Good Packaging vs. Bad Packaging
 by Allan Tyndell
 

Good Packaging
Proper packaging is one that increases or enhances the perceived value of the product while doing it in the most economical way.

Bad Packaging
Improper packaging can diminish and/or lessen the perceived value of the product which can lead to buyer's remorse.

If the cost of the packaging is greater than 5% of the products retail price, the packaging will diminish a studio's profitability.

Remember, you are in this industry to make money. It's not how you want to package, it's how much you can afford to spend on packaging and still make a profit.

Types of Packaging and Ideal Uses:

Quality Portrait Folders

  • Used for all levels of photography
  • Can be enhanced using tissue paper, stribbons and branding with a studio logo
  • High quality paper stock
  • Clean foil borders

Low Quality Print folders/Recycled Folders

  • Used for low-end portrait photography
  • Volume portraits (sororities, firefighters, composite portraits, schools)
  • Ideal for proms, dances, social events, etc.

Pop-Out Easel Mounts

  • Used for low to middle portraiture
  • Ideal for the beginning photographer

Items to review before choosing a packaging solution:

  • What type of pictures are you packaging
  • Volume portraits (proms, dances, social events)
  • Portraiture
  • If the answer is volume portraits, use a gray print folder or for multiple print packages a photo case. If your answer is portraiture, read 3-6
  • At what level are you pricing your portraiture?
  • Low-end
  • Lower-middle
  • Middle
  • High-middle
  • High-end
  • How to determine your price point
  • What fees are your competitors charging?
  • How do  you compare to your competitors within a 15 mile radius?
  • Note: 15 mile radius if you work within an urban area. 25-35 mile radius within a rural area
  • Review Good vs. Bad Packaging and the Rules of Packaging thoroughly before deciding on a packaging solution
  • If you work from a home office you may have to exceed the 5% rule to keep your price point within the range of  your competitors.
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