What Do You Sell & How and Where Do You Sell It?

09/04/2004 09:02:01 AM · #1

For those of you that are selling your work...

What do you sell? Just prints? Greeting cards, calendars, books, other stuff...?

Where do you sell your work? (Other than DPC, I mean.)

Do you advertise?

I was pointed to LuLu yesterday (by someone who used them for awhile) and am wondering if you've used them or similar sites? It sounded really nice (they do books, calendars, prints...) until I saw that they need your Social Security number to report income over $10. I won't give that out to anyone over the Net. So, that was pretty much shot down.

I think I'll place an order to Photographer's Edge to get some greeting cards and maybe some postcards or stuff for bookmarks or something. I thought I would try craft fairs and see how it goes. I would also have some prints made.

Do you know of any other sites that print nice/quality greeting cards, calendars, or make books for a reasonable price?

Last question...

Do you print yourself or send out for prints? If you print yourself, do you find it less or more expensive?

Thank you so much!

Jen

09/04/2004 06:12:36 PM · #2

Friendly little bump. :-)

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

09/04/2004 06:27:56 PM · #3

Hi,

I too am thinking of ordering some things from Photographers Edge. I haven't done anything yet but did do some research. I stopped into my local card shop (chain store locally owned), and sure enough there was display of photo cards. I asked about them and the owner was nice enough to give me some info. She said she buys the cards directly from the photographer for $2.00 each, then sells them for $3.50 each (she said this was the magic number that got them selling). She said it has worked out well. She likes the fact that he delivers them directly to her without a delivery fee and she said she would not do them on consignment. These are the type that the photo is glued to the front and enclosed in a clear plastic envelope.

Hope this helps somehow anyway. Good luck if you pursue this, I think I will:)

Sonifo

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

09/04/2004 07:36:23 PM · #4

You got some good questions here.

I make my own cards, but I also ordered the mag. for photographer's Edge. They have some good stuff, just a bit to much for my taste.

I was going to buy a really nice printer until I tried to find some really good, high quality photo paper. You can not find professional paper anywhere. I have also asked around. It cost me 20 cents to have a 4x6 photo printed at Walgreens (50 for $10.00). If I bought the printer at walmart and paid for the paper it would cost me $6.00 for 20 4x6 sheets of low quality photo paper. Plus I have to pay for the ink for the printer. I think it is better to get them printed else where.

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5D

09/04/2004 07:56:49 PM · #5

Thanks, gals, for replying!

BJ: I've also thought about stopping to some of the local shops. I live in a touristy area...although it will be dying down very soon. It's interesting that you say the shop sells them for $3.50. I was thinking of selling them for $2.00 or $2.50, which is what that shops buys them for. I thought that $3 or $3.50 would be too high for this area. I live in a very small town in the country and people here are either too poor or too cheap to pay that much. But, maybe. I guess it's worth it for something "homemade."

Sonifo: Thank you so much for the printer info! That's very interesting. I think it was here that I posted about printers awhile back and a few people mentioned that it was more expensive to print your own. I honestly didn't believe it. I've asked a few people since then and, along with you, they have confirmed it. I was seriously considering the Epson 2200 or their next printer (which hopefully would've combined the R800 and 2200 features). I guess I'll hold off on getting a printer now. Thank you, again!

As for PE's cards, I at first thought they might be too costly to put together and then try to sell reasonably, but I've rethought that, too. I think you could make a card for about $1.35. I'm figuring $1 for the card, $.25 for the print (less if you buy more), and $.10 for the plastic sleeve.

I'm curious how you print yours, though. Do you print the image right on the card or do you adhere the image to the card in some way? Also, how are you making the card? Do you buy them ready made to run through the printer or do you buy nice quality paper, fold and cut to size?

Sorry for so many questions. I just have no idea how to get started...

Thanks so much for your help.

Jen

mcrael

Nikon D300

09/05/2004 06:32:45 AM · #6

I'm currently selling some of my photos as blank inside note cards at art and craft shows. Currently, I'm offering two sizes: small and large.

