Question: Is it wise to use more expensive paper and charge slightly more to offset the costs, or do you keep costs as low as possible and use the inexpensive paper? (Even though this presentes your work at a slightly lower quality) That being said, how much do consumers really care and do they even notice the difference? Are they just looking for the best deal possible and the bottom line is price? Or will using a higher end paper result in more sales?
Posted by Zack Schnepf on January 20, 2011 at 10:17 PM
Depends on the show. From my experience doing high end shows, I prefer using my high end paper even though it costs more. My customers won't be able to tell the difference, but my high end paper, Silver Rag, doesn't out-gass like a cheaper luster would, and it holds up to humidity better as well. It's also more archival. These things add up to a much better experience for my customers so I will eat the cost of the more expensive paper. The price to my customers will remain the same.
Matte papers are a different story, if I were printing matte I might just stick with a less expensive paper. I prefer the high D-max of silver rag though. Just my 2 cents.
Posted by Paul DeCesare on January 20, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Zack, who makes Silver Rag, where do you buy it?
Another popular paper is Moab's Somerset Velvet Enhanced because of the way it handles blacks. However, it's not cheap. I emailed them two weeks ago asking if they send samples, and they do in 8½ x 11, but it just arrived the other day and I haven't run it through my printer yet, might do that tonight. I haven't checked into paper profiles yet. But most paper places like Moab and Red River provide samples.
Posted by Garry Revesz on January 21, 2011 at 10:37 AM
Paul, what type of paper would you consider Somerset Velvet to be? A matte, or rag paper?
Posted by Greg Vaughn on January 21, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Zack:
Have you done a comparison between Museo Silver Rag and Ilford Gold Fibre Silk? The Ilford is significantly less expensive and gets good marks from some reviewers.
Hello, what would be the cost of shipping to Europe - Luxembourg. I have to check whether there is a difference compared to your European shops prices especially when I add some duties probably charged on the bag
I honestly can't see why one would skimp on paper. Using the 13x19in sheet size as a standard, fine art papers range between $1 and $5 per sheet. Is $4/print really going to have a significant impact on your profit? On an $80 print (from your website), I don't think it would. I say choose the paper you like best, regardless of price. Your customers will love you for it.
Thanks guys. I appreciate the feedback. For now, I've decided to stick with the high end paper. However, it should be noted I outsource my printing and my costs are much, much higher than $5 a sheet just for standard glossy. The premium paper adds an additional 35% percent onto the cost of each print.
Discussion
8 repliesMatte papers are a different story, if I were printing matte I might just stick with a less expensive paper. I prefer the high D-max of silver rag though. Just my 2 cents.
Another popular paper is Moab's Somerset Velvet Enhanced because of the way it handles blacks. However, it's not cheap. I emailed them two weeks ago asking if they send samples, and they do in 8½ x 11, but it just arrived the other day and I haven't run it through my printer yet, might do that tonight. I haven't checked into paper profiles yet. But most paper places like Moab and Red River provide samples.
Have you done a comparison between Museo Silver Rag and Ilford Gold Fibre Silk? The Ilford is significantly less expensive and gets good marks from some reviewers.