Smugmug users: Are you happy with the service?

[Uhland]

ooops!:o I did?

Sorry:cry:- what was it?:D

That one can get unlimted backup that is about the safest place you can store your data for 5 bucks a month. No limits to what types of files or what size they are.

[DDCSD]

On a side note, I just got my free Smugmug neck strap yesterday. I think it'll be replacing my lowepro strap, man this thing seems comfortable.

[I Simonius]

That one can get unlimted backup that is about the safest place you can store your data for 5 bucks a month. No limits to what types of files or what size they are.

do I understand correctly then that your point was emphasising the cost rather than the security of the service then?

[DD974]

On a side note, I just got my free Smugmug neck strap yesterday. I think it'll be replacing my lowepro strap, man this thing seems comfortable.

I submitted a request for my SugMug neckstrap several months ago, before I started using Zenfolio.....anxiously awaiting.:D

[DDCSD]

I submitted a request for my SugMug neckstrap several months ago, before I started using Zenfolio.....anxiously awaiting.:D

I don't remember when I requested mine, but it was a pretty good while ago. Free things always tend to be extremely popular. :lol:

[Strick]

So I was suposed to get a strap? Hey where is mine????????:p

[DDCSD]

So I was suposed to get a strap? Hey where is mine????????:p

Here you go. Hurry up and wait! :lol: They make you sign up to get it instead of automatically sending them to everyone.

http://smugmug.com/free-stuff.mg

[zacker]

i still havent gotten my strap OR stickers but, I love Smuggy so much I could care less. Its their customer service that does it for me... they are the best!

[I Simonius]

I submitted a request for my SugMug neckstrap several months ago, before I started using Zenfolio.....anxiously awaiting.:D

So I was suposed to get a strap? Hey where is mine????????:p

i still havent gotten my strap OR stickers but, I love Smuggy so much I could care less. Its their customer service that does it for me... they are the best!

The wait for mine was quite a while, so do install extra patience modules, in fact I had forgotten aboout it when it arrived, so allow a lonmg time,however it's FREE and there must be trillions of us asking for them.

BTW huge thanks for mine SM, much appreciated!

I use the strap n my tripod so I do;)

[DD974]

The wait for mine was quite a while, so do install extra patience modules, in fact I had forgotten aboout it when it arrived, so allow a lonmg time,however it's FREE and there must be trillions of us asking for them.

BTW huge thanks for mine SM, much appreciated!

I use the strap n my tripod so I do;)

Oh yeah..I actually forgot about it until I read a post about it....really...it doesn't matter much to me. I like the Canon EOS strap just fine.

[<AkulA>]

Here you go. Hurry up and wait! :lol: They make you sign up to get it instead of automatically sending them to everyone.

http://smugmug.com/free-stuff.mg


Sweet, thanks for the link - I just filled my order for some free-stuff! :D

[okiediver]

Got my strap last week, love it! LOVE SMUGMUG!

[Gottria]

I used SmugMug for a year and a half and still have a Pro account until June '08.......in December I opened a Pro account with Zenfolio because of a few reasons:

1) The end user (customer) interface has a cleaner look.
2) I like everything about the admin interface, it's laid out to make for more ease of maintaining the galleries, price lists, etc.
3) Great customer service...as was SmugMug (never had a problem)
4) Lower hosting costs, $100 vs $149 (both have unlimited storage)
5) Sales commission (their take) was less than SM..although Zen does apply a $3 charge when requesting a commission check.

All in all, I just thought that Zen looked better to a typical user and after testing it thought the checkout process was easier to comprehend.


I'm with you on this one, I like the $100 Pro price on Zenfolio MUCH better that Smugmug. My account is up in November and I'm switching over for the savings. I know SM has more features and is fully cutomizable but I don't use half the features of SM and at a savings of of $50 a year. I like the Pro accounts because I do sell a few photos a year, hopefully more in the next year.

I think when I signed up back in 2004 the pro price was $99 a year which is at my price point, now if I only signed up with it back then. :rolleyes:

[fire34fighter]

I love my smugmug! Still working on customizing my site a little but I'm very happy. I have a power user account.

Thefireguy.smugmug.com

[trailblazer]

I am interested in SM but have a few questions.
For someone that lives outside of the US (like me), if someone wants prints of my photos and they are in my own country, how does SM handle that? Do they ship?
Is it only for US citizens?
Also, how do I retrieve funds/payment from SM when a person purchases photos?

