Posted by Bill Maile on February 24, 2011 at 5:53 AM
Hello NPNers, why I have done a regional photo calendar for the past three years, with the 2011 edition being by far the most successful, a company in the area and I are in discussions about doing their 2012 photo calendar. Naturally, it will only go up to the date December 21st (I jest of course), but whether I get the gig will greatly depend on the final price point I can offer. Traditionally, they have used calendars that show national landmarks, parks, iconic figures, etc. Thus, they get them for around $4 or $5 a calendar because of the large printed quantities, and a lesser grade paper. So that would be about my max to charge them.
First, despite the paper issue, the calendars they give away to their customers (approximately 1,000) are nicely done. The print quality I don't think is as good as my normal 8 1/2 x 11 product, but theirs is larger, and overall a nice calendar. I have looked into some of the usual "online printing suspects" and have an option or two in mind. I don't think I can post a sample month from my current issue, so I won't.
But I thought I'd tap all the knowledge and experience here on NPN for some print supplier suggestions. I'll have to measure their current calendar once I locate it again, but it is probably something like 11 x 14, maybe a bit smaller.
My photo work is fairly well know in the region and growing, but this would give me an opportunity to introduce myself to some new people and markets by tapping into their large geographical footprint. Thank you for any help, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Posted by Luke Ormand on February 24, 2011 at 9:22 AM
Bill,
It's a little unclear what you are asking for here...
Posted by Bill Maile on February 24, 2011 at 9:31 AM
Luke, I'm looking for a printing company that will do quantities of 1,000+ calendars of a certain quality. I can then follow up with them, and get prices, samples, etc. so that I may speak intelligently to the local business that would be buying them from me, and distributing to their customers next holiday season. Anything else??
Posted by Joe Becker on February 24, 2011 at 4:02 PM
Bill,
I can't speak for printers in your area of the country, but in my experience I think you may have a hard time getting custom printing in the price range you are looking for. We do an annual calendar for my company which uses my photography. We use a local printer that we have found to have competitive prices. Our calendar is a bit larger than what you are talking about, about 17x24 inches, bound in the middle (this size was picked so it can be mailed in an envelope, which is much cheaper than a tube; also it is approximately the same size as the "traditional" marketing calendars with national scenes/icons). Last November, we had 1,100 calendars printed up for a cost of just under $7.50 per calendar (including the binding cost). Again in my experience, even though your calendar may be smaller, the cost will not go down that much because most of the cost is in the print setup.
You may be able to find cheaper costs with an internet-based printer, but I'd think it may be tough to get a quality product at a price point significantly below $5 where you end up with a reasonable profit. Another option may be Costco, or a similar printing service. However, you may be very limited in layout options, etc by going that route.
We have found that by having an obviously, local, tailored marketing calendar, we get much better response from our clients than the more "traditional" marketing calendars. You may be able to convince the company that a higher price for your calendar will be worth it for them.
Good luck.
Posted by Greg Lessard on February 25, 2011 at 1:10 AM
I have used Pelican Prints in the past. They are often the cheapest company I could find. They are sometimes a little disorganized, so give them a little extra time to get the details straight. Lately I have switched to a local printer and happily pay a higher price for outstanding service!
Posted by Bill Maile on February 25, 2011 at 8:49 AM
Thank you very much Joe, you make excellent points, some of which I had thought of, others I hadn't! And I do have to investigate local printing options. One question, 17" x 24", I'm guessing that is the unfolded size?? If so, that is at least the size I desire. If it is the folded size, that may be just a bit TOO large, though I'm exploring several options.
And yes, in the end, they are MY photographs and will represent my work. I'm not expecting fine-art print quality, as we do for exhibits, print sales, etc., but...
And also yes, the company knows me very well, and I know them very well (two VERY close relations were integral in their growth over the years, I'll leave it at that) ... so they may be willing to "budge a bit on their budget", but who knows in this economy. One final note, I have done my own calendar for three years now. It has been amazingly successful given the area and the price I charge... but it is a quality product, people love using them as Christmas and holiday gifts, and they enjoy the regional images I use. However, if I sell 1,000 calendars... and make say $1 per calendar, that's not a bad thing--especially when you consider the time spent in taking orders, advertising, fulfillment, shipping, etc. etc. of my regular calendar.
