Do you offer ALL print sizes or only a few?

[mrsrice22]

I've been working on my price sheet for some time now and have just been calculating my cost, taxes, profit, etc on all sizes available through the print lab. I'm almost done when, of course, I think "Do people really want a 10x30 or do they stick with the common sizes like 8x10, 11x14, 16x24, etc.?" Hmmm.. Well I sure don't! The largest print I have hanging on my wall is an 11x14 (which I now see is too small, lol).

What sizes do you advertise/provide? Do you keep a pricing sheet for you that includes all the sizes so that if they do ask for some odd size you have it ready?

[suerenee]

I have a note on my price sheet that says "non-traditional and custom sizes available".

If you do personal proofing/print ordering with your clients then you can mention it to them.

I have a copy of a print-out where all of the Miller sizes are available. I don't have prices there but offer to write a customized quote if they order those. About the only "non-traditional" sizes I sell are square prints which I see becoming more popular.

[ronocnikral]

like susan, we mention on our price sheet that we can print any size. we list only traditional sizes where people could easily go out and purchase a stock frame. there are many conversations here on TPF about the smallest print size you should offer, and I suggest you do a search to read the excellent information there.

one thing is for sure, it is tough to sell a client anything bigger than what you have. unless they already have a print at home and know about the size. Our smallest print/canvas we show is 16x24, and most clients agree that is too small once they see it on the wall. The largest is 30x40 canvases w/ 2.5" sides. we sell more canvas than traditional prints b/c we only show canvas and we mention the cost of getting a frame. some clients take our word for it, some find out on their own. also, any print 16x20 and larger is mounted and we add that into the cost.

susan, out of curiosity, how do you suggest someone frame a square print?

[Tom]

Custom framer

[Linda Bingham]

You can't sell what you don't offer. I know photographers that don't offer 4x5's to 8x10's period. They only sell wall portraits in non traditional sizes. That is one thing that will set you apart from the non professional photographers. You use a professional lab and they will print non traditional sizes. The common joe doesn't have access to our labs.

Use your creativity and do 3 5x7's on a 10x30 with a few graphics mounted and framed they will purchase it everytime.

Most people can't see it until you have created and presented it to them. One service I offer is going to the clients home and measuring where they will hang the portrait. That will tell me real quick what they need. Or if I don't go I always ask before the session what is the end result do you want these to hang in your living room, hallway, or are these for grandma, I know going in what they want so when I photograph I know they will be wall or shelf photos.

[suerenee]

Originally Posted by ronocnikral

susan, out of curiosity, how do you suggest someone frame a square print?

Hobby Lobby carries square frames that are 8x8--most of my square prints are that size.

But if it's a big enlargement I always recommend having it framed.

[Tom]

Also, offering frames is another opportunity to make money. Especially when selling print sizes that they wont get at Hobby Lobby.

[kayumangi]

Or you can sign up with Simply Color Lab. They offer a product called total package where they take care of everything and you just pay one price.

Also you could stock on the canvas prints or you could invest on a projector and buy ProSelect. At least with this option you don't have to have the physical print/canvas with you and you can do your sales at the customer's wall at home so that you can show them the possibilities.

[ronocnikral]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

Also, offering frames is another opportunity to make money. Especially when selling print sizes that they wont get at Hobby Lobby.

my wife did that earlier this decade. we don't do it anymore. i mentioned it, and I was given a firm no. and we have enough to do on top of cutting custom mats and dealing with a framer. hence why we push canvases.

Thanks for pointing me to hobbylobby for the square frames susan. I was thinking more along the lines a 20x20, which i assume to be a custom frame.

Originally Posted by kayumangi

Or you can sign up with Simply Color Lab. They offer a product called total package where they take care of everything and you just pay one price.

Also you could stock on the canvas prints or you could invest on a projector and buy ProSelect. At least with this option you don't have to have the physical print/canvas with you and you can do your sales at the customer's wall at home so that you can show them the possibilities.

another good solution if you go to the client. but our clients come to us.

[kayumangi]

Actually you have the advantage Conor because you have a studio. I don't hehehe.

The projector and proselect is very cost effective because everytime there is a new frame offered or type of wrap you can just download the update and it will show on ProSelect.

Plus you can use the actual photo of the client so they don't have to imagine anything.

[kayumangi]

Sorry Kristina I forgot to contribute an answer to your original question =)

I don't offer anything smaller than 8x10 anymore. I start big with canvas clusters a group of 8x10s when combined becomes something like 64"x65" or there abouts. It's easier to sell once they see how puny an 8x10 is and the pricing is easier to digest if you start high.

I know no one will buy a canvas cluster but it sets the stage that there is a higher chance that the next sizes below will be bought but not the smallest.

[spluloacle]

Joann's sells 12x12 frames and IMO 12x12 is a good size to offer since i scrapbook :P But "I" like 12x12 better then 8x8 and would probably if I were to purchase prints would be getting either 6 12x12 or 5 12x12 and 4 8x8. But i like square. And this is is ALSO if I have the money to do so. :)

Also a REAL popular frame right now is the shadow box and therefor mounting the pictures on whatever it is you mount on is good to do.

Just my thoughts from a perspective of someone who likes square :D

[mrsrice22]

Well, after putting up our family photo (11x14) and surrounding it with 8x10's, I still have a lot of wall space left and that's something I don't want a client to see if the consult/session takes place in my home. I'll definitely need to get a large canvas, something I've never purchased before.

Thanks for everyone's feedback, back to the original question, I think I'll re-do my price sheet to only show traditional sizes and make a note that additional sizes are available. Besides, if they're like me, without getting out a measuring tape I have a hard time visualizing those non traditional sizes. I may need to go to a Aaron's or something to go look at them.

[ronocnikral]

i should declare, we do not have a studio. just no kids :)

[mrsrice22]

Originally Posted by mrsrice22

Well, after putting up our family photo (11x14) and surrounding it with 8x10's, I still have a lot of wall space left and that's something I don't want a client to see if the consult/session takes place in my home. I'll definitely need to get a large canvas, something I've never purchased before.

mmhmm, canvas is needed... and a level. It looked bigger on the box!