The small ones: I'm printing two to an 81/2 x 11 page on Matte photo paper (Canon or Epson), and then cutting and folding myself. I sell these for $3.50 each (includes taxes).

The large ones: I'm currently using Strathmore's Creative Watercolor cards. These are textured paper, and when the color intensity is slightly decreased during the printing process, the result is cards having more of a watercolor look when printed on an inkjet printer. Light colored images seem to work best on cards that are ivory colored. I sell these for $5.00 each (including taxes).

I haven't approached any stores yet about selling my cards. I do however, currently have my work on display for sale in a summer gallery. Average price for "art" cards seems to be $3.50 - $5.00 each or 2 for $5.00 each in this area (Muskoka, Ontario, Canada).

I created note card template files that include a border on the front and my logo/contact information on the back in Photoshop. I simply drop my photo into the template and then add any information (photo title, copyright) and change the border color as required for each image.

I also sell matted prints in 2 sizes: 5x7 (for 8x10 frames) and 8x10 (for 11x14 frames). I sell more 8x10s than 5x7s. This year I added framed prints (in 11x14 frames) to my product offering, and had some success in sales.

When starting up, if planning to do art and craft shows, don't make too much inventory. I overestimated the demand for my product last summer, and haven't even sold half of it yet.

Sending the work out to print is probably cheaper now than printing it yourself - in terms of paper, ink, and your time.

willem

Nikon D7000

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

09/05/2004 10:48:27 AM · #7

istockphoto.com
About 5 USD per week, with 80 pictures uploaded.

The only work you have to do is prepare and upload them, choose category and keywords etc. After that, no further hasle.
my profile

Niten

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

09/05/2004 11:35:04 AM · #8

Originally posted by Sonifo:

I was going to buy a really nice printer until I tried to find some really good, high quality photo paper. You can not find professional paper anywhere. I have also asked around. It cost me 20 cents to have a 4x6 photo printed at Walgreens (50 for $10.00). If I bought the printer at walmart and paid for the paper it would cost me $6.00 for 20 4x6 sheets of low quality photo paper. Plus I have to pay for the ink for the printer. I think it is better to get them printed else where.

You can buy Epson premium glossy 4x6 at office depot for $15.28 for 100 sheets. I use a 2200, I dont think its cheaper than having them made out somewhere. It is a ton easier to do them myself. Now if I get an order all I have to do is print them. Otherwise I would have to run to a photo lab everyday. I do buy 5x7 paper in the 20 packs but only because I haven't found a better way and I dont sell many 5x7. I order 8.5x11 prem luster from Printsavings.com, along with ink. $26 instead of $39 local.

Tim

PerezDesignGroup

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

09/05/2004 01:26:00 PM · #9

Originally posted by ButterflySis:

Do you know of any other sites that print nice/quality greeting cards, calendars, or make books for a reasonable price?

I've printed my business cards at //www.vistaprint.com for several years now. The price and quality is always superb. Although I've never ordered greeting cards, I could only imagine they, too, are of great value and quality. Definitely worth taking a look. You can always find coupons for them online too to save a few extra bucks here and there.

aliciapunches

Canon PowerShot A40

09/05/2004 02:06:08 PM · #10

I would love to create a calendar and haven't found a reasonably priced printer that will do a professional looking job. Any suggestions?

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

09/18/2004 07:45:50 AM · #11

Originally posted by mcrael:

Linda: Thanks for replying. Your cards sound very nice. It's a great idea. I don't currently have a photo printer yet. Do you sell the cards pretty well? I've been hearing similar (U.S.) prices here - between $3 and $4. I just bought a bunch of stuff from Photographer's Edge last week. I'm getting 50 of their cards, the plastic sleeves, postcards, bookmarks, and some other stuff. I figure I can make a card for $1.35 ($1 for card, $.25 for print, $.10 for sleeve) and sell them for $3 or 5 for $12, or something.

What prices are average for prints? I've seen such a range, it seems, that I'm not really sure what I should charge. Do you sell matted and framed or just matted?

Thanks again for all of your help.

Jen

dsidwell

Canon EOS-5D

09/18/2004 07:50:34 AM · #12

I'll be making a big plunge this month and will be submitting some photos to a few magazines and other publications. Wish me luck!

