Saturday, August 14, 2010
Helping Customers Take Better Pictures
This is great. I'm thinking about printing this for display in the store
Monday, July 19, 2010
Cameo Style Mentioned in Drug Store News
Drug Store News Recently included us in an important article-thank you.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
First Holiday Card Order, In July
It's official, we just printed 75 holiday cards for a regular customer.
It was our first holiday order for the season.
"She likes to get an early start" she said.
Why not.
We used Adobe Elements to customize aspects of the card, using a picture the customer herself had captured during a blizzard earlier this winter.
Start the finish the project was finished and paid for in about 30 minutes.
It was our first holiday order for the season.
"She likes to get an early start" she said.
Why not.
We used Adobe Elements to customize aspects of the card, using a picture the customer herself had captured during a blizzard earlier this winter.
Start the finish the project was finished and paid for in about 30 minutes.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Highest Order Generating Retail Music
We play XM Radio Station 51, " The Coffee House."
This station has nearly universal appeal, across gender and age. We keep it loud enough to be in the foreground, soft enough to allow conversation.
Customers love placing orders to this music.
Ravid
This station has nearly universal appeal, across gender and age. We keep it loud enough to be in the foreground, soft enough to allow conversation.
Customers love placing orders to this music.
Ravid
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Father's Day Post Mortum
Hi Cameo Style Retailers,
I am really impressed with the results we had for Father's Day.
Sales were strong, with Friday and Saturday showing a high stroller index in the store (that's my term for when the store is full of moms with strollers, I wish I thought to snap a picture). The store met soooo many first time customers who found us by referral, or just walked by our window. Repeat users also were plentiful, with many familiar faces, from Mother's day and the 2009 holidays season, who now make Cameo Style their destination for personalized gifts.
New customers received our usual friendly introduction to what's possible to create, (sounds like: "all the products around us can be previewed on the workstations so you can see how your pictures would look in them, and then if you like the way it looks we can print and bind it ...should we try it?"). We suggested Tag Along books and Table Frames as good gifts for guys.
Every order included a free personalized card.
We sold:
5 Easel Frames
9 Peanut Books
7 Tag Along 5x7 Books
1 set of coaster
3 9x12 books with about 10 extra pages each
2 12x12 books with a total of 35 extra pages
Ancillary sales includes light picture restoration, Shoebox scanning, and some orders that also led to stretched canvas wraps (Eight sold-show me a more complimentary product, really).
The store sold a total of 32 total "grab and go" frames, of which a number were Cameo Style frames with no printing service (same price).
As usual, comments from customers were extremely positive. Customers found the software easy, were satisfied with the features, felt excited to complete projects quickly while babies were napping, and amazed at the turnaround and product design.
Saturday orders were printed and finished while customers were in the store, often just minutes after they were done on the kiosk.
This week the store was still taking late Father's day gifts...
How did you do? What sold best in your store?
I am really impressed with the results we had for Father's Day.
Sales were strong, with Friday and Saturday showing a high stroller index in the store (that's my term for when the store is full of moms with strollers, I wish I thought to snap a picture). The store met soooo many first time customers who found us by referral, or just walked by our window. Repeat users also were plentiful, with many familiar faces, from Mother's day and the 2009 holidays season, who now make Cameo Style their destination for personalized gifts.
New customers received our usual friendly introduction to what's possible to create, (sounds like: "all the products around us can be previewed on the workstations so you can see how your pictures would look in them, and then if you like the way it looks we can print and bind it ...should we try it?"). We suggested Tag Along books and Table Frames as good gifts for guys.
Every order included a free personalized card.
We sold:
5 Easel Frames
9 Peanut Books
7 Tag Along 5x7 Books
1 set of coaster
3 9x12 books with about 10 extra pages each
2 12x12 books with a total of 35 extra pages
Ancillary sales includes light picture restoration, Shoebox scanning, and some orders that also led to stretched canvas wraps (Eight sold-show me a more complimentary product, really).
The store sold a total of 32 total "grab and go" frames, of which a number were Cameo Style frames with no printing service (same price).
As usual, comments from customers were extremely positive. Customers found the software easy, were satisfied with the features, felt excited to complete projects quickly while babies were napping, and amazed at the turnaround and product design.
Saturday orders were printed and finished while customers were in the store, often just minutes after they were done on the kiosk.
This week the store was still taking late Father's day gifts...
How did you do? What sold best in your store?
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Dry Cleaning Gets a Personality
There was a time when film labs and dry cleaners seemed very similar: smelly, devoid of retail experience, defined by pounds of wash and roll counts; customer satisfaction was only as good as your last stain free shirt or well developed print.
In those days customers were acquired, or lost, when their commute intersected with your front door.
