Im planning to open up a digital photo printing shop. I just wanted to know what the best digital lab are?
Im planning to open up a digital photo printing shop. I just wanted to know what the best digital lab are? As well as the best ordering station. And how much do all of these cost? Do any of you think this is a good business to get into. I will focus primarily on digital prints not film printing.
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in my experience as a photographer, the best digital lab is from Fuji, though they are not as readily available as Kodak in North America. Fuji technology is better though. Certain colours and compositions are more crisp and clear than with Kodak digi labs.
usually for digital printing shops. they would have a few high performance macs for photographers to do on the spot changes if they need, and of course for your men to do colour correction for these clients of yours. its your duty to make sure that their prints are calibrated to your printer too… colour accuracy is important.
u need a shop front, and 1-2 large format printers, and the photo processor either from Kodak or Fuji, for Fuji, its around $25000-$30000SGD for the machine itself. the price is not accurate because i got this price from my partner not too long ago.
if you want to be the best, provide the best service with the best equipment, fastest delivery and superb quality. and never use 3rd party papers for your printers please…
hope that helps.
The lab to go for considering reliability of parts and especially service is Fuji or Kodak. Having said that Kodak does not manufacture their own machine. They use Noritsu. Also a japanese brand. Thus you have basically Fuji or Noritsu. I wil go with Fuji becasue they are film-machine-service intergrated. The basic entry machine is about AUD$140k and the higher end AUD $180K. Add in about AUD$12K for a Digital self service kiosk. Which depending on your location you will need 2 to 10.
Digital print is very competitive. The variable cost per print is about Aud$0.08 to Aud$0.12. Look at what your market is charging. Take the average that will be gross margin. Calculate the the volume you need.
To do up a store from scratch is from Aud$80K.
Your shop should look something like that. Think digital. Not just film but also video. Anything digital services you can provide provide. Like data conversion, whatever. Maybe add in internet cafe. A place where peope, young people can do their digital thing and entertainment.
Get affiliate progran, like shutterfly that people can sign up.
etc.