Portrait enlargement question

[Paulo]

Hello Forum,
Can anyone assist? I'm looking to find out if there's is a 'common' business practice regarding the sale of enlargements greater than 8x10 (i.e. 11x14 or 16x20 or 20x24, etc...) Not necessarily price, but is it common, when an enlargement is requested by a client, to also include a frame or just picture. If it's just the image print, how do you present it to them: in a box, tube, ribbon tied ???

Thank you!

[ndsimm]

when I order from my smugmug site and from MPix, I have them sent directly to the customer with no frame. they both send them tubed, but I have had no complaints. I used to offer frames (would purchase from Michael's), but the customer would often have a frame already chosen or would want a custom frame so I stopped...

[Paulo]

Thanks Nathan. I recently created an account with Mpix so I'm glad they have the option to send it directly to the client.

[Junomech]

tubed? I thought the standard was "print on canvas".

[bondarnes]

All of our portraits 16X20 or larger include a frame. We just added $100.00 to our price and they can choose any frame we sell that has a retail price of $100.00 or less. Most people don't question it they just pick a frame that they like and they appreciate that they can pick it up, take it home and hang it on their wall. We even include the appropriate wall hanger.

[Gateruner]

For all of the larger prints I am offering they come mounted. Doesn't cost that much and makes the presentation that much better in my book. The other thing I like about that is they aren't rolled.

[Junomech]

What's your process involving enlargments? I'm finding out that it is more expensive to purchase the print on canvas and the frame from Hobby Lobby. I think I am going to use this local shop in Houston that does the print/canvas/frame all in one spot.

I guess my question to my fellow photographers is; do you use a local shop or an online shop to get your framed enlargments?

[Gateruner]

ON canvas increases the price substantially even when using online labs. Factor it into your pricing and let the lab do it if the customer wants it.

[Paulo]

Great information. Thanks for responding.

[zargon20]

I end up having the enlargements mounted unless they ask for canvas prints. But pretty much unframed is what I do cause it's hard to either carry a stock of ready frames that will match your customers taste...or at least for me cause I have limited space. I don't think people mind that they have to go find their own frame means they can customize it for themself anyway

[adirty1]

I work with a frame moulding company. I buy the frames from them they come made and I mount the image the way it should be either dry mount or t mounts. I can let the client choose from hundreds of frames and on smaller images i can cut custom mats all for a lot less than going to the frame shop. clients are happy that they only had to make on stop and then it's off to hang it on the wall. the framers are going to charge 300-> I just charge cost and include it in the price.. everything is ordered and there is no need to have stock on hand

[LadyShutterBug]

I don't do framing at this time.

Prints, mounted prints on foamcore, canvas prints, etc. are all drop-shipped from my lab directly to the customer.