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What Should I Charge For My Drone Services?
This is a very common question constantly asked with the Drone community. This is extremely difficult and challenging to answer and unfortunately, one size does not fit all. Training, Experience, and job experience must all be taken into account.
Most operators I have talked to, myself included, offer a flat rate price for the specified job. It is extremely important that you do not devalue the industry. Believe it or not, there are uncertified and uninsured remote pilots out there willing to work for much less than the person that is doing what they are supposed to be doing. The clients are quickly realizing the difference, but these operators still exist.
Take Into Account Your Expenses
All of your monthly expenses must be taken into account. Even the smallest detail should be taken into consideration. Any training and experience in this industry counts into your value as a Remote Pilot.
Training
Have you had specific training that would come into play on this particular mission? Anybody can fly up and take pictures of a sunset. Training is what will put you above all of the other operators that just claim they are good. You need to be certified to stand out of the crowd today.
Equipment
Whatever you have decided or is required for the mission at hand needs to be reflected into the price. Using an expensive and specific piece of equipment that will help you excel at your mission adds value to your services also.
Insurance
By this point in your Remote Pilot career, you should have purchased some kind of insurance. If not, read why you should have insurance here. <Insert Insurance Link> Insurance is a strong sign of being a professional in your industry. Professional companies stamp “Licensed & Insured” all over their websites and vehicles for a reason. These two words alone are highly valued and need to be the industry norm.
Drone Insurance, What Every Operator Needs to Know!
Post Processing
If you plan on or typically do any
Location, Location, Location!
Depending on your location can also influence your price. Higher cost of living locations will take a premium vs some other less populated areas. Not only is the cost of living higher, but the cost of services rises also.
Include Travel Time
Another popular discussion is wether or not to include travel time. If you were to consider this a local job, the answer should be no. Once you start to put some significant miles on your vehicle, now it becomes an issue of where do you draw the line between local and long distance.
What About Maintenance?
As with any other mechanical vehicle out there, maintenance costs must be taken into considerations. Typically this is calculated at a percentage of the value of aircraft. Batteries are only good for a certain number of charges. Eventually parts just wear out even if there is not an accident.
See How to Report All Accidents Under Part 107 Within 10 Days
Aircraft Depreciation
While you are thinking about maintenance, remember your drone will not last forever. Most operators expect even a well-maintained drone to only last an estimated 18 months. Some might last longer but, at some point regardless, will need to be replaced.
Ask Other Operators
Ask around! Many competitors routinely will call and ask for service quotes over the phone. Definitely at least a few people might call this sneaky or possibly unethical, but this is not necessarily the case. Remember, other operators want to keep service values high. When somebody new comes in and unknowingly undercuts their prices causing all values to plummet.
Conclusion
Every situation and market is different. Join a community such as CommercialDronePilots.com. There is a plethora of knowledge out there just waiting to be read and put to use. Reach out to other operators and see how they are doing. Get to know your local repair shop as this will be a central hub of local knowledge.
