How To Charge For Drone Services - In 2023

One of the most common questions that I always get over the last few years as a commercial drone pilot is, what to charge for drone services. We cover 3 main topics about how to charge for your drone services. Check this video out to learn more!
Looking to learn more about drone photogrammetry? Check out our online course: www.pilotbyte.com/course/dron...
►UPDATE 7/19/22
Drone Deploy just added support for the DJI Mavic Air 2s. You are now able to fly automated flight missions with the Drone Deploy application with supported IOS devices. Pick up the Air 2s here from Amazon for $999 amzn.to/3PkffBr
►Resources:
Drone Insurance: www.skywatch.ai/lpc/dylan-gorman
Drones used in the drone industry:
1) "Beginner" - DJI Mini 2: amzn.to/3MwY7GO
2) "Beginner" - DJI Air 2s: amzn.to/3s2TVGO
3) "Intermediate" - DJI Inspire 2: amzn.to/38EerXp
4) "Intermediate" - DJI Mavic 3: amzn.to/3LAK3vO
Software:
Drone Deploy: www.dronedeploy.com/
Raptor Maps: raptormaps.com/
Rock Robotic: www.rockrobotic.com/
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► Join us on Pilot Byte! Our platform provides current and aspiring drone operators with information and resources to promote growth and development in the drone industry: www.pilotbyte.com
► Subscribe to my channel here: / dylangorman
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Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:52 (Overview) 7 Considerations for service pricing
01:12 1/7 Training & Certifications
02:37 2/7 Drone Equipment
04:50 3/7 Client Type
07:02 4/7 Deliverables
07:22 5/7 Software
08:09 6/7 Drone Insurance
08:32 7/7 Travel & Expenses
09:03 Pricing your services
09:10 Hourly Rate Pricing
11:03 Day Rate Pricing
11:55 Project Type Pricing
12:46 Custom Quote Pricing
12:57 Deliverable Type Pricing
14:11 How do I charge for drone services
16:11 Big NO's of Drone Service Pricing
18:48 Outro

[@user-ek8cd1he7p]

That inspire sitting on the edge of the pool: 😮😅

[@dronevantagecanada1385]

Thanks Dylan! This is definitely the most informative drone business video I've ever watched. Five plus years in the industry and most other drone service companies hesitate on sharing information. It's been a guessing game up 'til now and I want to thank your for sharing. You're right, we have to stick together!

[@zikchil1208]

Great vid. I notice some hesitation at times from some people in the industry with regard to discussing "how much". It's like they are trying to not divulge some company secret but it leaves new pilots hanging, setting them up for ridicule. I tell new pilots the same thing about residential real estate, and I still use that as a buffer for down time and keep my flight log populated. Cheers!

[@DylanGorman]

Glad you found this useful! I try and be honest!

[@baldemadara5068]

😊😊😊😊😊

[@andreidodu3778]

One of the best videos that I have ever watched on KZbin for drone industry. I totally agree on the 15% from the last bit of the video. Thank you for this video. You really helped me alot and I hope to see more videos like this one in the near future. Respect!

[@Ash-hs5jb]

Loved how in depth you went on pricing,tools and certs. Definitely looking to get into drone piloting. Nice jeans btw 😉

[@Loy_Otterton]

I'm a young drone pilot looking to get my part 107 cert, your video helped me understand more about what I should look out for once I am able to start taking jobs.

[@Garylhairston]

Thank you. I am just starting in the commercial drone industry. I purchased the DJI Mavic 3 pro. I am part 107 as of July 15th . The information was very useful. Thanks again

[@louislachapelle3157]

Very interesting. No BS and good tips. Big wow for the informations provided. You bring up specific inputs that barely no vids contain. Congrats 👌.

[@ramzimakarem1837]

Thanks for sharing such valuable information. I've learnt a lot.

[@sleepingbearffg5008]

Music rocked.. Snow.. I miss 50 everyday during winter.. rainy. But no snow. landing was cool too . Good video my friend 💪💪🙏👊👊 God bless

[@Wizconsin]

Thank you, I might be getting ahead of myself, as I’m definitely in the beginner category. Although, you raised the ceiling and gave options to pursue.

[@youngprince716]

I think you're the man!! Recently been thinking of going off on my own and doing something. Watched a bunch of your videos, I just fly recreationally rn... but I still I just want to say thank you. I think this is the video I needed to see.

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you for checking out the video and channel! I appreciate it!

[@dhruvsarin5717]

What’s the update ?

