Print Sizes and Prices

[residentorca]

Hello,

I was wondering what people are charging for print sales. No matting or framing yet...just the print itself. What sizes are typically offered and their corresponding prices? What seem to be the "best sellers" for sizes?

I'll be getting prints made at MPIX...an 8X12 running me less than ten bucks...but I'm sure I'd ask for something in the $50 range. Is that appropriate?

Thanks in advance.

[jlphoto]

I use MPIX as well, and also sell most of my work as 8x12 instead of 8x10. You should actually get that for a litte more than $1.

I would recomend matting that size though. With an 8x12, the person purchasing the print cannot just go out to walmart and by a frame. That is a custom size and therefore they would need to drop alot of money at a framing shop. Have it matted to 11x14 or something and that way they can just purchase a normal frame for a few bucks. If people think they will have to turn around and drop another hundred bucks on the photograph just to get it framed, they wont buy it, or once realized, will never buy from you again.

Price your work around what your compitition is. Look at the quality of your work and compare it to what others are selling.

A big percentage of my business is through selling matted and bagged prints on the Outer Banks in stores. I sell an 8x12 for $50 and a 6x9 for $30. They are priced to move. In a gallery that all changes of course.

Jared

[residentorca]

Thanks Jared,

That helps a lot. I was thinking of mounting all ordered prints on foam core...so that matting and framing would be pretty easy for a potential customer. I like the idea of having prints "ready to go" in bags and mats as well.

I appreciate the comment.

Have a great day.

Kate

[jlphoto]

Kate,

Actually mounting the photographs on a foam core will definitely be more expensive and more time consuming than hanging the photo on a matte and sticking a back in it. I go for the cheapest route I can. As long as its bagged, the photo is presentable and safe. They take it out of the bag when they want to actually frame the thing. This is pretty much the "industry" standard way of doing it.

Check out http://www.clearbags.com as they will have everything you need: bags, pre-cut matte, backing board, and framing tape. Order in bulk, it will cut cost big time in the long run.

Jared

[jbellis]

I would also like to try selling some prints out of the lobby in my office and don't know where to begin determining pricing. I guess I'll base it on the final cost of preparation. Jared, thanks for the link to a matting and covers site. I've been getting my images printed 11 X 14 at Adorama for 2.50 each when pre-purchased in lots of $50.00. The quality IMHO is excellent. Does anyone else use them or have a better suggestion? I've never used MPIX for anything but photo books and they were very nice.

[acmerritt]

Another good source for mats and bags:

http://www.redimat.com/products/suppies_redipak/pakwc_smw.html