[DDCSD]

I am interested in SM but have a few questions.
For someone that lives outside of the US (like me), if someone wants prints of my photos and they are in my own country, how does SM handle that? Do they ship?
Is it only for US citizens?
Also, how do I retrieve funds/payment from SM when a person purchases photos?

Yikes, I don't know. I would pose that question in Smugmug's forums to get an accurate answer.


http://www.dgrin.com/

[Geoff_Shawcross]

I believe that SM uses Fed Ex to ship the pictures and other products, so I don't think there should be any problems getting it shipped outside the US. One thing that may occur though (not 100% sure on this), is that depending on the size, weight, quantity, etc., there may or may not be duties applied when it crosses the border. I would definately check the SM website or send an e-mail to SM support about that last part.

As for collecting your profits (if you get the pro account), SM sends out a cheque once a month or longer interval depending on the amount owing. You can find more information on this on the SM website in the FAQ section I think.

[trailblazer]

hmm
Fedex is expensive to ship overseas, especially if it is just for some picture prints.
I think I might be better served doing it myself. No sense adding cost to the customer who will inevitable view MY website negatively as being too expensive.
So now I am a bit torn. If a US customer wants a print, then I am going to need to have a way to ship to them, and if a local customer wants a print, then I think I need to devise a way for them to contact me directly instead of through SM.

[Mike-DT6]

Is SmugMug US-based? I was under the impression it was Australian for some reason.

Mike

:-)

[DDCSD]

hmm
Fedex is expensive to ship overseas, especially if it is just for some picture prints.
I think I might be better served doing it myself. No sense adding cost to the customer who will inevitable view MY website negatively as being too expensive.
So now I am a bit torn. If a US customer wants a print, then I am going to need to have a way to ship to them, and if a local customer wants a print, then I think I need to devise a way for them to contact me directly instead of through SM.

If you would have customers regularly on both sides of the pond, you would probably be best served with a website that allows you to handle the orders. For US customers, you can send the file to a printer in the US and ship directly to the customer. For customers in your area, you could use a printer in your area and hand deliver or have them pick up, or of course ship it to them .

Is SmugMug US-based? I was under the impression it was Australian for some reason.

Mike

:-)

US based. Mountain View, California I believe.

[trailblazer]

Hi DDCSD,
It seems I might be out of luck with the local aspect as that would definitely entail me striking an arrangement of some sort with the local printer shops here.
:( :(

You see, the problem is our country still hasnt gotten into the information age.
Sure, I have a 10M broadband connection, but somehow people haven't embraced the digital age as much over here.

Paper, film, and blackboards still raging over here. I mean, we only started using cellular phones the last five years or so, so to expect the local printers to accept an online e-transaction might seem out of the question, not to mention they might look at you like you are trying to explain quantum physics.

While we are 'advancing', I would say most of the people that matter: the Government, big businesses, etc are still stuck in the stone age.

I could of course still go with the SM for US customers.
Open question: Does it pay off for itself? I mean, I understand you would need good photos, but do enough people order prints to cover the costs per year?
I ask because in my country, ecommerce does not exist between local businesses so I am a bit in the dark about if this would be a profitable venture

[scottykm]

I use SM, have had friends and family order prints to UK, ok it takes up to 14 day turn around, but the quality isnt bad, and its all integrated.

I also use photobox for stuff that i need quickly and cheaply (still fuji crystal archive though, and hell of a lot cheaper than smugmug!)

[I Simonius]

Open question: Does it pay off for itself? I mean, I understand you would need good photos, but do enough people order prints to cover the costs per year?


That is the $64000 question! Put it this way if you take photos that sell then yes it will pay for itself. The point with SM of course is that you can set your own print prices, so as long as you dont set them so high that they won't sell you can make as much profit as you like

SM shipping isn't that expensive at all unless you opt for the fastest option, but the best way to minimise costs I imagine is to try to group orders together. Images arrive very well protected and I do not think customs add anything at all, they certainly haven't with my orders.

as someone already mentioned dgrin forum is the best place to get all the gen on what photos sell. AFAICS it is events/portraits/weddings that sell most but I could be wrong;-)

[DDCSD]

I do believe that the best selling photos are as I Simonious said, event stuff. To be honest, you would have to have some pretty amazing work to sell photos to random people. People will gladly buy mediocre photos of themselves, but won't usually fork out much money for great shots shots of most things.