[@etherealillusion3159]

6 months after your comment and 2 months since you ignored Dhruv Savin asking you... did you go off on your own? What happened?

[@youngprince716]

@@dhruvsarin5717 hi there friend, I am sorry I did not notice these comments were directed at me. @ethereal illusion. I did not go out on my own yet, still only flying recreationally. I am currently preoccupied. I do however hope to pursue this by the spring / summer time of 2023

[@youngprince716]

@@etherealillusion3159 didn't know how to tag u also but I responded where I originally replied to dhurv sarin

[@GBH293]

You are a very good teacher. I am considering Part 107 training and am so grateful to have stumbled onto your channel. I’m looking forward to this journey. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@talmagekohler8718]

you need training to get a part 107??

[@hudson.kemnitz]

@@talmagekohler8718 you don't need to do a training course. You can if you want. It defintly will make the test easier. Also I am pretty sure you get other certificates for doing the training

[@zipper978]

Just do some studying the 107 is not hard to get.

[@gatorman-st4vb]

Very helpful in determining what (and IF) this is something I want to pursue. Good stuff!

[@processtechnique]

Thanks Dylan and Hi from the UK. Just came across your channel. Very helpful and bags of common sense in what you say.

[@marlowemorris752]

This was the video I needed to see. I’m in Atlanta Ga. and looking to start up Drone service business. I have a year of thermal training, but didn’t know I had to get a license for it, so this is very helpful.

[@Atanasovsss]

Very helpful. Thank you for putting this together in such a structured way. I'm considering to level up my skills as drone pilot and I really get the perspective of what a future might look like for me in few years time if I dedicate some of my free time to it. Good job and keep up with the good work :)

[@DavidOliver_Skier]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@boboso7238]

This is a great video. Very clear, straight forward and most of all informative and honest.

[@DylanGorman]

I appreciate that! I try and put out the best information that I can!

[@PeachStateNotaryServices]

Thanks Dylan for sharing your wealth of experience. I appreciate you sharing the professional side of the Drone industry, it began as a hobby interest and then I soon saw the various niche markets I could offer services part-time. I'll be joining your mastery course soon. Thank you

[@DylanGorman]

Amazing! Let me know if you have any questions

[@timpugel8693]

Dylan, Im a disabled service veteran that is looking to get into doing this for some side income. Been watching all your videos.

[@BearNecessitiesAerialPhotos]

Thanks Dylan for sharing your wealth of experience. As I transition into the professional side of the Drone industry, your information is very helpful for me to choose which path to take. Thanks again for all you do for the drone community and I look forward to more of your videos.

[@DylanGorman]

Glad to hear I am able to help in this industry! Best of luck as you transition!

[@rolandobarbosa5044]

Thanks for the Video! We appreciate your time on this! ✊

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you!

[@siayx_5128]

Really appreciate the insight from this Dylan, thank you!

[@a2k-media]

Thanks Dylan especially for all the things you’ve said at the end of your video. I wish that there are many “newcomer pilots” listening to that! 🎉 Greetings from Germany. If there is a chance for me to visit your country again one day, it would be a pleasure to get in touch with you.

[@shaunchapman]

Really great breakdown on the billing part of your business. This info is valuable for the newcomers like me. Maybe I shouldn't be skeptical but the last bit about being a family is pushing it a bit in my opinion. Business is always dollars over companionship in my experience. I'm looking forward to learning more from your videos, thanks.

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you for watching! Fair enough for your last point, I’m just very passionate about this industry and want to educate newcomers as best as possible! It’s still such a new industry that I’d like to see as many people succeed as possible! But yes money is money and people will do what that want to get it, can’t stop that.

[@juanocampo8804]

This answers many questions I had. One thing I saw with some training courses I did was that they say everything drones can do and make it sound so easy, yet they don't talk about having to know about mapping, thermography, etc. Many talk about how drones are great for x y and z, but make no mention of extra training courses and the like. Especially if you want to be competitive. I recently took a nose dive into the drone industry, got my Part 107, did an in person week long training where they talked about several niches, but I still feel like I'm way behind the curb. I want to do asset inspection mostly. I looked into the Skydio, mostly because I'd like to get govt contracts in the future.

[@DylanGorman]

Super glad you found this useful! I have a full raw course I am working on to train my 3+ years of experience all condensed into a few hours worth of training!

[@user-zu1di4ok2t]

Great information, and it is very helpful for us new comers of the drone service community. Thanks for your sharing Dylan

[@pglazzari1]

Thanks for the wisdom and full knowledge of what to expect when investing into these tiers. You’re part of the KZbin university professor list I’ve been building.

