Web presence with sales?

Mr Yunioshi

Hi

Do you use a company like Smugmug or Zenfolio to display galleries online?

Does the print purchase facility work well or would it be better to look for an Irish or European version?

I don't want a major blog, but would like space for a good description.

Please recommend a site that will display images, fulfill print orders and allow more than just a brief title.

Thanks,

Mr Y

mrboswell

I use zenfoilo.
Fulfills orders perfectly and I'm very happy with it although I haven't sold much with it. Have it there in case really.

Reasonable price per year etc.

If you are interested you can use this referral code to get both of us a few bob off:
VVG-XRQ-2SG

ValueInIreland

I use the The ImageFile (www.theimagefile.ie). You get your own website, plenty of storage space, Galleries (public and private), facilities for online print sales (or downloads). Print sales can go through their nominated labs, or to your own lab. The best part (for me) is the Phone support - I could not have got the site up and running without it.
Although it's a UK based company, the support number is an Irish 1-800 freefone. There's no automated phone queue either, just a real receptionist who puts you straight through, or gets the appropriate person to call you back.
Yep, I'm a fan!

Mr Yunioshi

Thanks

Zenfolio looks interesting. Any prints gone to friends or family members or any other feedback?

The Image File looks very professional - what costs are involved?

Thanks again.

Mr Y

Ballyman

Zenfolio is €100 (or $100 if you sign up through US site) per annum. There is also a 5% charge on print sales. You also have unlimited storage.
The imagefile was about £20 per month the last time I checked. Dunno if they charge anything per print or not.
Another option is Photocart which is a once off fee of about €275 but there are no further fees and you can only self fulfill orders. Your storage is also limited to whatever your host provides.
I use Zenfolio but I self fulfill all orders so I can't vouch for their print quality. Click on my website below and you can see how it integrates and you only need to sell a few prints for it to pay for itself.

mrboswell

Mr Yunioshi wrote: »

Thanks

Zenfolio looks interesting. Any prints gone to friends or family members or any other feedback?

The Image File looks very professional - what costs are involved?

Thanks again.

Mr Y

Prints are from photobox so they are ok. They have another option for a uk pro lab but I haven't used it.

Never had any issue with prints.

PCPhoto

best of luck with it - most of the sites mentioned above are great - and if you choose to do it yourself (and self-fulfill the orders)....but ... my main question in response is ......

Do you need it ? Are you getting asked for prints so often that you need to invest in paying a monthly fee or large once off fee in order to make images available for people to purchase, personally I think a lot of the sites offer a decent package - but if you require their service is another thing.

mrboswell

As Paddy said you need to decide if you need it.

I don't have the time to self fulfill so I'm happy to pay the commission.

Important to note that is you self fulfill and the order doesn't arrive then you have to send another.

If you use a service then they will send the order out again for you.