Advice for selling portraits online

[Jim Poor]

The simple answer is don't!

The more complex answer is avoid it as much as possible in favor of in person proofing and sales.

I've known this for a while and just recently been pushed over the edge to actually implement it.

The first in-person session sold 1 11x14, 29 12x12 and a 9-image wall collage that ends up being about 32x48 with space between prints. That one sale equals almost half of an entire month worth of sales via an online gallery!

The best part? I didn't have to sell anything. I just answered a few questions, did some design work on the spot and helped out as needed.

[BuddhaPi]

Good Sale! Be sure to get a deposit, so if they back out or something else that you're not shafted for you time!

[Jim Poor]

I collected 100% up front. Same as session fees.

[SusanH1970]

I always do in-person ordering sessions. I take 50% of the order at the time, then I collect the balance upon delivery. I've found that if the client is able to split up the whole amount into two payments, they're likely to order more.

[Jim Poor]

I'm fine with payments, but I don't order prints until paid in full.

I love blanket statements about business practices. Just because one person can't make it work doesn't mean someone else can't.

Also see:
Blockbuster Vs. Netflix
Toyota Vs. Chrysler
Best Buy vs. Circuit City (my personal favorite as a former CC employee)
Myspace vs. Facebook

Note: In all of the above cases, the failing or failed business was around first, and a competitor stomped them.

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by Photoboothguy

I love blanket statements about business practices. Just because one person can't make it work doesn't mean someone else can't.

Also see:
Blockbuster Vs. Netflix
Toyota Vs. Chrysler
Best Buy vs. Circuit City (my personal favorite as a former CC employee)
Myspace vs. Facebook

Note: In all of the above cases, the failing or failed business was around first, and a competitor stomped them.

LoL. Nobody said it wouldn't work any other way. I've done online sales for a long time too. In person is generally head and shoulders above for any sort of sales though.

[candleman]

Cool, that confirms what everyone at DWF is saying. in person projection sales increase revenue.

nice job!