[@DylanGorman]

I appreciate that! I do enjoy educating as much as I can.

[@kingk.2547]

Best video I’ve seen so far on drone pricing

[@VRStudio6969]

Thanks Dylan for your video and all that expensive information thanks a lot 🙏

[@svibrstv8885]

Good Job Dylan! You laid out a very thorough and practical approach to understanding the market for drone services. You hit some areas I did not think about, which generated some new ideas I might want to pursue as well. Thanks for the information! Subscribed!

[@DylanGorman]

Glad this video helped! Thank you!

[@lindadelangis5211]

Man I really appreciate your detailed guidance! Super helpful 👍🏼

[@lindadelangis5211]

And moving forward as a family!!! ❤❤❤

[@juanlujano4895]

Thanks for sharing all these tips!

[@JohnWillman]

Thank you soo very much for your honesty and humility to help others out. Still working on landing my first client. Growing my roots I guess. Videos like this grow my confidence with the business. Branching my drone business off of my fence company business. Again thanks,..

[@dannygoates5658]

Thank you for doing this video. Appreciated!

[@DylanGorman]

Glad you liked it!

[@BookOfMorman]

Amazing content as usual!

[@MikeB-ee6hj]

GREAT video full of information Dylan. I believe i will be able to take my GRADD 107 training paired with your additional information and have a payback method!

[@paulwellington3406]

Thanks for the advice very informative.

[@glennalan]

Great video Dylan! Very helpful thank you

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you Glenn!

[@spartanaerialservices]

Great stuff! I am just getting started in Drone Inspections, just got my Thermography level 1. More training coming.

[@DylanGorman]

Best of luck!

[@torchbeareraerial4660]

What's your plan next? Level 2 Thermography? Have you booked any gigs using any of the stuff you learned in lvl1? How'd it go?

[@merlands1]

Fantastic and informative video. I just subscribed !

[@jalabi99]

This channel deserves more subscribers. So I just subscribed 😀

[@DylanGorman]

Wow thank you!

[@Mrim86]

Incredible insight. Thank you.

[@anastasianolan1186]

I’ve been watching a few of your videos today and want to say thank you, I’ve found them quite informative. I’m new to the drone community, I work for a surveying and mapping company and recently got my part 107. For the company, I’ve had the opportunity to fly a Phantom 4, a Matrice 210 and a WingtraONE gen 2. Our main application for the drone work is basic topography, but you’ve given me some insight to opportunities we’re missing out on as far as what we could be using it for on some of our construction sites. My next step though is hoping to create a side business with drones. I’m still trying to narrow down on a niche. Real estate has been my first thought, but doesn’t hold a lot of interest for me. What you’re doing in commercial real estate seems to resonate with me and my more long term goals(I have a background in heavy equipment/land development and intend to build a business in that scope in the further out future). I’m taking a beginners CAD course in the fall, and I have access to some of the processing software you’ve mentioned(pix4d in particular). Is there any courses or training you would suggest to help me get more focused and trained in that particular niche before diving in and trying to bankroll a side business of my own?

[@DylanGorman]

Wow thank you for the awesome comment! I do have a course that I am working on but I’m also putting out little videos to explain and educate so be sure to watch out for all of the content that I am producing! Thank you!

[@DimmyV]

Thanks Dylan. Supporting the drone Pilot community is key. It’s a good and fun community 🍻

[@DylanGorman]

It comes with its ups and downs but mainly all positive! Thanks for watching!

[@francojohnathon]

Well rounded video. I appreciate your ethics.

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you!

[@Culperrr]

Saw this 5 minutes before I have to go to work. I know what I am watching during my lunch time, lol. Can't wait.

[@DylanGorman]

Haha that’s awesome!

[@KlavsDubra]

Thanks, for this Video! I an new in this, trying to go in this industry. Still dont know where the beginning is... But i will find.

[@deanrodriguez4132]

Very professional and realistic approach!

[@mataiochock4904]

Thank you, Dylan for this treasure trove of information. I currently have the mini 2 and Mavic pro 2S and recently started an llc for drone service/photography. Today I purchased the p4p Version @, and will receive by the end of this coming week. Very Excited to be moving forward in this industry. The information that you provided Is to me, equal to gold. Easy to understand and to the point. Very much appreciated. my full time is construction, and I currently already have my OSHA 30, I did not even think of including that certification. I'm a new subscriber. Mahalo Piha (thank You), Sir. A plethora of information!

