Onsite printing advice needed.

[Puma]

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I am need of some advice for onsite printing.

Some info on what I am doing.

I am basically going to be doing event photography. The biggest percent will be youth sports, followed by pageants, car shows and the like.

The BIGGEST advice I need is.......The best mobile printer to start out with. I am thinking of just starting with one that will print up to 6x8. Then later upgrading to a 8x10 printer.

I would also appreciate any advice on marketing tools or anything else you might have to help out with selling this at events. I am thinking that I will be setting up a table like booth at events with a monitor to show photos on some sort of slideshow to catch peoples attention.

A banner or some sort of signage to let people know that they can walk away with photos right now and they dont have to order some other day. I am hoping to appeal to the fact that people will be most emotionally motivated to purchase photos at these events.

I already have a smugmug site and do just ok on it. I really think the onsite sales will make a difference.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Please give me some suggestions on what printers are best. Hopefully from people who are doing this same sort of thing or have knowledge on the subject.

Thanks,
-Puma-

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[pixmedic]

get an inverter for your car. then every printer is mobile.
i would get a wide format printer. something that can do at least 11x14.
if your going to offer on site printing, then you don't want to put yourself in a position where you cant print some of the most popular print sizes. (8x10 and 11x14)
we do almost zero printing from home (we use Bay Photo instead) but we DO still have a HP wide format printer just in case something comes up and we want to print right away.
unfortunately, i really don't have any advice as to specific printers.

 

[tirediron]

My advice: Don't. You simply can't produce a quality product in an 'on-site' situation. If you do, remember, this is going to be a HUGE amount of work, and would require at least two assistants. One to do basic processing (straighten/level, crop, colour-correction/WB) and send to print, the second to deal with cash & customers. Are you really likely to make enough in on-site sales to pay two more people and turn a decent profit?

 

[KmH]

Dye sublimation printers work best on-site.
You need 2 printers (and supplies), 1 of the 2 for a backup, but you can use both to print.

I agree printing on-site works best with 3 people - photographer, runner/image prep, sales/customer.

 

[AceCo55]

I'd suggest you head over to the fredmiranda forum and post this - or pm a guy called "Glort" on that forum. He is a long time professional with TONS of experience in offering on-site printing at events.
He had viewing stations, LOTS of printers and was able to supply hundreds of prints at an event.
If you can pick his brain you will get lots of practical information on how to get this to work.

Mods: please delete this if I am not allowed to refer to other forums.

 

[tirediron]

I'd suggest you head over to the fredmiranda forum and post this - or pm a guy called "Glort" on that forum. He is a long time professional with TONS of experience in offering on-site printing at events.
He had viewing stations, LOTS of printers and was able to supply hundreds of prints at an event.
If you can pick his brain you will get lots of practical information on how to get this to work.

Mods: please delete this if I am not allowed to refer to other forums.

Nothing wrong with referring to other forums to help a member!

 

[Puma]

Thank you and I have read some of Glorts posts. I appreciate your info.