What do you use for a "sample case" when visiting on site clients?

flea77 · May 26, 2011

I do a lot of "on site" visits with clients and have always been very lean when I take samples to show them. I am now thinking I should "beef up" my samples to include larger mounted prints (11x14s), gallery wraps (8x10) and albums. I am at a loss as to what to carry all my samples in. I already carry a small album, paper samples and a few 8x10 mounted prints in a nice metro bag along with my iPad, leather portfolio (notepad, business cards, contracts, etc).

Suggestions? Ideas? Things that did or did not work for you and why?

Allan

BehindTheCam · May 27, 2011

I'm going to make a suggestion that I am about to do as well, but haven't made that leap yet (haven't had the money). I've been told that if you want to sell big prints you need to take big prints. i.e. a 30x40. People don't realize what a difference big prints make. If you only show 8x10s you will usually only sell up to 8x10s and maybe a few 11x14s. Hope this helps.

Jess

flea77 · May 27, 2011

Actually Jess, that is exactly why I am moving to carry 11x14s, canvas wraps, and bigger albums so I completely agree with you. Problem is how to carry it all in without looking like a idiot trying to balance it all. I don't want to get much bigger than 11x14, maybe 16x20 but that is about it. I was thinking about a briefcase but that is a little too formal looking for me.

Allan

BehindTheCam · May 27, 2011

Being a new mom I'm getting used to looking like an idiot trying to balance a bunch of stuff everywhere I go. :lol:

I had an idea to carry it, but it happened at night and I didn't write it down. :er: Hate being sleep deprived. I'm going to go to a local art supply and see if they have anything. I probably won't print a 30x40 (that is just what was recomended to me) but personally I want a print bigger than16x20 and have it mounted for support. I am not a formal person either so a briefcase would not be my style.

These aren't "fun" but they aren't brief cases either.
case: 20 x 24 x 4" - Fiberbilt, P50 16 x 20 x 4" Print Shipping Case - Fiberbilt
Tenba Port Case 1620, Carrying Case for an 16"x 20" Portfolio Box / Binder, Black. Reviews | Buzzillions.com

ghache · May 27, 2011

I have a couple of 12X18 portfolio book with about 40 pictures in it. This is for models of course. I have 1 with 8.5X11 shots for my familly portraits and other stuff. 8.5X11 is not that big buy its also gives them an idea how it will look printed. Its always nice to see pictures printer bigger than 4X6. I am always excited when picking up prints, it much nicer than seing them on a computer