Pricing Criteria for Limited Editions and Posters
Because original prints are always sold in limited editions, they command higher prices than posters ( which usually are not numbered). Since plates for original prints are made by hand and a a result can only withstand a certain amount of use, the number of the prints pullrd is limited by the number of impressions that can be made before the plate wears out. Some publishers impose their own limits on the number of impressions to increase a print's value, These limits may be set as high as 700 to 1000 impressions, but some prints are limited to just 250 to 500. making then highly prized by collectors.

A few publishers buy work outright for a flat fee, but most pay on a royalty basis, Royalties afor handpulled prints are usually based on retail price and range from 5 to 20 percent, while percentages for poster and offset reproductions are lower ( from 2 1/2 to 5 percent ) and are based on the wholesale price. Be aware that some publishers may hold back royalties to cover promotion costs, This is not uncommon.

Prices for reproductions vary widely depending on the quantity available: the artist's reputation: the popularity of the image: the quality of the paper, ink and printing process. Since prices are lower than for original prints, publishers tend to select images with high-volume sales potential.