Beanpix/Photobox/Fotoserve, etc

[mgp1969]

Anybody here use any of these sites (or others) to order prints of digital files and (being optimistic here) offer their photos for sale.

Any comments on their respective strengths and weaknesses and any alternatives appreciated.

Thanks.

Martin

[simpo two]

Photobox here. Not as cheap as some but blinding results; I used them for my exhibition prints and they came out better than expected.
I also have some Pro galleries and have even sold prints from them
www.photoboxgallery.com/blokewithacamera

[beano500]

Of those you mention I have some on Photobox here of which I have had a few prints through.

Would say that the print quality is pretty good. In fact I'd say they were good value for money. But I can't claim to have used them extensively - I have only a handful of images up there.

I happen to know that someone around these parts has sold some images using Photobox and I have only heard good reports.

[Bee_Jay]

Indeed, I too use Photobox. Very good results from the images I have uploaded. Cheaper than home printing for bulk. I still like home printing for one-offs and special prints though.

I also use the Pro Gallery feature to sell prints - usually if someone I don't know asks me for a copy of one of my prints then I point them to my gallery and they buy them from there. I've also had some random sales to people who were browsing.

Case in point - shot at a friends wedding just for fun on Saturday, loads of people asked for copies. Result so far - on Monday alone, 182 views and 28 pictures sold, which makes me a few quid towards my own printing/equipment.

www.photoboxgallery.com/baggers

Joe.

[size13]

I've used both photobox and pixaco. Overall I'd say the quality and service from photobox has the lead, but as pixaco are 1/2 the price, if you want cheaper, then go with pixaco.

[simpo two]

Bee_Jay said:

Case in point - shot at a friends wedding just for fun on Saturday, loads of people asked for copies. Result so far - on Monday alone, 182 views and 28 pictures sold, which makes me a few quid towards my own printing/equipment.

Well done!
Do you have any qualms about putting 'personal' photos in a public gallery?
What do you charge for, say, a 10" x 8"?
I ask because I recently took some family photos (major anniversary) and did exactly the same thing, though I used a 'shared' gallery and sent invitations. Invitees can buy photos, but it seems only at the normal PhotoBox rate - ie nothing for me - but then it seems wrong to profiteer in that situation.
Is there a way to have a shared gallery but set your own prices? I'm thinking that might be an ideal way to make a little extra from a commercial event like a wedding (prices notified in advance of course), whilst at the same time keeping the photos to a controlled distribution.

[Bee_Jay]

I don't have a problem with putting those kind of pics on the web, and have never had any complaints - in fact people really like it, the link gets rapidly forwarded, soon everyone is looking and you can make some sales.

I don't think you can do shared with mark-up though - I've not found a way.

For the prices - I charge what I think is appropriate for the audience - have a look at my gallery ( www.photoboxgallery.com/baggers ) to see the prices I set for this weekend, not too much but I make a few quid. In fact, someone who has bought some today commented to me on how cheap they were !!!

[size13]

I have a pro gallery for some of my sailing pictures.
Looking around other similar sites, I've set my price at around 50% of theirs.

www.photoboxgallery.com/sailpics

[mgp1969]

Thanks - will try Photobox then.