Bags???

[carrbowl]

So it's time...paper bags, plastic bags, tote bags, boxes...So what is your preference and why....?? I'm trying to keep only one or two sizes since I don't do a ton of business, so I want to keep the stock low...Looking for opinions as to why you use what you use, not just what you use.

[bondarnes]

If you are really serious about this check out Marathon Press collections: http://www.bellagrafica.com/packaging.php Otherwise just save your bags from Wal-Mart.

[carrbowl]

I'm serious Don, and have various sources..Marathon's included. I'm just a little overwhelmed with the choices!! Trying to get into people's heads to see why they would choose a colored bag over a clear bag over a box???

[CaptainTom]

presentation goes a long way to keep your corporate image at a level the customer will remember. I think a bag is cheesy. A presentation box is good.
A wrapped personalized presentation box is really good. IMNSHO.

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by CaptainTom

I think a bag is cheesy.

Cheesy? I think not!

[DeLeon]

I am also a designer for a vinyl sign shop, so i have the ability to make my own "stickers". I have my logo made with a chrome looking vinyl, and affix it to a black gift bag from Hobby Lobby. I have my wife tie it up all pretty with a bow, and were golden. (actually, were chrome and black, but you get the idea). This has worked well for me. I'll try to get a photo of my presentation up some time.

If you go this route, call a few of your local sign shops for quotes. They will most likely be all over the place price wise, depending on the grade of vinyl. We use high performance vinyl that is rated to last 10 years on the side of a semi truck.... possibly over kill for this application, but oh well.

[CaptainTom]

It's not bags in general that I don't like.
I just don't get how presenting your photographic product in a paper or plastic ( per the op) is aesthetically appealing. Apparently I'm not seeing something.
Open my eyes please.

[Mindy H]

If you don't want to keep inventory, Miller's boutique packaging is really nice...and, you just add it on to each order. It looks great and it's cheap too.

[gregt1310]

Originally Posted by Mindy H

If you don't want to keep inventory, Miller's boutique packaging is really nice...and, you just add it on to each order. It looks great and it's cheap too.

+1 for Millers.

You may also want to check out the following:

http://www.tyndellphotographic.com/

http://www.bagsandbowsonline.com/

I don't have any experience with the above, so YMMV.

[epoh]

The sticker idea sounds kind of nice. I may have to look into that.

[ggeen]

How big are deliveries? If you are talking just a couple of images, is suggest a cardboard mailer. For larger deliveries some sort of gift box idea sounds good. Plain white ones can be found just about anywhere like Office Depot.

[Shelby Lane]

You can present in a bag in a way that's not cheesy, but I wouldn't just put prints into a bag. I have used both boxes and Artist Portrait Cases from Rice. I like the APCs because they're different, and I only get them in 5x7 and 8x10 sizes. Each holds multiple prints so an order will last for quite some time. The packaged prints go into a gift-style bag that works with my business style (or brand, if you want to use that word). Everything is packaged as a gift. I don't like the little plastic bags, or just using a bag, because they don't offer any protection for those prints and IMO it's disappointing to spend money on portraits and have them handed over in a flimsy little bag. But what you decide to use is going to depend on what kind of presentation you want to give to your clients. Mine have spent a lot of money on portraits. It needs to look like a substantial delivery, and packaging as a gift has worked very well for me. The bags I use have my studio logo on them and are heavy enough to be reused... my goal is that they'll use them to haul things to Mommy and Me or wherever.

For bags, I've most recently used Bags and Bows, but you might also look into Nashville Wraps. You don't have to buy a ton of sizes... the cub and vogue style bags will fit most smaller prints and albums, because if it goes on the wall, I hope to have sold it framed. I'm not sure if they offer smaller quantity orders or not. I tend to stick with the same bag for a long time, and don't have to order very often.

You've probably already considered this, but just for everyone thinking about it: remember that whatever you decide, the cost of packaging needs to go into your pricing. I see a lot of people who are spending tons of money on packaging and their print prices can't support it

[janikphoto]

Almost all my clients are magazines and newspapers, so I don't even need to send them prints. But, if I were dealing a lot with families and senior portraits, I would pick only a couple bag sizes/styles at most. The more variety you have in stock, the more hassle it is. Start with one or two at most, then add what you need... only IF you really need it.