I'm coming up on my first show in a couple weeks and I'm wondering if trying to sell the smaller size photos umatted is something I should be considering? Basically just a photo with a backing board in a bag.
I'd seen an example or two of that at some shows I went to last year, and I've seen a little discussion of it on here.
I get that it reduces cost, and that letting the buyer pick the mat color they want could be a good thing. But I'm just wondering if it might look a little bad/cheap overall?
Replies
Tough question that you might want to consider on a show-by-show basis. Certainly if you're in an arts & crafts show, don't hesitate to sell the unmatted prints. The show's price point is already low and sometimes people will only buy something they can pick up for a $20 bill. For a higher-end show, I wouldn't do the unmatted prints. Only framed and matted.
The thing is, the profit margin on an unmatted bin print isn't bad. But you gotta sell a bunch to even make back your show expenses. AND, they can take away from your larger prints and wall art.
There's not a one-size-fits-every-show answer. But at some lower-end shows, the bin prints have saved my butt. (Which tells me I was in the wrong show, but that's an entirely different discussion.)
There are at least two sides to every decision. Certainly true that some buyers will want to be able to "pick the mat color" and frame, etc for their print but I've always felt that selling prints that way was somewhat disingenuous as it in some way hides what the overall cost of your "affordable" print will be for the buyer. In some cases I have made the option available to buy an unmounted print. The buyer knows what they are getting into.
Savvy buyers know what the true cost of matting and framing their choice will be and figure that into their purchase but I don't think most people realize that the $25 print will ultimately cost $200 or more when they go to the professional framers! I've seen customers look at my framed pieces and remark on the affordability of the work because they do realize how much it would cost to have it done after the fact. Some people will reject whatever price you put on your work! Such is life.
Just my take on it.
I think it looks as you stated.
Many shows will only allow a limited number of "bin prints". Everything else must be finished - hung, and ready for the customer to hang.