Any feedback on a printing comapny?

[RobinGraham]

Hi everyone! Thanks in advance for your feedback.

My name is Robin, I recently purchased a large format photo printer. It will print up to 44" wide on photo paper. It is really an amazing printer. I am currently a special effects professional, but I was a photographer for years. I wanted to start a small side business selling large format photo prints. I figured with my low overheads and computer graphics expertise I could really offer a excellent product for a really affordable price.

Anyway. Sales talk aside I would love to hear what is important to you, the small business photographer. You really have the opportunity to create the business you always wanted to work with.

* What image formats do you normally work in?
* What sizes do you typically print in?
* What kind of paper?
* What is the most important aspect in a printing company that you work with? Speed? Price? Professional website? Return policy?

Please help me out with any feedback you can. This could be a amazing business for my family. I am not looking for any kind of huge operation, just a niche business that provides the best quality.

[PhotosGuy]

Would it hurt for you to tell us where you're located?

* What sizes do you typically print in?
It depends, but mostly 12X18" prints that I can get from Costco for $3.

* What kind of paper?
Lustre.

* What is the most important aspect in a printing company that you work with? Speed? Price? Professional website? Return policy?
I don't want to wait for the mail. I've stopped using my local (very good) pro lab because Costco does such a great job for very little money. Their $500,000 printer & $3 price for great 12X18" prints make it easy to upload files at 1AM & pick up the prints at 10AM, which is fast enough to make anyone happy.

[RobinGraham]

Sorry I should mention that I want to focus mostly on LARGE format prints. Anything post size and up. Because of the specialized printer I have, this is the best direction to go.

I am located in Los Angeles. Which is probably great for local people that need something fast. I plan on using USPS to ship everything else.

Ok So speed is super important for you. What about if you were printing something very large? Would you be more willing to wait a little?

[the flying moose]

Originally Posted by PhotosGuy

What sizes do you typically print in?
It depends, but mostly 12X18" prints that I can get from Costco for $3.

sorry to go off topic but seriously? i paid $25 the other day for a 12x18. i think i can get a 5x7 for $3.

[FranksPhotos]

Originally Posted by the flying moose

sorry to go off topic but seriously? i paid $25 the other day for a 12x18. i think i can get a 5x7 for $3.

Wow, you're getting taxed! My local guys print 5x7s and smaller for $0.40 a piece. 12x18 is $5. They do a great job too and ship. Feel free to PM me for their contact info.

To keep everything on topic: If I were printing that large, my first concern would be high quality, every time. ALWAYS. Speed of course is going to be important, BUT there are many other factors that are more important than speed to someone. And if turn-around speed IS the most important thing to a photographer, they should be using a different service.

For me, high quality and good customer service (including a good return policy, which shouldn't ever need to be used because your QC will be so high ) would outweigh turn-around time. However, if turn-around time is UNREASONABLE, it'll be very hard to keep clients happy.

Basically, create a niche for yourself and you could be successful. You're offering a VERY different service from 1hr labs and the like. Play off that, your personal experience is valuable in and of itself.

[PhotosGuy]

Originally Posted by the flying moose

sorry to go off topic but seriously? i paid $25 the other day for a 12x18. i think i can get a 5x7 for $3.

Yes, seriously. And they're great! Of course, you've got to join Costco for $50, but there are other benefits.
Where to get photos printed

[rincon]

For standard printing up to 11x14, I use Costco. Great prices, good quality, no questions asked return policy. For specialty prints, lately I have been going to Adoramapix (metallic, etc.). For my art prints (large glice' prints on art or watercolor paper) I use a local custom lab. They are expensive and slow, but they are meticulous and the quality shows it. Back to the OP - quality and customer service are the key for your niche. You won't be able to complete with the likes of Costco or any of the big labs on the day-to-day stuff.