FAQ

The System

What am I buying?
The TowerCam system is an all inclusive, elevated photography system that includes everything needed to operate an elevated photography business.

Do I need to be a photographer?
No. The system is very simple to operate and can be run entirely by one person with no photography experience at all. The provided training manual should clear up all the mysteries of photography as it pertains to our system. You may also call us with questions while using your system!

Is the equipment too heavy for me to use?
The heaviest component is the tripod which weighs about 45 pounds. The other components are all pretty light weight.

Do I need a special vehicle or trailer to transport it?
No. We strongly recommend that the tower be transported inside of a van, SUV, larger car, or enclosed trailer. The finish on the tower needs to be protected from road grime, bugs etc.

Do I need a special license or permit to operate any of the equipment.
No. You are simply a photographer with a very large tripod, nothing more. You should obtain a business license and business insurance, however.

Can I provide my own equipment if I have it.
No. It's very important that the system in its entirety is fully assembled and tested prior to delivery, therefore we will not accept equipment from outside sources.


Can I use a video camera on the system?
Yes. Some video cameras can be attached to a computer with specialized software that allows you to control the cameras operation from the laptop. TowerCam systems does not officially support this type of technology yet, although we're happy to help you figure it out for your own business.

Do you provide financing?
No. We only accept payment in full just like any other purchase. No COD. No exceptions.

Do I need to purchase any other items not included with my TowerCam purchase?
Only a couple of inexpensive items. You'll need a 3 step ladder (no more than 3 steps), something sturdy. You'll need a square, folding card table to hold your laptop on when shooting. Trust us, get a square card table! You also may want to get 4 small orange safety cones. They can be purchased at Lowes and are sometimes needed when shooting on the street, side walk, or other location where safety is paramount.

The Market

What is my primary market?
There are dozens of markets you can serve with the TowerCam system although we do find that the real estate market is very consistent. Other industries you could address include security, insurance, police, field studies, road construction, landscape developers and so much more.

Where do I find customers?
TowerCam has found that word-of-mouth networking is the most effective method for finding customers. We highly recommend that you join and participate in your local Chamber of Commerce networking meetings where you'll have access to hundreds of other professionals who are also there looking for products and services.

What is the future for this service?
In a word, HUGE. This service is very unique, specialized, and when customers see the results they typically book more right on the spot. The system can be adapted to work in almost any industry that utilizes photographs and you can provide them with a fresh, new perspective that most only dream of.

Will I have competition?
Hard to say. However we challenge you to open up every local real estate booklet and try to find a home that has been shot using this type of low-level aerial system. We think you'll find that this system is unique and that there's a ready market for it. We do not compete with traditional aerial photography. That's really a different market altogether.

Am I limited to a territory??
No. One of the benefits of owning a TowerCam system is that it's so mobile! You may accept jobs anywhere you like, even if traveling across country.

The Money

So what can I make?
This depends on YOU. You can choose to be a great artist or a great business person (who can take a picture). Let's do some math together. Let's say you charge $69 per shot (which is a lower than average charge for this service), and in a typical day you shoot about 5 quick shots a day, without pursuing any other opportunities that could pay lots more. So right there we have $345 a day, or $6900 per month, or $82800 per year starting base. Commercial development and advertising may pay quite a bit more.... hint hint.

What are my typical expenses?
You'll pay for blank CD media to burn images too, paper to print invoices on, mileage, and whatever pay marketing you decide to pursue, although we suggest word of mouth advertising.

Do I need business insurance?
We won't tell you how to run your business, however business insurance is very important when operating a 50 foot tall, 45 pound lighting rod attached to an expensive laptop and a high-end digital camera. Just food for thought.

Is this a "franchise" with fees?
Not this year. Right now we are testing our system to the market and have chosen not to offer a traditional franchise until late 2008. This is good news for you in that you only have the initial one-time investment and none of the legalities and accounting overhead typically associated with a franchise. When we do offer this system as a franchise you will be clear of any fees or royalties.

May I return my system for a refund
There are no refunds. This sale is final. Repairs to the laptop, camera, control head or software will need to be handled through the product's manufacture. TowerCam will provide service on the tower for 90 days if a component is defective. TowerCam has never seen a problem with any tower it has provided, they are very well built and should last for years.

Support

What if things break?
Call us and we'll help you troubleshoot the issue. Warranties are offered through the manufactures of each component. A 90 day warranty is offered on the tower itself.

What kind of marketing help can you provide?
TowerCam systems will provide for your business a mailing list of local real estate agents (depending on your market this could be thousands of names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses), we'll write and release a press release in your market, and we'll help you develop marketing copy or design services if you need them.

How can I reach TowerCam systems?
Easy:
Business address:
TowerCam systems
217 Canfield Ave #114
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
208.660.9097
sales@towercamusa.com