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#31
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Another one bites the dust
In article m,
David Nebenzahl wrote: I was going to say, well, duh! Of course any business requires things like marketing, sufficient capitalization, etc. More basic than that--and I'm surprised you didn't mention *that* obvious fact--it needs a market of some kind. But assuming one puts in the time, effort and money, there still may be room for a viable business doing wet color printing, particularly since it will now be a "boutique" commodity, hard to find, not popular, but sought-after by a few who are willing to pay good money for good work. I think it's obvious some people will pay for these services and pay well. Getting that business, is not so simple as advertising in the Yellow pages. For twelve years I actually have done that, with a tag line that I do black and white printing in addition to other Photographic services. In that time I have had no inquiries regarding printing. None. I have done this type of work for a few Photographers, it has not been enough to support me doing it exclusively. If one was to advertise in say Shutterbug and other photo magazines you might draw a wider audience of those more willing to spend the money-with out a reputation it probably will be a slow start. Of course there are other ways if one wants to exclusively pursue this type of business. So I do believe it can be done. Its just trade advertising is like 600 an issue versus say the 1,200 my yellow pages ad runs per year. Without trade ads you'll get lots of inquiries, so someone has to answer the phone or you'll need a website or both. You can actually have too many inquiries to appear professional if you've no way to respond to all or are working a job as well as this venture, then word gets around your not serious. The next thing is a certain element of "Us" photographers are great big "D-heads" the most anal people you will ever meet and the most critical, there are a lot of photographers that will do everything possible not to pay you, your "fair" price. Or will pump you for information as to how you did what what you did. Advertising "duh" is the single biggest loss you take as a business, short of a fire or other tragedy "imop". Since word of mouth, is by many accounts a better course, perhaps involvement at a local camera club, arts organization etc,..can give the start one needs,....or maybe just a sign on the back of your SUV The last thing is time value, if I take a special two hours to make an 8x10 -meaning chemical mixing etc. I have to at least charge what I could make working for my cheapest paying client, or lets say the average employer. Say I am willing to work for what my current employer is willing to pay me for that 2 hours of time. In my case your minimum cost is going to be 32.00 plus mailing or shipping that 8x10-not counting a percent for all business related expenses tied to getting your business-I also have to make enough from my business model to pay rent, and have a life. Since initially this is using available free time to do the work, I have to question: am I the type of person that likes spending my free time in the darkroom to do other peoples darkroom work? I also have to ask can I be motivated when I can make a lot more shooting images and actually seeing some daylight. -- Reality is a picture perfected and never looking back. |
#32
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Another one bites the dust
On 1/1/2008 3:46 PM ____ spake thus:
So I do believe it can be done. Its just trade advertising is like 600 an issue versus say the 1,200 my yellow pages ad runs per year. Without trade ads you'll get lots of inquiries, so someone has to answer the phone or you'll need a website or both. You can actually have too many inquiries to appear professional if you've no way to respond to all or are working a job as well as this venture, then word gets around your not serious. The next thing is a certain element of "Us" photographers are great big "D-heads" the most anal people you will ever meet and the most critical, there are a lot of photographers that will do everything possible not to pay you, your "fair" price. Or will pump you for information as to how you did what what you did. Well, fortunately for us, none of us here will have to worry our little heads over whether to take our business to you, as it's plain you're much too wracked with doubt to ever get such an enterprise off the ground. |
#33
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Another one bites the dust
In article m,
David Nebenzahl wrote: Well, fortunately for us, none of us here will have to worry our little heads over whether to take our business to you, as it's plain you're much too wracked with doubt to ever get such an enterprise off the ground. I have better things to do with my time. Included in that is an adios. As in my last post. Good luck to the nice people here I wish you well for 2008. -- Reality is a picture perfected and never looking back. |
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