Opinions,,,,, I sell my pictures using 8x10's and putting them in dollar store frames. Explaining that its a safe way for them to get it home and they can re-frame themselves. works for me and I do ok. But what about upping the product. Using 11x14 quality frames and using metal prints. This would allow them to take it home and hang it. MY cost to produce dollar store one is one dollar and 68 cents. Going the higher quality route would change my costs to about $20+ per print. long question shortened. better to sell more at a lower cost and sell more, or sell less at a higher cost. So, if you are taking your work to an art show, what would you do? sorry for rambling, but its 2am and I am at work
Why not give them the option?
You either sale the frame or the image.
If you want your image to be set off properly have it framed by a pro, not some dollar store cheap stuff. Cheap frame = cheap image.
What I did once upon a time was framing images that were NOT for sale but showed what the correct frame can do to enhance an image and fit into a home. Then you recommend a trusted framer.
As I said before: You either sale the frame or the image.
ctsteps5 wrote:
Opinions,,,,, I sell my pictures using 8x10's and putting them in dollar store frames. Explaining that its a safe way for them to get it home and they can re-frame themselves. works for me and I do ok. But what about upping the product. Using 11x14 quality frames and using metal prints. This would allow them to take it home and hang it. MY cost to produce dollar store one is one dollar and 68 cents. Going the higher quality route would change my costs to about $20+ per print. long question shortened. better to sell more at a lower cost and sell more, or sell less at a higher cost. So, if you are taking your work to an art show, what would you do? sorry for rambling, but its 2am and I am at work
Opinions,,,,, I sell my pictures using 8x10's and... (
show quote)
If it really improves on the overall look, go for it, if it doesn't, stay with the cheap!
ctsteps5 wrote:
Opinions,,,,, I sell my pictures using 8x10's and putting them in dollar store frames. Explaining that its a safe way for them to get it home and they can re-frame themselves. works for me and I do ok. But what about upping the product. Using 11x14 quality frames and using metal prints. This would allow them to take it home and hang it. MY cost to produce dollar store one is one dollar and 68 cents. Going the higher quality route would change my costs to about $20+ per print. long question shortened. better to sell more at a lower cost and sell more, or sell less at a higher cost. So, if you are taking your work to an art show, what would you do? sorry for rambling, but its 2am and I am at work
Opinions,,,,, I sell my pictures using 8x10's and... (
show quote)
What are your per print costs with the $1.68 frame . . . or are you saying that the better frame adds $20.00 to your per print cost (that's not what you wrote). In other words, if the net cost of the cheap frame is $1.68, what is the net cost of the more expensive frame?
That clarification will likely get you a more meaningful answer. A $20.00 increase in your total per print cost seems huge to me. If, however, a print alone is selling for $17.00, going to a better frame that brings the total package to $20 is not significant, and I would recommend that if it improves the appearance of the total package.
Good that you are having success at selling your prints. Congratulations.
Caruso
I tried using Good Frames for awhile when selling prints. Problem is, good frames are not cheap. Mail order frames are a hit or miss as they never look as advertised. You also have to load, unload, move frames from show to show without damaging them, which is almost impossible. If your like me the frame is useless once damaged. I found using Quality backing, matting and sleeves was the most economical approach. Using the plastic protective sleeves lets the customer handle the print with out damaging and leaving finger prints. After all half the fun in buying a print is finding the Right frame to match your home/furniture. I use this company for all my needs. They have all levels of mattings/backings/sleeves. You can always request samples before making a large purchase,
https://www.bagsunlimited.com/category/475/matting-supplies.
Gene51
Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
ctsteps5 wrote:
Opinions,,,,, I sell my pictures using 8x10's and putting them in dollar store frames. Explaining that its a safe way for them to get it home and they can re-frame themselves. works for me and I do ok. But what about upping the product. Using 11x14 quality frames and using metal prints. This would allow them to take it home and hang it. MY cost to produce dollar store one is one dollar and 68 cents. Going the higher quality route would change my costs to about $20+ per print. long question shortened. better to sell more at a lower cost and sell more, or sell less at a higher cost. So, if you are taking your work to an art show, what would you do? sorry for rambling, but its 2am and I am at work
Opinions,,,,, I sell my pictures using 8x10's and... (
show quote)
Are you selling wet process prints (C-41 or equal)?
If so what are you selling your prints for?
Have you considered selling matted prints in sealed ClearBags? When I did the local arts and crafts show circuit in CT, NY, NJ even though I had wide gamut inkjet prints in nice wooden frames, the majority of what sold were the archivally matted ones in the clearbags. And I did sell some of the small 8x10, and 8x12 images that way as well.
I am just wondering where you can get a quality frame for $20.00
ctsteps5 wrote:
Opinions,,,,,
I store and sell (more 'give away') my photos in "Golden State Art, Acid free, 11x14 White Picture Mats Mattes with White Core Bevel Cut for 8x10 Photo + Backing + Bags" ... about $35.00 bucks for 25 on Amazon ... ! If anyone wants a 'quality' frame they can get in themselves.
When I hang my photos I use a really cheap black plastic front loading frame from MCS Industries called "Format" ... about $6.00 bucks (the last six I got were on sale for $3.00 each) each at AC Moore ... front loading makes them easy to change ... and, I have given a couple away to family and friends ...
Bob S
Quick grab shot of my photo wall (no offense intended) ...
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ctsteps5 wrote:
Opinions,,,,, I sell my pictures using 8x10's and putting them in dollar store frames. Explaining that its a safe way for them to get it home and they can re-frame themselves. works for me and I do ok. But what about upping the product. Using 11x14 quality frames and using metal prints. This would allow them to take it home and hang it. MY cost to produce dollar store one is one dollar and 68 cents. Going the higher quality route would change my costs to about $20+ per print. long question shortened. better to sell more at a lower cost and sell more, or sell less at a higher cost. So, if you are taking your work to an art show, what would you do? sorry for rambling, but its 2am and I am at work
Opinions,,,,, I sell my pictures using 8x10's and... (
show quote)
If your net is the same then sell at the lower price.
Ikea and craft stores sell reasonably priced frames. Since traveling tourists buy my prints, I sell many more matted prints than framed ones.
Get a really nice frame for the sample print, then sell your prints unframed. You can even offer an option of selling a framed version that is a special order, and set up an agreement with a local framer for such orders.
jwn
Loc: SOUTHEAST GEORGIA USA
for judged art show , the higher the grouping (novice, , advanced, pro) the better the presentation should be, ie pro needs professional frame, novice dollar store is ok.
jwn
Loc: SOUTHEAST GEORGIA USA
it's really the "glass vs plastic " that makes the difference. With glass your eye goes to the photo with plastic your eye goes to the wavy light created by the plastic
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