How do you package 'packages' of photos?

[pdrow]

Afew weeks ago I published a request for lighting help. I went to a camera shop an hour away and ended up purchasing a small set of lights. I practiced and practiced. Finally, the day arrived. Despite the great directions posted here, I rented a back drop. I really was plannign to make one but ran out of time.

I happen to have a real lab that is a mile from the house. I used their software and did packages. They really turned out nice. Today, I was like Wow! these look good! That made me feel so much better. I must admit I was nervous as this was for my church.

My son was shocked that the prcoessing was so inexpensive. His response was "photographers kinda gouge peopel, huh?" I told him he didn't take into account the camera, the time, etc.

Now, that I have the photos, what do I do? They are packaged in paper envelopes with a clear plastic front. They don't look classy. I think presentation is so important. I was plannign to make lables with my name, number, etc to put on the envelopes, but they look like what you would get for a soccer game.

I was thinking flat paper sacks- like greeting cards come in. Any resources for those that you know of? Any better solutions?

Also, do you cut them apart? I think they look more expensive when they are cut apart. Not sure why, but they do to me.

Any help on presentation would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Pam

[epeace]

maybe custom make envelopes out of colored velum . . that always exudes classiness imho . . seal them with some nice decals . .

[Avalonthas]

Yea since u saved a bit on the processing go for a quality and classy look. Im pretty sure they sell such packaging at photo shops, they do round here anyways. Never used them myself, as I have special package envelopes and seals and they are all sealed in plastic, etc etc. But yea, the better they look the more business u get.

[GerryDavid]

What I'd do in the future is to include in the selling price the cost of a nice presentation folio which you can buy through the various album sellers. They cost only a few bucks, and they REALLY look classy--- even the cheap ones.

Do you have any links to these presntation folio's?

I took a look through staples and I found "twin pocket portfolio" one that looked like it could be used to give pictures to someone. Theres no holes on the side for a 3 ring binder, and wheen you open it up, you have space to put the 8x10s or smaller into each side. And then it has a spot for a business card on the bottom center of one page.

These come in differnt colors, the glossy silver and glossy red was appealing. A package of 10 costs $10.26 cdn.

Im not sure if this link will work, but heres a try, www.tinyurl.com/5nx87 (http://%3Cb%3Ehttp://tinyurl.com/5nx87)

edit > you have to c/p the above link, clicking on it doesnt work in mozilla.

[iwatkins]

This is something I looked into as many of my prints once returned from the printers will then be posted onwards to the client.

I found this set up and it works out quite cheap: CliPac (http://avenir-plastic.com/en/). Available for 6x4, 5x7 or 6x9. As an example, a plain 5x7 box (as you can get inlays for CDs as well) works out as £40 for a box of 78, which is £0.52 each.

I've a sample 5x7 box here and it is tough but a damn sight more professional looking than just a cardboard sleeve. Added benefit is there is room to stick on your own details etc.

Cheers

Ian

[GerryDavid]

My link works, it just asked me for a postal code and I entered in a1a1a1 and hit submit and it took me to the right page.

I normally use that general postal code above for online stuff when I dont want to give a real address.