you can fly automated flight missions using the Drone Deploy application. If you’re interested, you can purchase the Air 2s here from Amazon for $999: DJI Mavic Air 2s on Amazon
Resources
For drone insurance, you can check out SkyWatch AI’s offering here: Drone Insurance by SkyWatch AI
Here are some drones used in the drone industry categorized by experience level:
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“Beginner” – DJI Mini 2: DJI Mini 2 on Amazon
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“Beginner” – DJI Air 2s: DJI Air 2s on Amazon
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“Intermediate” – DJI Inspire 2: DJI Inspire 2 on Amazon
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“Intermediate” – DJI Mavic 3: DJI Mavic 3 on Amazon
Here are some software options for your drone services:
- Drone Deploy: Drone Deploy
- Raptor Maps: Raptor Maps
- Rock Robotic: Rock Robotic
Join us on Pilot Byte, a platform that provides current and aspiring drone operators with information and resources to promote growth and development in the drone industry: Pilot Byte
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel here: Subscribe to Dylan Gorman’s Channel
My Camera Equipment
If you’re curious about my camera equipment, here are the items I use:
- Canon R5: Canon R5 on Amazon
- Canon 24-70 2.8L lens: Canon 24-70 2.8L Lens on Amazon
- Rode Microphone: Rode Microphone on Amazon
- Drone: Drone on Amazon
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Keep up with my updates on Instagram: /dylang_1