What would you do?

[Former_Member]

I offer photo printable cards and have had questions from clients if they can send me their photo in advance to see how it will look. It takes very little time for me to insert their photo, unless they ask me to do some color matching. What would you say to them? Would you do it? That's the advantage of tiny prints, etc. And I definitely understand where they are coming from.

[StuckOnSilver]

Go for it! Explore this and see if you can accommodate the request--this may open up a whole new direction for you. Good luck!!

[Former_Member]

I agree with Bev. But make sure you can keep it a sustainable practice. If you start getting busy, are you going to be able to keep offering this service? If so, then definitely do it. And announce everywhere you can that you offer it: shop announcements, policies, in the listing...

[sunshineandvodka]

I would do it for sure, unless it's time consuming. Could you just charge $1.00 or a very small amount?

[Former_Member]

Thanks, I agreed to it! Just felt like the right thing to do! I don't know why I questioned it...

[Former_Member]

Paulette, that's not a bad idea. It's simple to insert a photo, but color matching can take some time to get it exactly as I like it. I'll have to think about that.

[Former_Member]

Adyan, I like the idea of announcing it! If I offer it to one person, I have to offer it to everyone! Thanks guys!

[DontPanicDesign]

Good for you! Proofs are good for you and the customer.

[Former_Member]

A tricky one because if you make it unprintable by putting 'proof' over it too large it may give a negative impression. If you make it too subtle they may be able to edit it out and grab a free item.
I'd send out a proof on balance rather than refusing but in monochrome, 'proof' or similar written over the photo and send as a pdf. If you make it half size on an A4 or letter artboard it'd be tricky for an amateur to create a card from.

[StuckOnSilver]

You need to get paid for your work (layout and colors) before sending out the proof. Figure out how much time you'll take on a card and charge accordingly.

[Former_Member]

Thanks guys...some good things to think about! Always a learning process here! Love having these forums to bounce ideas and thoughts around with others!

[Former_Member]

I don't offer either service in my secondary shop; #1, if I insert the picture & send it I've just invited the person to copy & paste & make their own. #2, my time is vluable $ #3 I used to do custom work & I've discovered it's a whole world of trouble out there! Some people do it & do it well, but it's nothing I'm willing to do. If you do go for it, put in a limit as to how many changes you will make before charging additional fees for processing. Also, considering that you're selling your cards for under $15 I wouldn;t offer pre-design services, at least without a retaining fee (have customers pay $5 for a 'look-see' at what the card would look like) so nobody gets the bright idea that they could easily get a free card from you.

[Former_Member]

That's a great idea Nicolette! Thank you so much!

[ScrapendipityDesigns]

I agree with Chas, be sure to watermark in a very obvious way the proof as there has been some sellers on here who had problems with people running off with the proof and getting them printed elsewhere. Other than that, i would do it if you have time!

Rachel