How to get all the business you can handle doing restorations/retouching?

[dipech]

Vicki,

Thanks very much for all the excellent info! I'm wondering how you were able to set up such a great arrangement with the photo shop you work with--how did you present it to them so that they agreed to the 10%??

As to your point on ink jet prints, I am starting to come around to your view to have my prints sent out to a photo lab. I recently discovered an excellent online photo service-shutterfly.com and compared their prints with some I did of the same photos on my inket. With most of the black and white prints, their prints came out significantly better. But on the color prints, my ink jet prints on high gloss paper came out just as good. Then there is the whole issue of what exactly is the longitivity of the ink jet prints...

Considering the cost of ink cartridges and top quality ink jet papers, and how fast I've been going through the cartridges and paper, it doesn't make sense to make an inkjet print when I can use their service. But the problem I see is what about when it's a more special photo--like a restored wedding shot-- where you want to use fancier and heavier paper than what a place like Shutterfly uses? Or let's say it's a $90.00 job (or more); do you want to give the client a finished photo on just the standard photo paper a lab uses?

Diane

[Vikki]

Thanks Diane.
To answer some of your questions. I'm not entirely sure what motivated the shop owner to take my offer. A couple of things possibly. He can call me at any time and get a consultation if necessary. Perhaps 10% is a higher return than he was getting before? I also offered a 100% money back guarantee.

About the prints. Believe it or not, customers do not seem to be concerned about the type of paper the image is on. I have never had anyone ask me about the paper. I think they just assume it will be a glossy or matte print (and they don't ask about that either!). Clients have paid over $200 for regular prints. I think the important thing is that they have a print, that I, nor the customer, will have to worry about. With inkjets, I would be concerned that if a print fades or runs, they would not contact me, yet spread the word, and that kind of publicity could ruin a business.
There are labs that offer different finishes. Also, we have a lab in our area that will mount and spray prints for a minimal cost.
Vikki

[dipech]

Hi Vicki,

Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions! This is really valuable information! I'm surprised to hear that customers are not fussy about paper.

Are there any particular online labs that you would recommend? What is mounting and spraying of a photo?

I use a HP inkjet and the HP Premium plus paper is said by HP to be extremely long-lasting with 6 color inks; I saw the statistics recently and they sounded very impressive. But would you still not trust an inkjet print in this case either?
Have you heard of many cases where inkjet prints actually did fade or run?

Diane

[pierresplace]

Hi Everyone!
Well it's been a while since I've been on the board. I'm now living in Florida and still plying the craft. I have found that computer technology and the number of people interested in it is far less then the NY Metro area. At first this concerned me but now I'm finding it to be quite an opportunity. I am still following my original plan for acquiring clients and photos to restore... I simply show the samples and wait for their reaction. In variably most people have a photo which can use some work and "voila" I have another job. One thing no one can argue with is the power of the "numbers game." Show the work often enough and the customers will appear. Good luck Gang!
...Pierre...

[Jim Conway]

The idea that it's a "numbers game" is one that we have worked on for years - now I've settled into one pattern that keeps us busy with leads and all the new accounts we can handle.

There are more numbers in groups of people right - so we offer a lecture series. Generally 20 to 30 people at a time at historic societies, church groups, etc. I just did one with a "home schooling" group in our own showrooms where the lecture was to kids 8 to 12 years of age - nothing but fun and they were very attentive!

The topics can include photo history, conservation. "how to" of preservation and numerous other "on target" topics. Keep the talks within your own knowledge base because this is not something you can "fake! People today know enough they can't be fooled with an "acid free" hype type of presentation.

If anyone wants details or specifics on our format, I'll be glad to provide it. Maybe even post a photo or two of our 30x40 story boards if I ever take the time to learn how to do that here! :-)

Jim Conway

[roger_ele]

Hi Jim,

That is a wonderful idea, THANKS!

I, for one, would really appreciate a story board shot and an idea as to how the talk is structured. I currently volunteer at the local senior center teaching photography - they have a geneology group that this would be perfect to get my feet wet with. Public speaking is NOT my forte - but if the structure can help walk me through it I am deffinently up to giving it a try.

