Do you have a store/ studio?

[HotHolly]

So, we have been thinking about opening a physical location. For the past year we have worked on location and done proofing at the country club - which works great w/ our target demographic.

We have been poking around looking for studio space. But I'm not totally thinking it will be a good thing. (eg Extra bills, more overhead, additional insurance, more problems, etc)

For those of you that do have a studio (NOT in your home) could you tell me what your 1st three months open looked like, and if you think it was worth it? Im wondering how long it takes to get rolling. I'm also wondering where the heck Im going to get the money from.

Any comments?

[brad]

Our first three months would be August, September, and October of this year. :)

I am not regretting it at this point. We've even talked about getting a larger space. Having a place to meet clients is a HUGE step toward legitimacy.. you will appear to be more legitimate to your customers. I still meet people at other places if its more convenient for them.. and I'll still shoot on location... but I have gotten paying jobs that I would not have gotten without the studio.

Now, we do more than just wedding photography.. portraits, family, fashion, etc... and I have opened up the studio for other photographers to rent (see the Studio Space for Rent section for details). We also are using the studio for my wife's side of the business (KnittingFairy) and she has increased her business as well as a direct result of the space.

I'm sure everyone's experiences are different... YMMV... but the only question I have after 3 1/2 months in the space is why didn't we do it sooner.

[HotHolly]

I understand about having more crediblity with a perm. location, however being members at the country club has gone over big with a lot of clout. So, we have to make sure our location matches those clients that found us via the club, with the same "wow" factor.

So, Brad - how many clients found you b/c of your loaction? It sounded like you had a few gigs b/c of the studio. Did they just wander in or something?

I talked to the other store owners in the area we are looking at and they don't have much foot traffic - but the traffic they have are big spenders. Our family sessions have averege a $900 price tag (from start to finish) so, I doubt we'll have walk ins - but you never know.

But it sounds like your biz picked up a bit from opening the studio - did I catch that right?

[CobyPhoto]

Holly,

I own a studio as well. (3000 Sq. Ft.) I don't see foot traffic and walk-ins as a concern for having a place of business. I do see legitimacy, providing a mutally comfortable atmosphere for consultations, presentation and sessions as a huge concern. If you are already attracting the customers you want, at the Counrty Club, it isn't the location, but your work that is getting you the attention.

I think that it would be a very good move to base your operation in a studio as it would give you the legitimacy Brad spoke of as well as open the door to expand your work and present your talent when talking to prospective clients.

Clients feel comfortable when they see you have a well developed display area and there is a place of reference for possible issue surrounding a sizable investment, such as you mentioned. By having a mutally comfortable setting you can increase your sales and opportunities as alot of people would feel more at ease in a private, totaly focused meeting/presentation solely for them.

Aside from your ability to produce quality images, customer service is the next most important, if not the MOST important aspect in a sucessful business. Not having a legitimate place of business can only hold you back from realizing your full potential.

I advocate that you have a place of business. Having said that, I know it is a huge step and alot of added expense and responsibility. Make sure you have a plan and you research it thoroughly and are comfortable with what you plan to do. It can push your career to new heights, but it will entail alot more work on your part.

CJ

[brad]

No, not increased business from walk ins.. that's virtually non-existent (virtually because I did book a wedding from another tenant in the same complex)... the increased business has been because we have a place to shoot. We can say "come into the studio" ... I found people were wary of having me come to their house and/or meet them in a park, which was my previous method.