[@DylanGorman]

Wow this is awesome to hear! I’m glad this video found its way to you! Best of luck in the industry!

[@rbdrones6198]

THANKS FOR THE INFO

[@thaddiousthomas]

Subscribed, thanks for this great info!

[@DylanGorman]

Awesome, thank you!

[@WilliamDeanPlumbing]

I'm now coming up on 61 and I own and operate my small Plumbing Service where it's just me, myself and I, it's great money and I've been very happy with it, but thinking of slowly transitioning over to drone services, and getting the Autel Alpha after taking some courses and whatnot. This will be a bit easier on my body and a good transition for me since I am a technical kind of person, and I don't mind traveling. Thanks for the video, it clued me in on a couple more aspects of the service.

[@KJandSarah]

What an informative video! Amazing work.

[@DylanGorman]

Thanks guys!

[@mortalwombatfpv9386]

Very good information thank you for sharing Dylan

[@DylanGorman]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@eszterdomina]

Excellent! Thank you!,,❤

[@DoryAbelman]

Super useful video! Thanks for sharing

[@hastenbiddlecome2677]

How do you go about getting clients/ work? Where does one look? If there is a video addressing this let me know! Great video!

[@Season1Ep3]

Wow you're really helpful thank you 🙏

[@JoeBoone82]

Another good video Dylan. The first video of yours that I watched was the about using the Mini 2 with Maps Made Easy to create orthos, etc. I recently tested it out and it gives you all of the files, but what is the cheapest to view those files? The renderings that it provides through Map Pilot Pro even says "low resolution" so I was curious how to create a deliverable that others can view in high resolution? I downloaded and used Agisoft Metashape and it worked pretty well, but I'm still not sure how someone else would view that without having the software. Also, Drone Deploy is not $300+ per month. If you just want to do a job here and there to get your feet wet, can you use something like Maps Made Easy to obtain similar results? Just curious if there are other budget friendly options for people just getting started, or is Drone Deploy providing something that MME does not? Thanks!

[@johnking6526]

Great job on this .

[@fbcrypto4897]

Thanks, great video

[@johnhubbard6262]

As a retired Contractor it was interesting hearing your biz advice, undercutting for example, or lowballing as we call it. Basically there are just two many folks not bright enough to understand you cant charge less than it costs you to provide services legitimately over time with the proper equipment. I would be careful as your industry grows though, coordination between players becomes price fixing at a certain point and has been the downfall of many in various industries.

[@athenarobbins2515]

Thank you Dylan! Really appreciated your video information. I've got large goals to move into sophisticated drone work and working hard and enthusiastically at it. Your info gives me great hope!

[@DylanGorman]

Best of luck!

[@tomg234]

The inspire drone just on the edge on the pool side made me scared the whole time - but great video.

[@nicholasdiaz6864]

Great video, thank you!

[@fldrone-3dmodeling193]

I purchased dji mini 2 drone earlier this year and upgraded to a dji air 2s a month ago. I am looking to start creating reliable 3d models and 2d orthographic models for clients. I can't afford paying $200 to $500 a month when I don't have any clients. I have been shopping around when I found dronelink and ODM software. Dylan, you are one of the voices that I really appreciate listening to. I want to know how I and you can guarantee the a level of accuracy one your models without GCPs? I am so tempted to just by an $8000 Drone with rtk setup but I haven't yet made my first credible 3d model. YIKES!!!

[@Leth0]

Great video, ALOT of information my mind is spinning at how much information was shared! Im currently a Real Estate Drone Pilot wondering how I can break into higher paying Gigs.

[@user-qe7je7bn3t]

Finally, a straight shooter whose not trying to pick my pocket!!! Thanx in advance Dylan, for doing the ground work for me man!

[@gpowell511]

Awesome vid. GIS is my world and did my thesis in remote sensing. I’m looking to get an intermediate drone for some really cool ideas I have but if anyone has any data sets I could flesh out the ideas with I’d be more than happy to partner up and see if we can develop it. My value would be more in the post processing and product development but if not I plan to just buy my own. But figured it’s worth a shot to put it this out there first.

[@rogerthompson2005]

thanks for your video, will watch more of yours soon / SUBSCRIBED! I have a Mavic 3 on order ( I didnt want to buy in to older tech and wanted the dual lens), Im a photographer/videographer looking to expand my income if possible in Melbourne Australia. Thanks, and hoping mapping will come the M3 soon!??

