Question about my thinking and prices...

[Kevin_Saitta]

Hello Everyone,

I am kind of at a crossroads trying to add value to my products. I really want to get away from selling the 3x5 and 4x6 because the amount of work to produce them it too much for the little amount of money they make. I want to move out the bottom and move up.

I am thinking of no longer selling 3x5 and 4x6 and only offer single shots in 5x7 and up. This way I think it would add value instead of offering what Wal-Mart per say.

For example I have every 3 you buy get the fourth one free. So an order of 8 different shots comes to about $60 bucks a order of 4 5x7 comes to about the same but doesn’t give them more shots and not having to pay for them per say.

What do you think of this line of thinking? I am also considering offering 5x7 and up matted as well to add even more of a perceived value and ready for framing.

Just looking for opinions.

Thanks,

Kev

[Rebecca_Olsen]

Hi Kevin,

Ditch the small prints. Our minimum size is 5x7. Bad luck if they want something smaller. 5x7 and larger has a greater perceived value to the customer - it looks and feels professional. We also present our photos in either a frame or a cardboard folder. It doesn't look like their happy snaps they pick up from the local corner store.

Consider offering your prints framed. We sell heaps of framed prints. Our profit margin is greater (more money in our pocket) and the customer feels like they are getting a better deal. One of our big sellers is a panaramic frame, matted to fit 3 5x7 photos. It's perfect for action sequences or families with more than one child in the comp. You can charge a fair bit for something like this becasue it looks so impressive.

Our website has examples of the frames that we offer (we've found with trial and error what sells and what doesn't).

Food for thought.

[Jonathan_Wienke]

Forget small prints. Any schmuck with a passable camera can make a decent 3x5 or 4x6; it takes some skill to make a good sharp 8x10. 8x10 and larger is where you really can distinguish yourself from the amateur snapshooters. I currently offer 5x7s, but I'm not sure they're worth offering or not. YMMV.

[Kevin_Saitta]

Hello Rebecca,

Thank you very much. I actually ditched the small prints last night after I posted without reading any feedback. I also added 5x7, 8x10 and 11x14 matted.

Where do you buy your precut mats and folders from? I do cut my own mats but it owuld take a long time when doing orders liek this. For my fine art work it is not a problem.

Thank you,

Kev

[Kevin_Saitta]

Hello Jonathan,

You are so correct. This is what started to make me think wehen people say, I can get a 3x5 from walmart, etc.. They dont realize the experience and time it takes to produce those prints. For now I will just have 5x7 and up getting the prices abotuthe same but soon I will probably also drop 5x7 and raise the prices.

I am selling 5x7 for $12, 8x10 - $20 and 11x14 - $35. I think it is a bit on the low side but for matting them I add quite a bit more. If you do not mind, are these prices inthe ballpark?

Thank you again as it confirms my thinking.

Kev

[Gregg_Obst]

Kevin,

You may want to view this thread concerning pricing and the smaller sizes. Lots of good opinions here.

http://www.robgalbraith.com/ubbthrea...&fpart=all


Also, this thread on SportShooter.com which is along the same lines...

http://www.sportsshooter.com/message....html?tid=6883

[Kevin_Saitta]

Gregg,

Thank you for the links. Good reading!

Kev