Cheapest, most efficient way to choose & buy frames for digital photos you plan to sell at gallery & on-line?

Question

I have assembled about 50 digital photos, sizes 8 1/2 x 11, 8 x 12, and 11 x 14. I am planning an exhibition, along with a website to sell them on line. What is the most cost efficient way of finding a variety of non-customized frames for them? I found one site on the web that takes your jpeg files, prints them out using glisee technology, frames them according to frames you've selected from their catalog, even provides you with a website to display them, and sells them (for a commission) already framed. They do most of the work. Any advice on this? Thanks.

Answer 1

The website you are talking about sounds good, but it is impossible to say if it really is a good idea to use them, without knowing details on what they provide. There are several online services that do that sort of thing, and in general it can be the best choice for selling online at first. If you want to build your own website, and sell directly, keep in mind that it is very expensive to ship a framed print, without damaging the frame, or cracking the glass.

I have found that Hobby Lobby has the best prices on basic frames in a good variety of styles. You can buy standard mat/frame sets for a reasonable price, and pre-cut mat, and frame kits for even less, though you are still going to spend at least $20-$25 for the simplest 16x20 sized frame. I would suggest spending a bit more for anything you intend on showing in a gallery, as it is worth the expense to do so, and you are more likely to sell them if they are professional in appearance.

Answer 2

half price sale on sectionals at hobby lobby or michaels.
do the matting and mounting yourself.
and it still ain't cheap, so be sure you price your work accordingly. (not cheap)