| Author | Thread |
|
|
07/31/2002 07:39:48 PM · #1 |
I'm going to be using my inkjet to make some prints to sell at an art fair next month. How important do you think it is to print them on a standard photo-sized paper? The advantage I see is that the buyer can just stick the photo in a standard frame without matting it.
The photo and the border I want fit on standard 8.5 x 11 inch letter-sized paper, and I have a bunch of this size around. The border I want does not quite fit on 8 x 10 inch paper for vertical photos, due solely to the fact that my printer can't do borderless prints and has a minimum border size of .56 inches in one direction. (Since the print needs to be centered, this eats up over an inch of space between the two sides.)
I could print on letter paper and trim, except for the fact that I can't draw a straight line, much less cut one. (I have two paper cutters, a rotary cutter, a good scissors, and an Exacto knife. It's hopeless.) I found a place with good paper that will cut custom sizes for "a nominal fee". (I plan on calling tomorrow to see how they define "nominal".) I could reduce the size of the photo or redesign the border, but I'd rather not if I don't have to do it.
For all I know, the people who are going to frame them will go a size up and use a mat and the rest will take them home and stick them on the wall with a wad of duct tape, but I'd like to be as accommodating as possible. What do you think?
|
|
|
|
07/31/2002 07:44:33 PM · #2 |
Is this your first? If so, and based on absolutely no experience, I think I would go ahead and print on standard sized paper. See how it goes. I usually PLAN on having to have custom framing done on prints I buy. I never expect them to fit standard.
I've got all the same supplies and can't cut a straight line to save my life either! LOL.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
|
|
|
|
07/31/2002 08:09:36 PM · #3 |
As someone that has helped another sell their art at fairs, here is a recommendation... Have and sell frames and matting optionally with your prints. With just a modest markup, that can be a large part of your profit... Also, we found that many folks will buy framed art so they can just go home and pop it on their wall without having to do anything else... It's a fast food society (assuming you're in the US), sell to it... Several sales walked away with their money before we caught on to this.
As per the size of the paper, I would attempt to go with standard size at least until you see how it sells... Let your profits buy custom size later...
Last of all, ~ G O O D L U C K ! ! ! ~ :) |
|
|
|
08/01/2002 06:41:22 PM · #4 |
Lisa - Yes, this is my first attempt at convincing other people that my photos are worth buying. We'll see if anyone else agrees. ;-)
myqyl - I have some questions about the framed prints. About what percentage of prints that you sell are framed? Do you frame one of everything in advance or just bring the frames and do it on the spot?
I'm going to print on the letter paper for now. Thanks for the good wishes.
|
|
|
|
08/01/2002 06:45:28 PM · #5 |
Printing an 8x10 on 8.5x11 paper gives you some room to add a copyright tag on the print without putting it on the image. You may also want to consider putting a label of some sort on the back of the print. You may get some repeat sales if you do...
|
|
|
|
08/02/2002 10:42:11 AM · #6 |
The label is a good idea. I guess this means that I have to sit down and get my web site together so that I can put my domain name on the labels. :-)
|
|
|
|
08/02/2002 11:56:38 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by Amphian:
myqyl - I have some questions about the framed prints. About what percentage of prints that you sell are framed? Do you frame one of everything in advance or just bring the frames and do it on the spot?
This was 20 years ago, so the market may have changed, but we framed one or two samples, then made the matting and framed whenever folks wanted. As I recall (and I can't be certain I do) about 75% of sales included frames. My possalq (People of the Opposite Sex Sharing A Living Quarters... I miss the Reagan administration for some of the things they came up with :) ) did pastels / Oils / Charcoals...
We actually turned a pretty good profit on the frames (Think bulk) although I always said she sold her art way to cheap... |
|
|
|
08/02/2002 12:22:19 PM · #8 |
| amphian, let us know how it goes. i'd love to try this as well when i have a few more photos together that i think *may* be sellable! :) and good luck! |
|
|
|
08/02/2002 03:33:07 PM · #9 |
Just curious, has anyone done a cost comparison per print for high quality photo paper and inkjet cartridges vs. using a place like DAPrints.com?
John?