I do remember a thread in the dgrin forums detailing what type of sites sell the most prints.

[trailblazer]

That is good advice
Thanks I Simonious
and DDCSD
I will check out the dgrin forums

[Ham1]

The wait for mine was quite a while, so do install extra patience modules, in fact I had forgotten aboout it when it arrived, so allow a lonmg time,however it's FREE and there must be trillions of us asking for them.

BTW huge thanks for mine SM, much appreciated!

I use the strap n my tripod so I do;)

Yeah, sorry :o we have had A LOT more requests for this free strap than we anticipated.

Shipments are going out daily but since we are not a shipping service it takes a while. New shipments are coming in again so we'll start shipping again soon!

Markham

[Ham1]

Is SmugMug US-based? I was under the impression it was Australian for some reason.

Mike

:-)

SmugMug is based in Mountain View, CA but we have employees all over the world including Australia ;)

Markham

[Ham1]

That is the $64000 question! Put it this way if you take photos that sell then yes it will pay for itself. The point with SM of course is that you can set your own print prices, so as long as you dont set them so high that they won't sell you can make as much profit as you like

SM shipping isn't that expensive at all unless you opt for the fastest option, but the best way to minimise costs I imagine is to try to group orders together. Images arrive very well protected and I do not think customs add anything at all, they certainly haven't with my orders.

as someone already mentioned dgrin forum is the best place to get all the gen on what photos sell. AFAICS it is events/portraits/weddings that sell most but I could be wrong;-)

Yes, SmugMug does ship overseas no problem. It is a little more expensive but we have a lot of customers doing it. This page gives specific details on our International shipping: http://www.smugmug.com/prints/shipping.mg

As for what sells?? That is the big question! But the most popular photos that sell at SmugMug are Portraits, Senior shots, baby shots, family shots, weddings, parties, then come events, sports etc., then landscape and art are way lower quantity.

Markham

[cpagility]

I just got my first check from Smugmug a couple of days ago. They pay quarterly if you have less than $200 due and don't request a check.

I'd like to know the answer to the question about people outside the USA ordering pics. I'm heading to Belgium to shoot an event and figured I'd sell the downloads so people could buy the file and print it themselves instead of having to worry about getting it shipped.

I can set the prices on the different quality of downloads. I'll check with Smugmug about printing and shipping to Europe though.

[echo]

I really, really like it. I went with the Pro account and like the ability to sell file downloads etc, not that I've actually sold that many but it's covered the costs and more. Excellent service :)

Oh, the coupon code to save a bit on sign up: DwULdlIGyTrXU

:)

Mike

[nkphoto]

Just signed up for a pro account and am currently building my site.

Smugmug quite honestly blows everything else out of the water. I was originally pining for a Fluidgalleries site, but I feel the backend and community support here (not to mention cost, FG is a $500 purchase) is outstanding.

[bigcountry]

here is my site, http://www.holzphoto.com

i use smugmug and it works great cause i can design it around my site. i do wish that since i am paying $150 a year for it, i could get rid of their name, no offense, but it doesn't look professional.

[kn_guy87]

here is my site, http://www.holzphoto.com

i use smugmug and it works great cause i can design it around my site. i do wish that since i am paying $150 a year for it, i could get rid of their name, no offense, but it doesn't look professional.

Your site looks professional to me :-)

[nish]

Ive really researched into photo hosts over the past year as I took everything off my photobucket account and was looking for somewhere new.

I can firmly say from an unbiased view that Smugmugs customer service is second to none. They listen to their customers over at that dgrin site. Plus whenever Ive come across other forums/boards where issues have been posted about smugmug, that Andy or Dom (I think?) are always on the ball at registering, replying and setting records straight. I have just seen an issue earlier actually regarding the security of pictures and that appears to have been sorted out :)

I am definately going with them as soon as I can.

[RX350]

I like Smugmug and been using it for quite some time ,
check out my gallery , they also have large selection of print sizes and quality is excellent and this is important for me ,

if anyone need a coupon feel free to use it " cyZcpUdCqCYVE " $5 off.

