I was thinking of signing up for smugmug account to sell my landscape/wildlife photographs. Previously i've been getting the prints done at WHCC, Westcoastimaging etc.
How does the SM quality match up with other labs for fine art prints? Do i have to use smugmug print service for prints ordered or can i send them somewhere else when i get a print request?
Hi Sunny, I think SmugMug only uses one printer for order fulfilment, but it would be worth checking with them. They're a family-run company and their customer service is the best I've ever experienced, EVER. Any questions I've had were immediately answered, and even when I screwed up (didn't post-process a proof order in time) they took care of it for me without even charging me for the second printing - which they should have. Just outstanding, if their capabilities meet the needs of your business.
I can't compare their lab to other labs, but I did order a large print just to test my customers' experience and I was impressed.
I have had no issues with the SmugMug printing. Seems good so far. That said, I have no long term experience on how well their prints hold up over time.
Also, in just the last couple months it seems that some prints are taking a bit longer to be delivered than I would like.
There is a referral program for exsiting SmugMug pro users to bring in other users. However, the current Pro subscription price is $150/year ($12.50/mo) and being referred only saves you $5. If you don't need the e-commerce, the Power level is only $60/year.
In my opinion it is very much worth it, especially if you take the time to customize your site. Customization does require html and script, but SmugMug has lots of help files and lots of code you can just plug in to customize your site.
You post pictures and they handle all the sales, printing, and shipping. There is no sales tax for your customers unless they are in California.
In addition to prints, they make lots of gift type things available to your customers: mugs, t-shirts, mouse pads, etc.
Of course, you can use your own domain name, or a SmugMug name (www.yourname.smugmug.com)
I PM'd the legit 50% off SmugMug info to those who asked, smokin' deal.
If anyone else wants the discount info, just PM me instead of posting to the thread. I usually check the FM forum at least once a day, weekdays even more often.
SmugMug currently uses EZprints to do their printing. They are currently looking at either supplanting EZprints with a second lab, or replacing EZPrints (I believe they are supplementing, not replacing) with another lab.
They are also looking into the ability to use your own print lab, but that is farther down the road.
I've been a SmugMug customer since May. I love the customer service, and the DGrin forum rocks for getting fast answers to customization questions or other questions.
No, I don't work for Smugmug, I'm just a very happy customer.
Thanks everyone. i guess the next step is to customize my site and order some test prints. i remember using ezprints long time ago and was satisfied with their quality. with the latest email from SM about additional papers avail for print, it sounds like a win-win situation.