Thanks, Roger

[Jim Conway]

I'll see if I can get something up here by the end of next week. The Senior Center is a totally logical contact that for some unknown reason I've skipped over! Maybe I can cop out with a plea based on my old age! :-) Anyway, thanks for mentioning it - a very good idea for me to follow up on!

Last week I did one for the local Framers Association - two good orders on referrals within two days and those are the type people that I can count on to "keep on giving" when it comes to referrals.

The Framers Assn. is a great group to work with - our referrals generally came from ones that have sources for digital but also an understanding of the need for traditional fiber based prints! (Of course we explain these differences in the lectures). Because of the traditional lab work involved, I know this is not for everyone here but it gives you some idea of the success and quick returns for your effort in doing local lectures

Even if you don't like public speaking I think most of you would find it easy. Building the story-boards is what takes the time. From that point on, it's show and tell! As Fulgham would put this - "Everything I ever knew I learned in Kindergarten!". (about presentations anyway) .

Jim Conway

[jeaniesa]

Hi Jim,

I would be interested in seeing your story boards as well - when you've got the time. I've often thought about giving talks as well - just have to find the time to put one together!

Jeanie

[dipech]

Hi Jim,

I also am interested in learning more about the story boards and what you cover at your lectures. I'm also not eager to get into public speaking but it does seem one of the very best ways to attract customers in this business.

A number of people have been suggesting to make up a powerpoint presentation to present to a group; what do you think of that idea??

If you were going to speak to a group of seniors, what topic would you cover with them??

All the best,
Diane

[Jim Conway]

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/genphoto/message/538

This is a link to one of the sites that has a copy of an article I wrote some time back on "wills" that was sent to hundreds of attorneys.

It could be a good starting point for putting togeather a lecture for Seniors.

I'll get to the storyboards posting sometime soon but for now am taking off on a short but very much needed vacation!

Jim Conway

[LidoBlu]

I really like the restoration flyer you did, Roger. I've never thought of making a flyer but looking at yours I think I'm going to try with your idea in mind..not copy.

Living in a country with few jobs of any kind available has created a need for me to find some way to supplement my chomage.
At the moment I sell used english books for the few people who have a need for this. But, I don't push it and it doesn't do much. I am hoping to add greeting cards and art work to my site soon in spite of hearing it won't work, there's too many etc.. My therapist once told me, "if it enhances your life and you have the capabilities then do it." It can only flop and I won't be any worse off than I am now. I will also get much pleasure during the creating process.

In the area I live in there are many beautiful cards for sell at the local shop but they are outrageously expensive in comparison to the states where they are a dime a dozen. It's impossible to find a box of cards. So as it nears the holidays I am working on greeting cards in French and English. I have hopes since I am only needing to make a little supplemental income. I'm also going to offer basic photo editing which I am up to. I joined this group to learn the hard stuff. I haven't yet worked out the pricing but it will have to be inexpensive as I am a beginner and it's hard to begin anything new in France. I will sell the cards from my site along with books. I have been including a card and advertising bookmark with orders just to give people a taste of what's to come.

Sorry to get carried away but I got excited when I saw there was a forum on business. Any ideas for me would be appreciated. Greeting cards are about Photo Art to.

Loved your site, Vicky..clean, attractive, easy loading and to the point. I love that font!

Blu

[Vikki]

Thanks Blu!
The font is ShellyVolante

Regarding your card business. I was wondering if you'll receive enought business through the internet.
Have you thought about making up some boxes of cards and seeing if you could persuade a local gift shop to sell them (of course they would receive a percentage of the proceeds)? If the price is right, everyone will profit.

Your therapist has good advice!
Vikki

[LidoBlu]

Thanks for the advice Vikki and letting me know the font. I'll have to see if I have it.

I've yet to find a place locally that sells the boxes I need. I'm going to have to find what I need on the web. I had the same problem when looking for the finishing spray I needed. I ended up buying from a company on the internet and it took forever for it to get here.

Blu

[tangerine]

Diane,

I am new to photo restoration and greatly appreciated reading the thread you started regarding getting enough business! I'm sure I enjoyed the postings at least as much as you did.

Thanks,
Tangerine

[dipech]

Thanks, Tangerine.

You are definitely starting out in the right place! Retouch PRo is a fabulous resource and it is amazing how helpful people are! You can really learn a tremendous amount here.

Good Luck on your retouching efforts! What kind of business are you starting?

Diane