Aerial Northwest - How to Bill Clients for Drone and Ground Real Estate Shoots

Billing clients for real estate shoots—whether drone, ground, or both—can be tricky if you don’t have a structured approach. Setting clear expectations and breaking down every billable item helps you get paid fairly while ensuring your client understands the value of your services.

Let’s break down how to create an invoice that reflects the full scope of your work and please be sure to download your free copy of “Drone & Ground Real Estate Shoot: Billable Items Checklist.”

1. Base Photography & Videography Fees

This is the core charge for your services. Pricing can vary depending on your experience, location, and deliverables. Here’s how to structure it:

Drone Photos Only: Charge per photo or a flat rate (e.g., $150 for 10 photos, $250 for 20 photos).
Ground Photos Only: Similar to drone photography, you can charge per image or package rate.
Combo Photo Package: If combining drone and ground photography, offer bundled pricing (e.g., $350 for 20 photos total, split between aerial and ground shots).
Video Packages: Base video rates should reflect the time spent capturing and editing footage (e.g., $400 for a 60-90 second edited real estate video).

2. Add-On Services

Clients often need extra services beyond standard photos and videos. Consider the following add-ons:

Twilight/Sunset Photography: ($75-$150 extra) Requires additional scheduling and editing.
Virtual Staging: ($30-$50 per image) If clients want digitally staged interiors.
Property Highlight Reels: ($100-$250) Shorter, social media-friendly edits of the main video.
Neighborhood Footage: ($50-$150) Aerial shots of surrounding amenities.
Custom Branding: ($50-$100) Logos and agent branding incorporated into videos.
Rush Delivery: ($50-$200) If a client needs photos/videos within 24 hours.

3. Travel Fees

If the property is located outside your standard service area, charge for mileage and time. Common structures include:

Flat Travel Fee: (e.g., $50 for locations 30-50 miles away)
Per Mile Charge: (e.g., $0.60 per mile beyond a 20-mile radius)
Hourly Travel Rate: If long-distance travel is required (e.g., $75/hour of travel).

4. Licensing & Usage Fees

Clarify how clients can use your images and footage. Consider:

Basic License: Included in base pricing (for MLS and agent marketing only).
Extended Commercial Use: ($100-$300) If the images are used in advertisements, TV, or third-party sites.
Exclusive Rights: ($300-$1,000) If the client wants full ownership of the visuals.

5. Reshoot & Cancellation Fees

Sometimes, clients may need a reshoot or cancel at the last minute. Set clear policies:

Reshoot Due to Weather: Free if unsafe to fly, but charge if reshooting for aesthetic reasons.
Client Reschedule (24+ Hours Notice): No fee.
Client Reschedule (Less Than 24 Hours): $50-$100 fee.
Same-Day Cancellation: Charge 50%-100% of the base fee.

6. Invoice Format & Payment Terms

Your invoice should be professional and easy to understand. Include:

Client Name & Contact Info
Service Date & Location
Itemized List of Charges (Base rate, add-ons, travel, licensing, etc.)
Subtotal, Taxes, & Total Due
Accepted Payment Methods (Credit card, PayPal, direct deposit, etc.)
Due Date & Late Payment Policy

A clear, itemized invoice minimizes confusion and makes it easier for clients to approve payments quickly.

Takeaway

Billing for drone and ground real estate shoots doesn’t have to be complicated. By clearly outlining every billable item and setting firm payment terms, you protect your business while providing transparency to clients.

Over time, you’ll refine your pricing strategy to maximize both profitability and client satisfaction.

If you have any questions, let us know! If you’d like to hire us, you can get more information here.

Written by: Tony Marino, MBA – FAA Certified Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot and Chief Business Strategist at Aerial Northwest

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.