What is the quality like from those kinds of sites? I know that their prints will last longer.
Anyone?
Beuhler? Beuhler?
* This message has been edited by the author on 8/2/2002 7:33:06 PM. |
|
|
|
08/02/2002 03:37:06 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by Cheetah:
Just curious, has anyone done a cost comparison per print for high quality photo paper and inkjet cartridges vs. using a place like DAPrints.com?
John?
What is the quality like from those kinds of sites? I know that their prints will last longer.
Anyone?
Beuhler? Beuhler?
Some opinions
|
|
|
|
08/02/2002 07:48:14 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by gr8photos:
amphian, let us know how it goes. i'd love to try this as well when i have a few more photos together that i think *may* be sellable! :) and good luck!
I'm not sure that any of mine are sellable and one of my friends agrees with me. Other of my friends think my stuff is just wonderful, so we'll see who is right. ;-) I'll post the results afterwards, assuming I survive the nerves leading up to it.
I saw you put "Bad Hair Day" up on DAPrints. Have you been happy with them so far, or is it too soon to tell? The huge advantage I see is that you don't have to spend money on inventory, do the work of printing, lug everything to shows, etc. I'm still considering going that route at some point.
|
|
|
|
08/02/2002 07:55:49 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by myqyl:
We actually turned a pretty good profit on the frames (Think bulk) although I always said she sold her art way to cheap...
I haven't found a place to get bulk, but I did find 8.5 x 11 clip frames (glass, backing, and four clips/hangers) for $5. Not only do I not have to buy a mat, but I don't have to worry about bringing tools, centering the print, finding room in an overcrowded booth to stack larger frames, etc. I figure people who want something more traditional can buy their own somewhere else. Thanks for the idea!
|
|
|
|
08/02/2002 07:57:10 PM · #13 |
I don't know what the quality of prints from DAPrints looks like... I have heard good things but I haven't bought any myself. I do know that Swashbuckler bought one. Ask him what he thinks about the quality of what he received... I think he was happy with his...
As for the cost... it is definitely cheaper to print your own if you don't filter in the cost of the printer. You are size limited, but I think it costs approximately $1.25 to print an 8x10 at home and maybe about $2.00 to print a 8x12 or 9x12 or 10x13... The minimum cost at DAPrints for these is quite a bit higher than that plus shipping...
|
|
|
|
08/02/2002 08:06:03 PM · #14 |
Gordon, I'm bummed to hear that PhotoAccess has poor quality prints, since they are the only place I've found that will do full-bleed prints of any given dimensions. If I want to crop or border prints, I can print them at home. Unfortunately. I ran across another review a few days ago that agrees with you. :-(
|
|
|
|
08/02/2002 08:12:02 PM · #15 |
Originally posted by Cheetah:
Just curious, has anyone done a cost comparison per print for high quality photo paper and inkjet cartridges vs. using a place like DAPrints.com?
I've had most of my printing done at Ofoto and have been happy with both quality and service. I have photos at DAprints, but haven't ordered any yet -- they are the only place I've seen offering matte paper.
I've never seen ANY inkjet which compares to these "true" photographs, and with the hassle of buying expensive paper, ink cartidges, and all the printing and calibration issues, I decided to only go with one or the other of these services. I have an Epson 3000 at work I can use if I "need" a print quickly, but the delayed gratification is the only downside I've experienced. Even including tax and shipping, I'd guess ordering prints online is probably about the same cost as printing your own.
The June 2002 Macworld has a review of 12 such online services (Ofoto was actually kind of low-rated!) and also 5 printers -- check at your local library.
Another advantage of the online services is they are private - you have to invite family and friends to see photos, and they can place there own orders. DAprints is the only gallery I've seen intended for public viewing and sale of your photos. Here is my gallery there...if anyone wants to view my Ofoto gallery send me your name/email.
Paul |
|
|
|
08/02/2002 08:57:57 PM · #16 |
Printing your own also gives you more options. I have about two dozen different kinds of paper, including glossy, matte, archival, parchment, felt, watercolor, canvas, magnets, stickers, transparencies, colored, metallic, banner...
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 04/09/2025 03:43:57 AM EDT.
