PeachyPics.net Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Hi, I'll introduce myself before I ask a question as I'm new here. I'm Andrea Lane and I have a photography studio in Aylesbury. I started the business last May and I run it with my 3 daughters. I work full time, while the girls each do 3 days a week and I have two college girls who come in to help at the weekends. My studio is in a shopping mall with a fair footfall although not as much as some might think. I follow New Photo Digest on Twitter and they suggested I might like to post some questions here. We often have people pop into our studio asking if we print photographs and so far we have just sent them to Jessops. (They are outside in the high street). We are trying to make up our minds whether to get a Kodak Kiosk in our reception so that people can print their own photographs. I went to Focus on Imaging on Monday and Kodak had a stand there with a number of kiosks and when I gulped at the price he suggested I might like to think about a refurbished kiosk. It works out at about £3000 with four sets of media (paper and ribbon). I was quite interested in the fact that people could log on to their facebook, flikr or picasa account and print off too. I would probably use it to print my own 6 x 4 images rather than send to the lab (we offer free 6x4s of images if they buy over a certain amount). We hope that it will be another way of getting people into the studio. Are there any other photographers with studios that have a kiosk? How do you find it? Did it take you long to make your money back? Any advice of any sort will be valuable! Thanking you in anticipation..... ;D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nash Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 A Sonysnap lab costs about £1000.00 and its small and portable it will sit on your counter and media cost are about 15p Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeachyPics.net Posted March 9, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Hi, thank you for the reply. When you say 15p is that for a 6 x 4 or what? What sizes does it do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nash Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 Thats just for a 6x4 but if you purchase the Super Snaplab that can print 6x4,7x5,8x6 and 9x6 which is about £1800.00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nash Posted March 9, 2011 Report Share Posted March 9, 2011 heres the spec http://www.photomart.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?ProductCatalogue=SUPSNAP Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeachyPics.net Posted March 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 This is the unit I saw at Focus on Imaging. It's also the company that were demoing it. Anyone either used them or have got the unit? http://www.tetenaluk.com/shop/equipment-consumables/hardware-consumables/apex-kiosks/refurbished-kodak-g4-picture-kiosk.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Crank Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Sony are completely withdrawing from the kiosk market, effective April 1, 2011. http://newphotodigest.co.uk/2010/11/908/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nash Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 i have the sony snaplab i think it`s a great little machine, very easy to use Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Amies Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Re Harry's useful comment - Sony are working with DNP ( Dai Nippon) who will be handling the transfer, and will be producing their media. Machines are stiull generally available. Unfortunately New Phoh DFigest omited this detail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Amies Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Sorry , spelling gaffs - that was New Photo Digest, or NPD. It appears that all content on this site is from one author. I would suggest you use more than one source for your information, and maybe to actaully check with the manufacturer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor brown Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Information I had at Focus was whilst media will be available no new equipment to be made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Amies Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Hello Trevor. Who told you that? Just out of interest. You see I would only take that info on full SP from Sony or DNP themselves or a UK distributor for those companies. Mind you , I guess I could have told you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Amies Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 Just realised , it was another Trevor I was speaking to at Focus yesterday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor brown Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 The question is . from whom or where did you aquire my phone No to inform me that the info I was given at Focus was incorrect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper Posted March 10, 2011 Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 If you speak to Tetenal and ask for Chris Castle, i am sure you will get a suprise on the cost of the Kodfak kiosk!! They were offering the unit for £2550.00 less £500.00 making the price £2,050.00 + vat, new units would cost you a shade over 4.5k. If you are seroius about having a kosk then there is only one brand to have in store and that is the Kodak unit, it offers 6x4, 5x7 and 8x6 prints from the same media and will produce prints from 12.5p for the 6x4. Tetenal are a respectable company who service the whole industry with all Imaging solutions from Kodak, service support, consumables and ongoing help all under one roof. Telephone 0116 232 4910 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeachyPics.net Posted March 10, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2011 I spoke to Chris Dawson of Tetenal on monday at focus. The refurbished units by Kodak looking very interesting. I just want to make sure I don't run before I walk so I'd like to get some unbiased opinions from photographic studios that are or have done the same. Trevor it's easy to find your number. :-D Telephone - 01507 354xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Amies Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 Trevor, Iam sorry for the intrusion. Your email details on here reveal who you are , and I was aware of you as you have had dealings with teh company I work for . I neeed to clarify the information as quickly as I could, as I felt it important to get it correct on here. The information about Sony is not fully correct. DNP are carrying on the production of Sony media ,and I have checked with source that in fcat the intention is carry on with the machines, under different badging. 