[Packhorse-4]

Just received my free "SmugMug" neck strap. It's pretty nice :)

[<AkulA>]

Yup, just got my neckstrap too, pretty fancy!

[S.Horton]

I don't have a neckstrap.

I'm bummed.

[DDCSD]

I don't have a neckstrap.

I'm bummed.

Did you fill out the request form?

[Displaced]

Thanks to this thread...got my pro site set up (although using their templates 'cause I don't know code :cry:...sold some pictures already :)...got my fancy neck strap :)...I'm happy! :D

[bigcountry]

how do you get a neckstrap again?

[mrcoons]

how do you get a neckstrap again?


Go to http://smugmug.com/free-stuff.mg and fill in the form. :D

[kn_guy87]

Go to http://smugmug.com/free-stuff.mg and fill in the form. :D
Thanks for the info.
I just ordered one.

[Ham1]

Go to http://smugmug.com/free-stuff.mg and fill in the form. :D


Yep, we still have plenty left! We have been a little slow to ship them out because the amount of requests. Int'l shipments have gone out even slower, sorry :(

We'll get em out!

[Ham1]

here is my site, http://www.holzphoto.com

i use smugmug and it works great cause i can design it around my site. i do wish that since i am paying $150 a year for it, i could get rid of their name, no offense, but it doesn't look professional.

Your site looks great! Just so everyone knows, everything on that site is on SmugMug platform.

As for the custom URL name, Power AND Pro users can use the feature: www.smugmugdomains.com

[mrcoons]

Your site looks great! Just so everyone knows, everything on that site is on SmugMug platform.

As for the custom URL name, Power AND Pro users can use the feature: www.smugmugdomains.com (http://www.smugmugdomains.com)

Very nice site Jason, I love your slide show!

[bigcountry]

ham,

i never got my neckstrap :(.

also, the only thing that is smugmug related on my site is the portfolio and client login.

the slideshow i designed in flash/photoshop and everything else was done in photoshop and dreamweaver.

the blog i created from wordpress code and went in and edited the PHP.

not knocking smugmug, but i put a lot of work into that site.

i do like that i can customize the smugmug code and have it match my site and design, even my flavicon.

things i dont like, the smugmug references all over the place, no offense, but when my clients click on that, and see that they can get prints for .19 or whatever, and i am charging them 4.50 it doesn't look too good. + i pay $150 a year, so i think it would be ok not to have smugmug on there...just my .02 cents....

[kn_guy87]

Thanks for the info.
I just ordered one.

I got mine last week. Thanks

[TurboDean]

Smugmuggers, can full size images be viewed and downloaded by visitors?

I am a hobbyist and I let friends and family take whatever they want. Heck, it flatters me that it is good enough for them, so I don't care. :)

Dean

[DDCSD]

Smugmuggers, can full size images be viewed and downloaded by visitors?

I am a hobbyist and I let friends and family take whatever they want. Heck, it flatters me that it is good enough for them, so I don't care. :)

Dean

Yes you can. I often do that for my family. They can also purchase prints at cost+shipping directly from the site.

[TurboDean]

Great, thanks.

Dean

[burntpixel]

here is my site, http://www.holzphoto.com

i use smugmug and it works great cause i can design it around my site. i do wish that since i am paying $150 a year for it, i could get rid of their name, no offense, but it doesn't look professional.

I am looking into using SmugMug, however this may send me to look elsewhere. Should I purchase the pro account, I am still left with SmugMug name on my site?

I can certainly see why bigcountry would want to remove this. Prices charged to the customer should kept private. The customer then clicks on the smugmug link and sees that he/she are getting charged $x for something that cost pennies.

Off to dgrin (http://dgrin.com/)for more research.

[Lunajen]

I am looking into using SmugMug, however this may send me to look elsewhere. Should I purchase the pro account, I am still left with SmugMug name on my site?

I can certainly see why bigcountry would want to remove this. Prices charged to the customer should kept private. The customer then clicks on the smugmug link and sees that he/she are getting charged $x for something that cost pennies.

Off to dgrin (http://dgrin.com/)for more research.

You still have to buy a domain name for so many years...you can purchase one through smugmug for a special rate. If I had the url I would give it to you but i am at work... ;)


You can purchase a url for like 3.99 or some thing like that, for a year from them and you can name it however you want...Like I picked www.jenduffyphotos.com (http://www.jenduffyphotos.com).