09/18/2004 07:51:13 AM · #13

Originally posted by Niten:

Originally posted by Sonifo:

I was going to buy a really nice printer until I tried to find some really good, high quality photo paper. You can not find professional paper anywhere. I have also asked around. It cost me 20 cents to have a 4x6 photo printed at Walgreens (50 for $10.00). If I bought the printer at walmart and paid for the paper it would cost me $6.00 for 20 4x6 sheets of low quality photo paper. Plus I have to pay for the ink for the printer. I think it is better to get them printed else where.

You can buy Epson premium glossy 4x6 at office depot for $15.28 for 100 sheets. I use a 2200, I dont think its cheaper than having them made out somewhere. It is a ton easier to do them myself. Now if I get an order all I have to do is print them. Otherwise I would have to run to a photo lab everyday. I do buy 5x7 paper in the 20 packs but only because I haven't found a better way and I dont sell many 5x7. I order 8.5x11 prem luster from Printsavings.com, along with ink. $26 instead of $39 local.

Tim

Tim: Thanks for the reply. I've seen prints from the 2200 and they are amazing. I wouldn't mind having that printer myself. I think I've decided to wait and see if they come out with a R800/2200 cross breed...so it will have both blacks, the finish, and do glossies. Do you find printing yourself to be a lot more, or just slightly more expensive?

Thanks again for your help.

Jen

09/18/2004 07:53:53 AM · #14

Originally posted by PerezDesignGroup:

Originally posted by ButterflySis:

Do you know of any other sites that print nice/quality greeting cards, calendars, or make books for a reasonable price?

I've printed my business cards at //www.vistaprint.com for several years now. The price and quality is always superb. Although I've never ordered greeting cards, I could only imagine they, too, are of great value and quality. Definitely worth taking a look. You can always find coupons for them online too to save a few extra bucks here and there.

Jesus: Thanks for that link.

Willem: Good luck with the stock site!

Alicia: I'm also interested in a good place, or two, that will print calendars, mousepads, and other similar things...but for a reasonable enough price that I would be able to resell them.

Thanks again for all of the help. Sorry I'm so late with my replies.

Jen

Edit: Fixed a tag.

Message edited by author 2004-09-18 11:55:26.

09/18/2004 07:54:45 AM · #15

Originally posted by dsidwell:

I'll be making a big plunge this month and will be submitting some photos to a few magazines and other publications. Wish me luck!

David: That's awesome! Congrats and good luck. I'm sure you'll do just fine. Your work is amazing.

09/18/2004 08:02:20 AM · #16

David: I'm sure your photo submissions will be well received! Please keep us informed as to how it goes. good luck!

09/18/2004 08:12:03 AM · #17

Hi Everyone,

Just got a HP psc 1350 all in one printer as a gift. I have two questions:

1. Would you use this to print photos to put on cards to sell? (says it prints up to 4800 dpi) Or would you feel it is not suitable quality and I should have them printed at a photo lab?

2. Says you can buy a kit to convert it into a six color printer from a three color printer - is this worth it?

I plan to start selling cards soon and would love to have the option to print as needed right from home, but not if the cards will not be good quality.

Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

09/18/2004 08:17:09 AM · #18

Originally posted by BJ:

Bonnie, I don't know anything about that printer, but I would buy some good paper and print up a few cards and see how they look. Maybe share them with friends and ask for their (honest) opinions. Don't tell them how they were made, just ask them how they look.

Maybe some others will have better advice for you.

PerezDesignGroup

Canon EOS-300D Rebel

09/18/2004 08:34:06 AM · #19

Originally posted by BJ:

In my opinion, almost all recent Photo printer that print 4800dpi are capable of printing beautifully. You just need to get some good paper. I'm baised towards Epson Photo paper but I have an Epson printer ;) I buy 120 sheets of Epson Phoo Glossy Paper at Costco for $20.

I don't see how much of an advantage a 6 color conversion kit will have. I would recommend getting some test samples before investing the money.

Message edited by author 2004-09-18 12:34:37.