[@DylanGorman]

I hope so too, time will tell!

[@brunogt1982]

Awesome video thank you 👍🏼

[@DylanGorman]

Thank you as always!

[@robertgeiter6428]

Great advice thanks

[@whatsnext2286]

Hello, GREAT VIDEO! Would it be good to get started with the DJI Air 2S? I know that it has really good visual quality. Thanks!

[@jakehancock3645]

So i am pretty interested in this work, but I am curious how you approach your potential customer base? and what that process looks like. would love to talk. thanks!

[@wanhasyidanchannel6265]

Thank You Bro for the Information...

[@DylanGorman]

Welcome

[@kennyfostergaming7002]

could you make a video on the types of certifications you can get for specific fields with drones. Or if you have one already, can I get the link to that please.

[@Hondo0101]

You are so right.

[@rickracine9758]

THX for that info im think of doing some light, small commercial work with my drone , i have much to learn and i see your a real expect on that , im in Canada and im thinking of doing that as a hobby really maybe make a couple extra bucks , give you heads up we actually chatted on your prior vid and you ask about if the test is exclusive only to Canadians ,i responded and hope that was informative ,have a great day

[@sumithdesilva3633]

Valuable tips

[@mymaui1068]

Thanks for the great video Dylan! I have clients wants a live video an area with pin of area that have problems. what is the best way?

[@que_dijo]

-thanks, tons of good info here!

[@inglopezcastro]

Hello! Great video. Question what drone related applications are being used in the oil and gas industry?

[@fvsmith]

I must learn more!

[@GorotubeNG]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@afsana7237]

Hey Dylan! I just ordered my first ever drone, the DJI Mini 3. What are some key incomes I could potentially make from it? What are some softwares, certifications, areas that this specific drone would support?

[@virtualspokespeople4066]

Hi Dylan, I've recently retired and picked up a DJI mini 3 pro. I am now thinking about using it to make a small side income. I'd probably do some roof inspections and the like. I was just wondering, would you add a discrete, small logo or contact details to a video or image or would you leave them bare? Thanks, Clint

[@yarz443]

Great video. I've got one complaint though. The drones standing literally on the edge of the swimming pool give me heavy anxiety lol.

[@kevinharris946]

I'm interested in a consult. After being hired to do mapping and volume models for Central African mining sites, I was perplexed about what I might need to know for connectivity and processing on the third world?

[@Nomad1957]

Cool video thank you.

[@ORGANIZEDCoNfUsioN]

That's some great information, thanks. Like # 65!!!

[@DylanGorman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@skycreationsllc8368]

When I discovered drones (late 2018), I jumped in with both feet going from a Spark to Inspire 2. Then the icing on the cake, I was able to get Level 1 Certified in Thermal for free. So what did I do?, I got my I2 rigged for thermal. I got hired to work an oil tank field in Cushing, OK (huge oil tank farm) and then Covid hit and I lost the job. Probably a good thing because the organization that hired me wasn't the owner of the tank field. Never got another hit for thermal so that ended up being an expensive lesson learned.

[@PowderMill]

👍🏼 THANKS for the TRUTH!

[@handy-capoutdoors4063]

Thanks, u was actually looking for this as I am currently going through online college to get UAS pilot and engineering degree certification thing. .. I'm looking for a way to get into pilot jobs locally to earn a little extra to make ends meet. Do you have anyone in the western Wisconsin south east Minnesota area that might help a new pilot get started?

[@filimitproductions6232]

Hi Dylan. Could you do a video on deliverables. Thanks

[@DylanGorman]

Great comment! Let me write that video up!

[@pepahouse17]

Thanks for sharing this information! Very much appreciated. Which drone you recommend for starting on mapping?

[@DylanGorman]

Phantom 4 Pro v2 if you can still ahold of one!

[@86309]

well done!

[@bmwrider1931]

I do all agriculture mostly with a cheap Dji drone.. it’s easier to work with. It can be done like I said depends on your skills. I charge 350 per hour.. I have been doing this for 13 years. Day rate usually 5000.00 farmers need us. But farming is taking a big hit.

[@themissinglightninglink]

Hey I am about to purchase the mavic 3 multispectral and plan to market to farmers in my area...if you don't mind - what drone(s) do you use and what services do you offer in the Ag industry? Thank you in advance for your time and I have many more questions to ask but I won't overwhelm you with them yet.😉

[@Time2FLYAlDiaz]

Great info! Thx

[@DylanGorman]

Appreciate it!