I'm starting up sport shooting youth soccer, gymnastics, martial arts, etc., and my question is this: I have been advised that it may be advantageous to give back a percentage of sales to leagues or private businesses in exchange for the permission to shoot on spec (in order to keep us in there), what percentage is "customary", or would be a realistic starting point to negotiate?

THats a tough question to be honest. I have seen it anywhere from 0 - 40%, although many are 15% - 30%. I personally won't get involved when there is a percentage involved as it cuts too much into profits, and with rising gas costs that just kills the deal as you would price yourself out of business in order to make a profit. Most youth leagues you don't make all that much to begin with.

JS

I posted this reply to the same question today at photo.net:

Not a kickback if it's going to the organization. I did this for several years, giving 10% of my gross sales. These are non-profit organizations, and use the money for equipment, scholarships, etc. I have gotten my regular leagues to switch over to a different "reward program" that works for both of us. I give them a team 5x7 on an 8x10 plaque instead of a percentage. One plaque for each team's HEAD coach. I often have the head coach purchase additional plaques for his assistants. They are engraved with a "Thank you for coaching our (year) team", and then the association's name. For the local hockey league (14 teams total) I give one coaches plaque per team and one for each team's sponsor. This makes the league look good for honoring their coaches and sponsors, and saves me money and hassles.

Thanks guys, I have a better idea now.

Eric.

I have not done this for years, but when I did I made a donation to the league usually in the amount of about 10% of gross. I then could tax deduct the contribution since it was not a direct discount as such. I was writing a seperate check for the donation to a non profit organization. Don't know how legal it would be today but when I did it year ago it was never challenged.

I have a few leagues I make donations to for the right to be their official photographer. I make a 10% of Gross Sales donation to the league. They are happy and as Old Timer said it's a tax deduction.
I also find that when I get the announcement into the newspaper about the donation I hear from the parents how grateful they are, good advertising.

It depends on a lot of different factors. If there are many photographers competing to get the league's business, then it would be a good idea to give a percentage of your sales back to them. If you're the only one, or if it doesn't look like you're going to make that much money from it, then it becomes a judgment call.

I've been dealing with this question for some time. I'm planning on selling items from my college's athletic department. Although I've had a number of parents and students asking about pictures, I don't foresee a huge number of sales. If I do make a ton, I might donate money to them (depending on other factors...this is the college I graduated from after all and I don't want my donation going towards a fountain...long story).

Why give them a percentage? If you want to donate a set amount each year, just do that.