And thank you as well Greg. I looked at Pelican, and dang, they certainly are very cost-effective (cheap)!!! I've asked for some samples from them, before I go ahead and use them to quote a price. I'll compare the sizes and quality to what the company currently distributes, and to ensure my photos are presented in an acceptable way should we go that route.
Thaks for the input gentlemen!!
Posted by Joe Becker on February 25, 2011 at 3:22 PM
I have used Print Pelican for two of the four calendars I have had printed. Their highest quality paper for 8.5 x 11 was $4 each. Do give them extra time over what they state but they did a great job for me. Their templates are good and quite easy to work with.
You can see three of the four calendars in the galleries on my website. They did the 2009 and 2011 years. eleanorkeewellman.com
Posted by Bill Maile on February 27, 2011 at 10:39 AM
Awesome info too Eleanor, I will take a look at your samples. Great to know!
Discussion
8 repliesFirst, despite the paper issue, the calendars they give away to their customers (approximately 1,000) are nicely done. The print quality I don't think is as good as my normal 8 1/2 x 11 product, but theirs is larger, and overall a nice calendar. I have looked into some of the usual "online printing suspects" and have an option or two in mind. I don't think I can post a sample month from my current issue, so I won't.
But I thought I'd tap all the knowledge and experience here on NPN for some print supplier suggestions. I'll have to measure their current calendar once I locate it again, but it is probably something like 11 x 14, maybe a bit smaller.
My photo work is fairly well know in the region and growing, but this would give me an opportunity to introduce myself to some new people and markets by tapping into their large geographical footprint. Thank you for any help, and I'd be happy to answer any questions.
It's a little unclear what you are asking for here...
I can't speak for printers in your area of the country, but in my experience I think you may have a hard time getting custom printing in the price range you are looking for. We do an annual calendar for my company which uses my photography. We use a local printer that we have found to have competitive prices. Our calendar is a bit larger than what you are talking about, about 17x24 inches, bound in the middle (this size was picked so it can be mailed in an envelope, which is much cheaper than a tube; also it is approximately the same size as the "traditional" marketing calendars with national scenes/icons). Last November, we had 1,100 calendars printed up for a cost of just under $7.50 per calendar (including the binding cost). Again in my experience, even though your calendar may be smaller, the cost will not go down that much because most of the cost is in the print setup.
You may be able to find cheaper costs with an internet-based printer, but I'd think it may be tough to get a quality product at a price point significantly below $5 where you end up with a reasonable profit. Another option may be Costco, or a similar printing service. However, you may be very limited in layout options, etc by going that route.
We have found that by having an obviously, local, tailored marketing calendar, we get much better response from our clients than the more "traditional" marketing calendars. You may be able to convince the company that a higher price for your calendar will be worth it for them.
Good luck.
And yes, in the end, they are MY photographs and will represent my work. I'm not expecting fine-art print quality, as we do for exhibits, print sales, etc., but...
And also yes, the company knows me very well, and I know them very well (two VERY close relations were integral in their growth over the years, I'll leave it at that) ... so they may be willing to "budge a bit on their budget", but who knows in this economy. One final note, I have done my own calendar for three years now. It has been amazingly successful given the area and the price I charge... but it is a quality product, people love using them as Christmas and holiday gifts, and they enjoy the regional images I use. However, if I sell 1,000 calendars... and make say $1 per calendar, that's not a bad thing--especially when you consider the time spent in taking orders, advertising, fulfillment, shipping, etc. etc. of my regular calendar.
And thank you as well Greg. I looked at Pelican, and dang, they certainly are very cost-effective (cheap)!!! I've asked for some samples from them, before I go ahead and use them to quote a price. I'll compare the sizes and quality to what the company currently distributes, and to ensure my photos are presented in an acceptable way should we go that route.
Thaks for the input gentlemen!!
You can see three of the four calendars in the galleries on my website. They did the 2009 and 2011 years. eleanorkeewellman.com
Bill