#Pricing Mesh's
14 messages in this thread
I would love some input from the people that do this for a living full or part
time. I have uploaded a mesh c2vert which is an anatomically correct mesh
file, you can expect that the remainder of the skeleton will be just as
accurate. My question is what is a fair and reasonable price for mesh files of
this type. (NO I am not trying to commit suicide, I just know what it was like
for me to search for these and how I felt about pricing.) I would like to be
able to make this available to those who need it and not feel as though it is
unaffordable. So, since you are the ones producing developing and making a
living with this how would you go about pricing? In terms of what it cost to
produce it, lets say it has taken about 2 years worth of work, a high end laser
scanner, proprietary software, and about 5 people. I am also aware of what
other companies are charging for meshes and it is not a secret, so I dont feel
as though I am violating anyones rights. If you think this message is
offensive and not appropriate than we can always have the sysop stop the
thread. Thanks and I look forward to the feedback. Samuel Coor
Hi Sam,
How's it been going?
I haven't looked at the mesh yet, but knowing you it's probably pretty nice.
I'm not going to go into a spiel about how I would price mesh on the open
market, 'cause to tell ya the truth, there probably is no simple or exclusively
correct answer. However, after thinking about this for some time, I *do* have
an observation:
Often, when someone is looking for a mesh, the actual quality they need depends
on the project they are working for. So what the mesh is worth to them is
highly subjective, and also depends on the project's budget. This, of course,
has little to do with the time and effort spent making the mesh. So, if you're
gonna try to satisfy an existing market, the best thing to do is find out *who*
the market is (I have no idea how to do this…<g>), and model at a level of
complexity that seems to best satisfy the bulk of the market.
Just my 0.02$…
-Alan
In terms of the market, the mesh is really useful to people that need
anatomical accuracy and not an illustrative example. So it is a niche market,
also since the face count is so high just for a single vertebrae imagine what
it will be like for the vertebral column and cord!. Things are going well
otherwise there have been a number of major changes in corporate structure and
the University of Washington Health Science department is doing all of the
sales, marketing, and tech support. We have a number of projects in the works.
Thanks for the feedback Sam
Sam,
To get an idea about pricing of your mesh, you might want to contact John
Thomas at Viewpoint. I think they'd give you a fair appraisal and even an offer
to market it for you. J.T's number is 1800-328-2738
-JE
I had spoken with viewpoint awhile back and they were not really interested in
what I had in mind at the time. I have looked at their pricing structure for
there meshes and because of some feedback from other people about it I posted
this message. I think there is a tremendous difference between what you
perceive is a fair and reasonable price vs what the professionals who need the
data feel is a reasonable price. I would like to get a feel of the what the
professionals perceive. since they are the ones buying and using the mesh. To
make an analogy, I am not a game player, however I have been very intrigued
about some of the and have laid out $60 – $100 on some of the "GREAT" games. I
currently will not buy another one. I have also investigated some of the
medical cd-roms and they are priced fairly high $300 range, and for the most
part these are not doing well at all. Once again the people producing feel its
worth the price but the professionals don't. The medical market is undergoing
alot of growth pains for that reason. Thanks Sam
Sam,
Your points are well taken. I would give J.T. a call anyway. The market is
changing and his insight, I think, would be beneficial. If someone really needs
a mesh they will pay a premium, on the other hand no matter how good the mesh
is or how much time you've devoted to it, if it isn't needed it doesn't matter
how you price it.
-JE
Sam-
I create meshes and animation for what I like to call a living, but on an as
needed basis. They are usually so specific, I can only use them once. What
you might want to consider if you have one or two meshes is to try to just sell
them or license them to a company who already has a name and a big market like
Viewpoint. It is hard to market that kind of thing on your own. Good luck
with whatever you do.
=jmr
I use medical meshes for forensic animations. It is difficult to answer your
questions regarding pricing and quality/resolution but I'll just say that I
don't usually need the kind of detail you're describing but I do need models
which are accurate in the overall shape and distinctive features.
Viewpoint has some very nice models but I find — for my market and needs —
that their prices are just too high to justify for most projects. And to be
frank, I don't really care how long it took you to produce a model; just how
much the model is worth to me. Also, you might consider that almost everyone
(well, I think so) would like to have a nice skeleton in the mesh closet and if
there was a good one at a low price, it would probably sell in good numbers as
opposed to an expensive model which only a few people would purchase.
Alec Jason
I agree with you, thats why I would like some guidlines from people like you on
actual pricing structure. Sam
Well, Ok. I'd buy a good skeleton for $500.
Alec Jason
Hi Sam,
Do you have any good skulls. A person approached me concerning a project on
nose jobs (rinoplasy ?SP). Nothing definite, but I am looking for good
resources for meshes.
I am assuming you are the one that uploaded the vertebae. I haven't downloaded
it, so should I.
Bryce, at the big red stick animation outpost down south.
I should have one in the next couple of weeks. The remainder of the vertebral
column is done as well as the sacrum, coccyx and ilium. All are anatomically
correct! Thanks Sam
Thanks for the reply Sam,
It is my personal feeling that if you are trying to market you wares in the
installed base of 3DS users a price of $350 to $500 would be about right price
threshold. It seems that almost all of the plugin stuff for 3DS is $300. It
is my understanding that it is the largest installed base of 3D animation
software on PC's or probably any platform. I know that you will be marketing
the models to other 3D programs, but if you don't get a good response from
3DS'ers, well………you get the idea.
I am still assuming that it was you that uploaded the vertebrae.
Bryce
CF/X Image, Inc.
Yes, I did upload the vertebrae, sorry about the confusion. I tend to agree
overall with the comments of the members on pricing structure. I think when it
is all said and done the prices will be reasonable. Thanks for your input Sam