[burntpixel]

I already have a domain name and should just be able to change the cname to point to the smugmug account.

What I want to know is can I remove where it says "powered by smugmug"

[burntpixel]

Found out the answer is NO. You must leave the "Powered by SmugMug" intact. Found the answer here (http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=116735) on dgrin.

Sorry, but $150.00 per year...I should have the right to remove it. Clients can easily see the difference in what is charged and what is payed.

Just wanted to add what I found for future searches.

[DD974]

I was first with SM for a year and have been with Zenfolio since Dec. 07....they allow you to remove the company logo with the Pro account and it's only $99/yr.,unlimited space...do the smart thing and sign up, you can use my referral code B4D-XPS-WSG during sign up to save $5 off your own subscription. I am extremely happy with ZF....oh...and their commission is less than SM too.:wink:

I wanted more time behind the camera instead of messing with CSS, HTML, Javascript, etc. to get my galleries to look right....even though you could still just use the cokkie cutter templates.

[family guy]

Found out the answer is NO. You must leave the "Powered by SmugMug" intact. Found the answer here (http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=116735) on dgrin.

Sorry, but $150.00 per year...I should have the right to remove it. Clients can easily see the difference in what is charged and what is payed.

Just wanted to add what I found for future searches.

Yes you have to keep it there....but you can take out the link part, so its just some non-clickalbe text. Take a look at my site www.joerallen.com -at the bottom, its there but really really little..I dont mind it at all. I havent looked a whole lot at zenfolio, so correct me if I'm wrong, but the ones I have seen all look the same, no customization at all. Smugmug is awesome!

[S.Horton]

SmugMug customer service is old-fashioned.

You know, the kind from real people who actually care.

They've constantly astounded me.

Best guess, it is still a private, family company < 50 employees.

The company I work for was exactly like that until until it was sold.

[bigcountry]

family guy can you tell us how you did that?

[family guy]

family guy can you tell us how you did that?

Shoot me a link to your site......& I throw some code at ya

;-)

I usually help out quite a bit on D-grin

[family guy]

family guy can you tell us how you did that?

I Found you!!

Try this in your CSS...post in D-Grin for more question:

/*-------Start Footer-------*/
.cartlink_footer {display: none;}
.loginLink {display: none;}
#feedHelp {visibility: hidden;}
#footer .nav {display: none;}
#footer .text {font-size:60%;}
/*--------End Footer--------*/

[TurboDean]

I signed up and I really like it. Reasonably easy to fix whatever you screw up. :) Granted, I am a true beginner using a site like this, but so far, so good.

Customer Support is OUTSTANDING!! I could not figure out hot to get my thumbnails to do what I wanted, though I knew it could be done, so I sent an email to find out what I was doing wrong and I received a reply in 6 MINUTES!

BTW, if you sign up, use Coupon Code "YaHoO" for 50% off the first year. Yep, ~20 bucks and I was in. :)


Dean

[asty80]

I am in my trial period. I see a 'buy' button above each photo. Is it because it is the trial version? Once you buy an account, can we disable/hide the 'buy' button so that ppl cant just take your creation for 19 cents?

[DDCSD]

I am in my trial period. I see a 'buy' button above each photo. Is it because it is the trial version? Once you buy an account, can we disable/hide the 'buy' button so that ppl cant just take your creation for 19 cents?

Go into "customize gallery" and disable printing. With a pro account you can set your print prices.

[minimalfear]

Smugmug ROCKS!

[sirsloop]

Been VERY happy with SM. Their site kicks arse, customer service is outstanding, price is great if you consider what they are providing. Pays for the hobby!

[timnosenzo]

Found out the answer is NO. You must leave the "Powered by SmugMug" intact. Found the answer here (http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=116735) on dgrin.

Sorry, but $150.00 per year...I should have the right to remove it. Clients can easily see the difference in what is charged and what is payed.

Just wanted to add what I found for future searches.

Just FWIW, people also know what a print costs at Walmart or Costco. I think customers should understand that they're paying for your work and not just for a print.

[Ry-Cam]

I'm very happy with my SmugMug site. I have upgraded to the Power level and customized everything. It still needs some more work on my part, but it's good enough for now.

[SteveNC]

Personally, I've been relatively unhappy after the first week. I never realized how difficult it was to customize things (see: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=654686). The people are really nice, though.