'Harry Crank's' refrerence to New Photo Digest is all very well, but the inforamtion on there is not fully correct and I doubt it was checked with either Sony or DNP at the time. This site gets alot of viewing , not just in the UK , but around the world. If this causes a problem , then I do apologise. Perhaps if Neil would like to get the full information verified, and the matter can be cleared up? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philspectrum Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 There is a wisdom that you should always have more than one kiosk, so they have presence and give theatre to your operation. People often shop in groups and each can use at the same time. I have a couple of G4 kiosks with printers and cabinets that I have from my old shop, they dint gave the very latest software but work great and print 4x6, 5x7, and 6x8 You could have them both for less than the price if a single unit quoted above. PM me if interested. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Crank Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 Trevor, you are correct. SONY-compatible media should become available after they withdraw from the dye sub market at the end of this month, but no new equipment will be made: http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/News/Press/201011/10-1122E/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noritsuvet Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 Personally I feel that customers don't see a small table top machine as serious. That's where the bigger Kodak or Fuji, floor standing units have the edge. It shows people you are truly in the business and that the results will be better than a machine they can buy themselves at Dixons. Sorry to the guys suggesting Snaplab - size does seem to matter! If you're doing prints, you also need a good range of frames and I'd suggest products like the instant photogifts from Adventa, too. A kisok stuck in the corner of a studio reception area just won't cut it on its own Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeachyPics.net Posted March 11, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 OK folks, what do you think about Phils statement saying you look more 'serious' if you have a large unit (or two)? My studio is small so would be a squeeze to fit two in. The bigger unit would be ok as already have a place earmarked. But two.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevor brown Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 I started with 1 Kiosk did not want to take trade away from my lab. The kiosk was steady but nothing great, then for some daft reason I bought 2 more usage developed quickly. Now have 5 Kiosk in both shops, sometimes no one on them other times all 5 being used and customers waiting. Its about how the customer conceives you are operating. More kiosks instore has created more trade. Did away with the instant printers and link them into an Apex. Still have the wet lab but all digital goes via thermal now it works a treat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aussiecameras Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 Trevor, you are completely right, the more you have, the more work is generated! I bought three more the other day and will have 10 to 12 running soon. I think the issue though is whether a kiosk is the right sort of output for a photo studio. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noritsuvet Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 The more the better. Two would tell customers you are really in the photo business. Aussie cameras makes a good point about the output in regards a studio. Phil's offer sounds a good one for a newbie. Perhaps get him to come down and show you how best to set up your shop up to maximise potential as part of the deal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Crank Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 I understand where Phil is coming from, and agree with his thinking if you're a photo shop, but also agree with those pointing out PeachyPics.net's business is a portrait studio. That's hitting the nail on the head. I believe photo shops with studios outnumber studios with photo labs several times to one? However, I've also observed that portrait studios seem to need to diversify to guarantee the business a long life. Usually they either need to offer wedding photography, or have a photo shop. Since PeachyPics.net has the space, and the demand, for a photo kiosk, I think it would be a good idea to put one in. However, I don't think this is like putting a candy machine at the dentist's reception. As I expect many here would agree, kiosks don't market themselves: you do need to give them 'prominence' and 'presence' in your store (put them out in people's path where they'll see and encounter them, and make them look big, obvious and important, with point-of-sale, etc.), and you need to actively market and develop them as an individual line in your business. I think if PeachPics.net starts with a photo kiosk, she will find herself developing a photo lab side to her portrait studio business over time -- and that wouldn't be a bad thing. Two things I'd advise are: don't spend too much, and do charge enough. Dealers/manufacturers would love to get list or near-list prices for their kiosks, but if they feel they're creating a customer who will do a brisk trade, and buy her media from them, most will also be satisfied with getting a machine into her premises at not excessively above cost. Some of the prices I've seen mentioned here are substantially higher than experienced lab owners would pay. I'd advise against making a capital investment so big as to be slow to repay itself. As we all know, what the market demands changes a little every few years, and you don't want to still have money to earn back on a kiosk by the time it has become obsolete. Online features, including social media integration, seem to be important today, and for things like this you need an up-to-date kiosk and an arrangement with the manufacturer or dealer to keep it that way. Media bundled with the kiosk is great, because this is essentially (a lot of) money-off, for buyers who will actually succeed in selling prints. Noritsuvet's point about frames and photo gifts is vitally important for profit-per-print too, and I would add photo mounts and folders, especially as PeachyPics.net is a portrait studio. And then, charge enough. PeachyPics.net already has customers asking for the service at her premises. I'd advise her to set her per-print prices at what will repay her machine and media costs, and make a profit for her, regardless of what other prices in the area are. Turn away the trade that won't pay your prices, it's better than losing money. A kiosk can be a small-order, low-volume business, but that's profitable at the right prices, and enough customers will pay them. Those are my thoughts anyway. Hope they're useful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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