I often make this comparison to illustrate just how far the business of pictures has come; the toolkit required for success today is so vastly different and contains customer experience, merchandising, marketing (beyond coupons), and customer coaching.
Alas, it seems dry cleaners are about to enter a new era that will change their business for ever. Read this story in the NY Times. If you're an evolved retailer you know what's ahead for dry cleaners!
-Ravid
In those days customers were acquired, or lost, when their commute intersected with your front door.
I often make this comparison to illustrate just how far the business of pictures has come; the toolkit required for success today is so vastly different and contains customer experience, merchandising, marketing (beyond coupons), and customer coaching.
Alas, it seems dry cleaners are about to enter a new era that will change their business for ever. Read this story in the NY Times. If you're an evolved retailer you know what's ahead for dry cleaners!
-Ravid
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Tag Along Sale
Is it wise to run a sale on best selling products? Such is the on-going debate within Cameo Style.
To promote a best selling product is to leave money on the table, so say some.
Yet, to others the practice of discounting strong sellers is a sure way to generate sales during slower periods.
We've decided to split the difference and go for a "little sale" on Tag Along books, just 15%. And we're going to keep this sale very short, a week at most.
(by the way, we've been running a "private sale." If a customer is excited about the Cameo products but isn't ready to place an order just yet, we send them off with the folded Cameo Menu stamped with a special 10 day savings voucher.)
Now is a good time for a little sale because:
Good luck, and please share.
To promote a best selling product is to leave money on the table, so say some.
Yet, to others the practice of discounting strong sellers is a sure way to generate sales during slower periods.
We've decided to split the difference and go for a "little sale" on Tag Along books, just 15%. And we're going to keep this sale very short, a week at most.
(by the way, we've been running a "private sale." If a customer is excited about the Cameo products but isn't ready to place an order just yet, we send them off with the folded Cameo Menu stamped with a special 10 day savings voucher.)
Now is a good time for a little sale because:
- The weather in the northeast has impacted store traffic
- Mother's Day is a bit distant still, and Earth Day traditionally does not impact picture taking and memory keeping
Good luck, and please share.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Cross Merchandizing/ Bundles
When seemingly ordinary images are transformed into extraordinary products customers feel great, and you make a higher sale.
Cameo Style products work well in collections: to hang on the wall, to mail in an envelope, to carry in a purse, to display on a coffee table.
The best way to get your customers to think this way is to make a variety of products from a related grouping of images.
In the pictures below you can see how extraordinary 1-13 ordinary images can become when used as a Spring Frame, Tag Along, Peanut book, and a greeting card. These are images that as 4x6 prints would not get much notice. But presented in Cameo products, they are astonishing.
In the world of fashion this might be called accesorizing. And it works.
At our concept store we offer a 10% when products are purchased in groups.
Every Cameo Style retailer should showing samples this way. Just ask for sample files.
Cameo Style products work well in collections: to hang on the wall, to mail in an envelope, to carry in a purse, to display on a coffee table.
The best way to get your customers to think this way is to make a variety of products from a related grouping of images.
In the pictures below you can see how extraordinary 1-13 ordinary images can become when used as a Spring Frame, Tag Along, Peanut book, and a greeting card. These are images that as 4x6 prints would not get much notice. But presented in Cameo products, they are astonishing.
In the world of fashion this might be called accesorizing. And it works.
At our concept store we offer a 10% when products are purchased in groups.
Every Cameo Style retailer should showing samples this way. Just ask for sample files.
We are also struck by the undeniable synergy that gallery wraps have with Cameo Style products. If you print on canvas in your store you would be wise to create image continuity between your canvas and Cameo store samples. The resulting sales will impress you.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Every Day is a Birthday
I recently read that "birthday" was the tag for nearly 4000 projects on Shutterfly.
How many birthday books have you made in your store?
Sure, we all love big holidays and the rush of orders they bring. And we therefore tend to market Cameo Style around these big seasons.
But birthdays happen everyday, and they belong in the column of special occasions we need to market all year. This is a column with a great bottom line.
We made some samples that everyone can use. Please let us know that you'd like the files to print samples for your own store.
How many birthday books have you made in your store?
Sure, we all love big holidays and the rush of orders they bring. And we therefore tend to market Cameo Style around these big seasons.
But birthdays happen everyday, and they belong in the column of special occasions we need to market all year. This is a column with a great bottom line.
We made some samples that everyone can use. Please let us know that you'd like the files to print samples for your own store.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
New "Subscription" Program from Cameo Style
As a matter of policy we use this blog only to inspire retailers with the success of our line.
But our new model is so different and so easy to join, we cannot not mention it.
