Print Ordering for customers

[BioSpark]

Hey Guys,

I've used the search function on this question, so before I get ripped a new one I just wanted to let you know. Lately I've had people ask where they could order prints from of my portfolio, and I've never thought about selling prints until now. I'm looking to find somewhere that I can upload my print, set the prices for the sizes then it'll do the rest (printing, delivering etc).

I see that zenfolio is a good site to go through, but I already have a flickr account to upload all my photo's to for my portfolio. I'm mainly just looking for a place that I can upload the photos I want to sell, set the custom prices of each size and they take care of the transaction/printing/shipping.

If this is a bad idea, then please let me know. I'm not sure if most of you set up a system where someone orders, you get an email, then you send the photo to print through a separate company or what.

Thanks again!

[Jim Poor]

Currently, I do it the way you described last. I use a shopping cart called Photo Cart then do the final processing of orders myself before I send file off to the lab.

Most of the full-service print fullfilment offereings are too expensive for my taste, plus most of them have limits or charges based on the number of files uploaded which is a deal killer for the kind of work I do most.

[BioSpark]

Whats your experience with smugmug? Too pricey?

[oldwolf]

we use smugmug. it's not bad but the pro account is a bit expensive if you don't intend to use it a lot. we've ordered prints from them and the print quality is pretty good. our clients don't seem to have any complaints about the print quality or service from them either.

what happens with the ordering process:

1. upload pictures (high or low res)
2. send link for gallery to client (can be password protected)
3. client orders prints
4. you get an email telling you they ordered and you need to proof the order
5. if you uploaded low res images then you get to replace them with high res at this point in time. you also get to check the crop that the client chose. if it's not a good crop you get the change it to avoid chopped off heads and what not.
6. after you're done proofing the order just submit it and you're done.

[SilverBullet07]

Looks like PhotoReflect might be a option, this is what I use. You use ExpressDigital software with it to create and upload your events. You can set it up to have your orders to come back to you to print or you can print direct to a photlab. It makes workflow easy and it is free except a small percent they charge if a order comes through.

Check them out (http://www.photoreflect.com)

[arsifferlen]

pictage.com

[Lukevdp]

Another option you want to look at is Photography Orders . It's similar to Photocart except cleaner and simpler. It's also the cheapest way to go.

[camera.patty]

Have you thought about using Cafe Press dot com. I have uploaded some of my landscape prints for them to matte, frame and sell. Check it out.