As a photographer, one of the most exciting things you can do is share your work with the world. And with the rise of online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms, it’s easier than ever to sell your photography to a global audience. But with so many options for printing and fulfillment, it can be tough to know where to start. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using drop shippers, wholesale providers, and local shops to build and sell your photography prints online.
What Are Drop Shippers?
Drop shippers are third-party companies that print and ship your products on your behalf. Essentially, you design the product (in this case, a print of your photograph), and the drop shipper takes care of the rest – printing, packaging, and shipping the product directly to the customer.
Pros of Using Drop Shippers:
- Convenience: Drop shippers are incredibly convenient. You don’t have to worry about printing or shipping your products yourself, which frees up your time to focus on other aspects of your business.
- Low Startup Costs: Since you don’t have to invest in printing equipment or inventory, drop shipping can be a low-cost way to start selling your photography online.
- Scalability: Drop shippers can handle large volumes of orders, which means you can grow your business without having to worry about fulfilling orders yourself.
Cons of Using Drop Shippers:
- Less Control: When you use a drop shipper, you’re entrusting the printing and shipping of your products to a third party. This means you have less control over the quality of the final product and the shipping experience for your customers.
- Limited Customization: Most drop shippers have a limited range of products and customization options available. This means you may not be able to create the exact product you want or offer the level of customization that your customers are looking for.
- Less Flexibility: Drop shippers can be less flexible when it comes to special requests or changes to orders. This can be frustrating for both you and your customers.
Examples of Drop Shippers: Printful, Gooten, and Printify.
What Are Wholesale Providers?
Wholesale providers, also known as print labs, are companies that specialize in printing and producing high-quality photography prints. Unlike drop shippers, wholesale providers typically require you to order a certain minimum quantity of prints at once.
Pros of Using Wholesale Providers:
- Quality Control: Wholesale providers often have strict quality control measures in place to ensure that every print is of the highest quality.
- Wide Range of Products: Wholesale providers typically offer a wider range of products and customization options than drop shippers, which means you can create unique and personalized products for your customers.
- Direct Fulfillment: Wholesale providers can often ship directly to your customers, which can save you time and hassle.
Cons of Using Wholesale Providers:
- Higher Startup Costs: Since wholesale providers require you to order a minimum quantity of prints, you may need to invest more upfront to get started.
- Inventory Management: With wholesale providers, you’re responsible for managing your inventory and storing your prints until they’re sold. This can be a challenge if you don’t have the space or resources to store large quantities of prints.
- Less Flexibility: Wholesale providers may not be as flexible when it comes to special requests or changes to orders.
Examples of Wholesale Providers: Canvas on Demand, Bay Photo, and Miller's Professional Imaging.
What Are Local Shops?
Local shops, such as print shops or framing stores, are brick-and-mortar businesses that specialize in printing and framing photography prints. Working with a local shop can be a great way to ensure the quality of your prints and support a local business.
Pros of Using Local Shops:
- Quality: Local shops often produce some of the highest quality prints available. You can work with the shop directly to ensure that your prints are exactly how you want them.
- Customization: Local shops often offer a wide range of customization options, including different paper types, framing options, and print sizes.
- Support Local Businesses: Working with a local shop can be a great way to support small businesses in your community and build relationships with other local artists and photographers.
Cons of Using Local Shops:
- Higher Costs: Working with a local shop can be expensive, especially if you’re looking for high-quality prints or custom framing options.
- Limited Scalability: Local shops may not be able to handle large volumes of orders, which can limit your scalability as a business.
- Geographical Limitations: If you’re working with a local shop, you may be limited by the location of the shop and their hours of operation.
Examples of Local Shops: This will vary depending on your location. Try searching for print shops, framing stores, or photography supply stores in your area.
Which Option Is Right for You?
When it comes to selling your photography online, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Each option – drop shippers, wholesale providers, and local shops – has its own pros and cons. Ultimately, the right option for you will depend on your individual needs and priorities as a photographer.
If you’re just starting out and don’t have a lot of upfront capital to invest, drop shippers may be the best option for you. If you’re looking for higher quality prints and more customization options, wholesale providers may be a better fit. And if you’re passionate about supporting local businesses and want the highest quality prints possible, a local shop may be the way to go.
Whatever option you choose, make sure to do your research, read reviews, and test out different providers before committing to a long-term partnership. With the right printing and fulfillment partner, you can take your photography business to the next level and start selling your work to a global audience.