We call it our Subscription model
- $150 gets the Cameo Style Software installed and operational on your computer, or any existing kiosk. Then pay only $100 monthly, (3 months free with an annual contract))
- Use an existing printer or send orders to Cameo Style central printing
- Key elements of the program remain available, such as: product samples, signage, point of purchase materials, ideas from our concept store, and support from our staff.
And if you upgrade to a full Boutique department, (with Kiosk, Printer, and Custom Furniture), we'll apply all all your first year payments.
Everyone likes Cameo Style products. Now there is no excuse to deny your customers a great experience.
Call us now at 215 501 7021 to subscribe.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Cameo Style Menu
We Created a new Cameo Style menu that customers can take home after finding your store. It helps to remind them of a gift idea, and to share gift ideas with others at home or at work. The menu prints on 8.5x11 paper so you can print it yourself. We left space right on the cover for each store to add its contact information. Please contact us if you'd like to use the file.
Frame White Paper, frame sale success
What else are you going to sell when there isn't a specific "holiday?" Well, collage frames of course.
So we put the table frames on sale yesterday, marked down 30%
We disguised them to look like any other frame on display, not frames attached to a "process." We even left some of them "naked," without pictures inserted. We figured if people bought them we'll let them know they could return for a free print.
Customers responded strongly and 8 have been sold since yesterday, all with prints. So we sold eight frames and we got eight new customers to fall in love with Cameo Style and the service.
Frame White Paper:
Frames are so profitable!
In theory frames are the easiest and most accessible way to introduce customers to Cameo Style. This is because the public already gets frames: every one of your customers understands buying a frame. Can the same be said of photo books, for example? Of course not. So its helpful to think of frames as an easy intro to a new process.
Moreover, a frame is an easy project to make, and to complete, (for both customer and shop), and so it's an experience that is likely to be repeated. (Sort of like if someone offered me a painless 10 minute a day fitness exercise that was effective...I'd be an exercise nut). Frames create an easy opportunity for repeat business. A man who's ordering two frames as I'm writing this asked to hold the last 4 frames of a particular style, that's what I mean.
But in practice only some of our shops seem to leverage the frame opportunity. We'd like to see more stores make the effort to present our frames as, well, just frames, and then add the personalization as a free extra. will you let me know how it worked?
So we put the table frames on sale yesterday, marked down 30%
We disguised them to look like any other frame on display, not frames attached to a "process." We even left some of them "naked," without pictures inserted. We figured if people bought them we'll let them know they could return for a free print.
Frame White Paper:
Frames are so profitable!
In theory frames are the easiest and most accessible way to introduce customers to Cameo Style. This is because the public already gets frames: every one of your customers understands buying a frame. Can the same be said of photo books, for example? Of course not. So its helpful to think of frames as an easy intro to a new process.
Moreover, a frame is an easy project to make, and to complete, (for both customer and shop), and so it's an experience that is likely to be repeated. (Sort of like if someone offered me a painless 10 minute a day fitness exercise that was effective...I'd be an exercise nut). Frames create an easy opportunity for repeat business. A man who's ordering two frames as I'm writing this asked to hold the last 4 frames of a particular style, that's what I mean.
But in practice only some of our shops seem to leverage the frame opportunity. We'd like to see more stores make the effort to present our frames as, well, just frames, and then add the personalization as a free extra. will you let me know how it worked?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Creating an experience customers love...and retailers too
The mother and daughter on right had about 50 pictures "shoebox" scanned and are now compiling a 16 page photo book, ($98.99 including scanning).
On the left someone is making a belated Valentine's three panel "Triptych" card that turned out great, ($8.99).
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Post Valentine's
Hi everyone,
Valentine's was good for Cameo Style, and for many lovers. As expected Tag Along accordion style books led in sales. But customers also ordered large books and collage frames.
The store did not meet it's goal of 500 free cards that were meant to spread the love...and to introduce customers to Cameo Style. Much of our campaign was based on fliers to existing customers, but something went wrong with the printing and they arrived late. Then the one-two punch snow storms put us at about 100 free cards-still not shabby.
Feel-good moments:
My point-every Cameo order has a great story behind it. And every day brings its own orders, even in this miserable weather we've been having in Philadelphia. About a dozen new customers a day walk in the store just to look at the new offerings.
If you don't have Cameo in your store you're missing out on these great customer interaction, and on important new revenues.
Shutterfly just released 2009 figures: net revenues from personalized products and services grew to $161.7 million, a 25% year-over-year increase. What share of these lost profits would you like your store to reclaim?
Our new subscription and central printing options start at $100 per month, allowing any size store to profit. Call us 215 501 7021 to join Cameo Style.
