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Author Topic: The perfect POD?  (Read 2294 times)

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« on: July 18, 2013, 03:42 »
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I'd really like to thank everyone for the interesting reading you have provided me and the insights into the POD business. I am looking to enter the murky world of the POD business myself and I would be very grateful for any further insights you have.

It seems to me that the commissions are really small and that it is a tough place to make a living as an artist. It is also a tough place to enter the market as a POD provider given the dominance of a handful of players who seem to be squeezing the very people that make them a living.

My idea is more local based. I am from a country that is very proud of itself and I live in a country which is even prouder and I would like to resell localised art (at least to start with). Maybe a tough gig but I have no illusions of being the next Zazzle or Cafe Press and I know my way around marketing a little.

From reading all your posts on POD it seems to me that these features would be desirable:

1. An easy to use upload interface which captures image metadata and translates it into keywords.

2. The ability to add your own text.

3. An ability to set a reasonable rate of commission (say up to 25% of the total sale). We will only be printing artworks/photos on large format so the retail prices will start around $50.

4. Quick response from the seller.

5. Watermarks on larger images.

6. Promptly paid commission.

I have read that it is good to have a community feel with some of the sites (like artflakes). What does this translate to?

If you have any other factors that are important I would love to hear them.

Please forgive my "enemy camp" encroachment on your forum if you see it that way. I am perhaps a little naive but it seems to me that there should be a fairer distribution of profits.

Thanks


Ron

« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2013, 04:23 »
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Fine Art America

« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2013, 05:02 »
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Ron, do you mean they are the benchmark and get it right in most aspects?

Ron

« Reply #3 on: July 18, 2013, 05:14 »
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Havent found a better site yet, and they pretty much offer everything on your list.

only issues with FAA is, only shipping fromt the USA, and shipping cost are quite steep.

« Reply #4 on: July 18, 2013, 05:58 »
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Thanks Ron. I have gone all over the FAA site and it does seem like a brilliant and very equitable business.

The shipping and customs is actually a pretty big advantage to my business being in Europe.

Greatly appreciate your feedback.


Ron

« Reply #5 on: July 18, 2013, 06:03 »
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You are welcome. I made some nice pocket money with them. BME last month at 324 dollar.

« Reply #6 on: July 18, 2013, 06:12 »
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Sounds a lot better than the returns everyone seems to be making with Z and CP. Good luck with it. Do they subtract tax like Z as well?

Ron

« Reply #7 on: July 18, 2013, 07:25 »
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Not for me.

« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2013, 09:33 »
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A big problem for all the current PODs is price.  I have to believe a lot of potential buyers see a coffee cup or t-shirt they might like, and then the price, and say 'forget it'.   

Like Ron says, the shipping cost for a framed print from FAA is sky high - buyers decide to just get in the car and drive to IKEA and buy what everyone else is buying.   

I don't have the answer, but there's the problem.


 

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