photography shop

[YooperFramer]

hi,
I have a friend that is thinking about opening a photography shop. He was talking about getting started and how would he find wholesale dealers for selling retail.
anyone have any clues on wholesale companies out there for him?
I've just started looking for him a bit, but havent found much. Just some quirky forums

 

[AnneL]

What kind of photography shop? Do you mean a camera store or a photo studio or a photo lab?

 

[Mecianne]

Yeah, what Anne asked. Sounds like retail camera equipment? Please elaborate.

 

[YooperFramer]

yes, yes anne. you guessed it right. Studio/lab/ photopaper/ film/ everything!

 

[Mecianne]

Derek is a photographer. We don't sell any supplies or equipment. We use a local photo lab for pictures and local camera repair for equipment. I guess I am not much help, but I'll bet Anne will be of more help. I'll ask Derek if he has any helpful info & get back to you if I find out anything useful. Good Luck to your friend!

 

[JohnR]

The ma and pop camera stores are hurting big time in my 'hood thanks to digital. One of my favorite stores is about to fold. Digital cameras are sold nearly everywhere and it is very hard to compete with the photo chains and discount stores. Film sales are down due to good digital cameras that are in the price range of point and shoot zoom film cameras.

I know a couple wedding/studio photogs that blame a slowdown in work due to digital. They think that people are having friends or relatives shoot for them to save money.

The effect digital has had on the marketplace has been widespread from the big business to the little stores. Some good, some bad.

Your friend should study the marketplace. Perhaps there is a need. Tread carefully!
John

 

[AnneL]

I have to agree with JohnR. Your friend should really look into the market carefully. Photo labs, studios and camera stores are folding at a record rate nation wide. Sales of film are way down.

In addition, your friend's plans are a little over ambitious. There are very few businesses that are studios/labs/camera stores all in one and most are in big cities and have large staffs. It's like being a framer and trying to make all your molding and mat board from your own trees.

In any case, I can't recommend any wholesale suppliers because I don't really know any. We send our digital files to a lab to get printed and buy our equipment from a supplier who buys from a wholesaler.

What I can help with is telling your friend what kind of competition they might be facing from other photographers in the UP. I know quite a few up there, they are part of the Wisconsin Professional Photographers. Depending on where your friend is, he may be facing some very stiff competition. There are some very good photographers up there! Many of them are also very good business people.