Digital Files vs Finished Prints

[Former_Member]

Hello everyone!!

I just opened my shop in December, and I'm learning the ropes as I go. My specialty is invitations and announcements -- engagement parties, baby showers, wedding save-the-dates. I'm currently working on getting wedding invitations listed as well.

All of my listings are for digital files, and I also have "printing package" listings as add-ons, for customers that want to have the printing done. I have sold only a few printing packages.

Here's what I'm wondering...I would definitely prefer to sell finished pieces, as I use a printer I trust and I know the outcome will be great. Especially when it comes to the wedding invitations. However, I'm not sure I would sell many. Dilemma!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on selling digital files vs finished prints! Thanks in advance :)

Leslie

[MustionDesign]

Congrats on how well your shop is going.

I think that it is great to offer both print and digital. Some people really enjoy printing things themselves because they feel like they are in control of the process and they are willing to take the risk of how things turn out. But there are others who would much rather pay for you to do it for them so selling both digital and physical prints are great.

[Former_Member]

Thanks Christiana! :)

I agree with you. I think there are people who like to DIY, and people who would rather have it done. I have also been finding that having the printing packages available as an add-on doesn't always get customers' attention. It is kind of another step.

I will add some listings with printing included and see how it goes!

Thanks again!

[Former_Member]

I agree, I think its nice to offer both.

You could link to the add on in the listing to get buyers attention. For example, you could say something like "Interested in having this printed? Click the link for more information: (link here)."

[Former_Member]

Thanks Julie! I've been spending some time today adding more info about the printing to each listing :)

Thank you both again for your input!

[PaperPeachShop]

I like the idea of offering both. I have sold only printables thus far although I would prefer to sell the printed options for the same reasons you listed. I have even had people ask, "can I just get the file?" Even though that's what it was listed as. So it seems there is a preference for the printables, although I am curious to know where people are printing them. At home? I hope not with those 4/4 designs! Plus, I can print for them cheaper than they can professionally. Oh well.

[PaperandDots]

I don't currently offer printing, only printables.

If I were to offer it in my shop, I would use Vista Print. They offer great prices, good quality and you can print just about anything.

I might look into offering printed materials.... Just not sure if there is a market for them...

I feel like people would want handmade or very unique printed items, instead of something that came from Vista Print.

[PaperandDots]

Adorable logo too btw!!!

I went to your shop page to favorite it, and I already was! lol

I'll just follow on Twitter!

[Former_Member]

That was a dilemma I was facing as well. I plan on opening a print shop separate from this shop soon, and I was thinking about having an add on for the printing of them. But at the same time, I think people like receiving things in the mail. But then again I haven't received any feedback from prints I have sent via mail so I don't know I'm torn.

However Shayna brings up a good point, if you allow the customer to print themselves from a place like vistaprint then you can get affiliate profit from the sale.

[PaperandDots]

One drawback I forgot to mention earlier about Vistaprint is that it takes 2 weeks to recieve your order. You have the option of faster delivery but the price skyrockets. At my local print shop I can have an order done in 2 days... Just something to keep in mind.

[Former_Member]

I also want to provide finished prints. but on the other hand, digital download also save our time so we can focus on drawing new illustrations, right?

[Former_Member]

If I have the choice, I will buy the print my own version. It's easier for me and usually cheaper to print it myself. I don't have to worry about a price per print option and I can determine how many I need. I have noticed that most people, in this 'instant gratification' world we live in agree with me. We want to be able to download now, print when we want and move on. When it comes to invitations and stuff, people aren't really willing to wait for the finished product to be shipped to them.

[SwiejkoForPrint]

I definitely would choose the option to print myrself. But it is because of where I live, far far away ;) But I see a lot of people who prefer the finished version. So I think that the option for digital and printed version is very good.
By the way, very nice shop :)

[Former_Member]

I only sell printables at this time but I plan on offering prints soon. I think it's best to offer both. I haven't sold the prints because I haven't had the extra time to print and mail.

I have a printer but I never thought about using Vista or another type of printer. I think it would be great to be able to outsource the printing if it was affordable and didn't take too long. Does anyone have any info on printers?

[Former_Member]

Can anyone suggest other great printing places that have speedy service?