CD or download, how do you deliver?

[sldi]

Just wandering, which is better for delivering files of portrait/model sessions. CD gives the customer something physical to hold in there hand, but making files downloadable from sites such as Zenfolio can be quicker and easier than shipping. Which are you using? Why?

[Daniel W.]

I give a CD, for the reason you said - something physical. People feel a... lack of content? When they spend a boat load of money and have no tangible product to hold. If I had the facilities, I would do both - maybe a CD and 6 mo. of online storage.

[brad]

I deliver on CD at a certain price point.. electronic only below that point without a fee. My packaging costs on a CD are about $2 and shipping can be as much as $5 (I use nice packaging and send via FedEx), so I do not do that for my lowest price point.

I will also put the files up for download if they need them in a hurry in situations where they normally would get a CD.

[lyncca]

I deliver a nice CD with a printed label using a photo from their session with my logo and then I use one of the CD tins from Rice Studio Supply and I also have custom bags with my logo that are also from Rice Studio.

Customers just rave over them.

[utdbear]

I deliver a CD with a photo from the session.

[Aric C. Hoek]

If it's a family portrait, I give a CD. If it is an Executive session, I will zip each of the executive portraits into one package for download, then follow up with a CD accompanied with certificates for free family portrait sessions.

Anytime I can have an interaction with my clients is a good thing. I will always use that opportunity to promote executive or family portraiture.

[brad]

Originally Posted by Aric C. Hoek

If it is an Executive session, I will zip each of the executive portraits into one package for download, then follow up with a CD accompanied with certificates for free family portrait sessions.

Duh.. worth the price of admission right there. I need to do that.

[sldi]

I had been giving CDs, but since getting my zenfolio site I was going to stop and only do downloads. Your input has convinced me that CD is probably best (customer interaction, certificate for future shoot) use the download for RUSH delivery or low return shoots

[hue-e]

I still have yet to get clients to deliver shots to, but when I do, I will prefer a zip download of the high res files, from my own server.

Server space is cheap these days. If you can build your own site and maintain it with ease, I recommend doing everything yourself vs. paying for a third party service.

That's just me though.