Printing for clients

[Boscopix]

Hey everyone!
So I have a question regaurding printing. When it comes to offering prints to people...I like the idea of giving clients a CD with low res files and offering prints...how do you go about getting prints for a better price?

I ask this because I am living in Munich at the moment, and every photolab I have been to is really outrageous and I am pretty sure marking the prices up from that would just be too much. So do professionals work out special prices with labs or how does this work?

Thanks in advance for any info!

[candleman]

I doubt they will give you a special price unless you're a frequent and high volume customer.
I'd say keep shopping around.

some of the labs that aren't actually regarded as what the professionals use do actually produce some excellent prints...

[Biomech]

I have a related question. When you have a shoot completed, HOW do you let the client chose? Print a thumbnail sheet? CD?
I'm thinking (when I can get my hands on one) perhaps a personal visit using a tablet.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by Biomech

I have a related question. When you have a shoot completed, HOW do you let the client chose? Print a thumbnail sheet? CD?
I'm thinking (when I can get my hands on one) perhaps a personal visit using a tablet.

i avoid print orders.. I'd prefer to sell the digital file (i know some would shoot me for that.. too bad)

when i do print orders, i set-up a private slideshow on my website and they can select them from there, add comments and approve the selected images.. the website e-mails me their order.. I confirm price, sizes and bank details via e-mail (for the paper trail)

Then when the money is in my bank, I place their print order.


*shrug* selling digitals cuts out on shipping costs and time screwing around..
so it's far more profitable as i really hate screwing around uploading, checking, confirming, uploading and ordering, receiving, checking, running out to the post shop and sending it..

[snowfalldesigns]

Have you checked out Zenfolio? I just started using it and it is super easy to use. You can sell digital files, have the prints fulfilled and shipped by a print lab like Mpix, or fulfill the orders yourself. Zenfolio takes a small percentage and you can markup the prints as you'd like.

[Boscopix]

Thanks guys

To be honest Jared, Im kinda with you on that one Don't tell anyone though! haha

[Photologyst]

Such services in Germany are outrageously priced! Additionally, everyone is a Fachman (spe******t) when they are actually a mere clerk with an ego the size of Mont Blanc.

The idea of “discount” often does not apply in Germany. There is a pricing monopoly on many things. That is how Walmart was driven out and every book store in the country, independent or chain, has the same prices.

I would do mail order. Try AdoramaPix. They do a fantastic job on high quality papers: AdoramaPix Prints

Always get test prints on several papers.

[Christhephotoguy]

Originally Posted by snowfalldesigns

Have you checked out Zenfolio? I just started using it and it is super easy to use. You can sell digital files, have the prints fulfilled and shipped by a print lab like Mpix, or fulfill the orders yourself. Zenfolio takes a small percentage and you can markup the prints as you'd like.

That is such a great idea that I've not thought of... Printing is def one of my downfalls. Mostly do to getting everything claibrated.