| Photography Forum: Photography Help Forum: |
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Q. Wholesale Source for matts, frames? / print costs
Asked by Dave Arnold
(K=55680) on 8/21/2007
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I have been asked by a local gallery owner to begin offering my photos in her gallery for sale. I need a source for stock matts and frames. Does anyone know of any company they would recommend?
Also, in trying to price out what I should charge for prints, does anyone know how to figure in ink costs when you are looking at the production cost? I understand it depends on the ink/printer but there must be an rule of thumb somewhere.
Thanks to all,
Dave
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Harry Brown
(K=817) - Comment Date 9/3/2007
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Dave,
I have used American Frames, www.americanframe.com, with good results. Also, if you have a big craft hobby (Michaels Hobby Lobby, etc, store nearby they often have specials where you can load up on mats and framesat a good price.
There is no simple way to figure ink costs except to run off enough photos on the paper you use, in the size that you use and do the math.
The main thing is don't sell your work to cheap. Look at this site to get an estimate of what to charge. http://photographersindex.com/stockprice.html
Good luck!
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Dave Arnold
(K=55680) - Comment Date 9/13/2007
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Thanks, Harry. I did find a good source for mats, Rediframe.com, I think is the URL. I'll check out the two sites you mentioned.
I so far have decided, at the urging of the gallery owner, not to frame but just mat the prints. Makes it easier for tourists to carry with them.
Dave
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Harry Brown
(K=817) - Comment Date 9/15/2007
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Dave, It is a good decision to just do mats. I only sell framed works if the buyer specifies exactly what they want. Even then it's more of a hassle than it's worth.
I've looked at some of your work, it is excellent and should sell well.
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Jan Hoffman
(K=39467) - Comment Date 9/15/2007
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Dave -- I do my own framing and found that it is much better to build the frames and then add a mark-up to gain a profit on it along with the contents. If you can sell to the gallery without frames even better. As for overhead for material (like ink etc.) that must be a hidden cost but you can figure that your overhead is higher than you might think. When you add in waste - nobody is perfect:) - ink - paper - wear and tear -- it would be safe to assume that you can figure $5 (US) extra per 8"x10" or 11"x14" print.
--Best regards to you, Jan
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