Valentine's was good for Cameo Style, and for many lovers. As expected Tag Along accordion style books led in sales. But customers also ordered large books and collage frames.
The store did not meet it's goal of 500 free cards that were meant to spread the love...and to introduce customers to Cameo Style. Much of our campaign was based on fliers to existing customers, but something went wrong with the printing and they arrived late. Then the one-two punch snow storms put us at about 100 free cards-still not shabby.
- Family came to the store over the weekend looking for an enlargement for a memorial service. When they saw the Tag Along on display they chose three of those instead. Alas, they wanted exactly 9 images, (the templates are for either 8 or 10, not 9). So a template was hacked whereby they ordered 10 and the staff deleted the extra image on PS elements just before printing. Primitive, yes, but good enough for an $80 order, ($18 cost). Thank you Pete for making this order happen
- Customer stopped me at the Whole Foods checkout to say the Cameo gifts she gave for the holidays were a huge hit..."she can't wait to come back" she said.
- a Mom was looking for a nice "Thank you" after a Christening party. She loved the 5x7 cards, designed one in a minute, and ordered several dozen, which the store delivered to her in the same afternoon, literally because she was putting the baby to bed and couldn't return.
- A guy in his sixties, back from a trip to Egypt declared..."I can't design a book..." About an hour later he left the store, book in hand.
My point-every Cameo order has a great story behind it. And every day brings its own orders, even in this miserable weather we've been having in Philadelphia. About a dozen new customers a day walk in the store just to look at the new offerings.
If you don't have Cameo in your store you're missing out on these great customer interaction, and on important new revenues.
Shutterfly just released 2009 figures: net revenues from personalized products and services grew to $161.7 million, a 25% year-over-year increase. What share of these lost profits would you like your store to reclaim?
Our new subscription and central printing options start at $100 per month, allowing any size store to profit. Call us 215 501 7021 to join Cameo Style.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Valentine's Day Promotions
Leverage your Cameo Style department to make Valentine's Day as profitable as possible.
At our concept store we are focused on several initiatives: offering free cards to anyone walking in; hosting several gift workshops for him and for her; placing a great emphasis on Valentine's merchandising.
The free cards are meant to build traffic, create some PR, introduce customers to the system and the products, hope that additional products will also be purchased.
The parties/ workshops are meant to generate sales by creating a platform for customers to place orders. The Girls party is tomorrow while the guy's event is closer to Valentine's day, (to fit the last minute, of course).
Below you'll find a last minute reminder. Feel free to use it, that's why we create it.
Following a short demo you'll be able make your own.
It only takes a few pictures to make a nice gift, so please select 6-20 favorite images and bring them on CD, memory card, jump drive, or anything else that you have.
You'll select the products you want to make, and use our super easy Cameo Style kiosks to organize the layout in just minutes. In most cases we'll have the finished item before you go home.
No more guilt over not printing, and no stress over what to buy. And all this while you're nibbling on treats and enjoying special discounts. Who can say no?
How many friends will you bring? We need to plan so let us know
At our concept store we are focused on several initiatives: offering free cards to anyone walking in; hosting several gift workshops for him and for her; placing a great emphasis on Valentine's merchandising.
The free cards are meant to build traffic, create some PR, introduce customers to the system and the products, hope that additional products will also be purchased.
The parties/ workshops are meant to generate sales by creating a platform for customers to place orders. The Girls party is tomorrow while the guy's event is closer to Valentine's day, (to fit the last minute, of course).
Below you'll find a last minute reminder. Feel free to use it, that's why we create it.
Our Annual Girl's Valentine's Gift Party
Come Join the Fun this Wednesday
Dear Friend
Our party is about turning photos into gifts: cards; books; accordions; and framed collages.Following a short demo you'll be able make your own.
It only takes a few pictures to make a nice gift, so please select 6-20 favorite images and bring them on CD, memory card, jump drive, or anything else that you have.
You'll select the products you want to make, and use our super easy Cameo Style kiosks to organize the layout in just minutes. In most cases we'll have the finished item before you go home.
No more guilt over not printing, and no stress over what to buy. And all this while you're nibbling on treats and enjoying special discounts. Who can say no?
How many friends will you bring? We need to plan so let us know
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Haiti Crisis Fundraiser
I encourage all retailers to consider this fundraiser in their stores, (the artwork for this campaign can be downloaded here):
Simply bring your images and order any product from our Photography and Stationery Studio.
Make-a-Book Haiti Fundraiser
Your Photo book can help Like you, the staff at PhotoLounge is very moved and concerned by the humanitarian disaster following the earthquake in Haiti, and we want to help.
We don't have heavy equipment for search and rescue, or the necessary medical equipment. But we do have beautiful Cameo Style photo books that make us all appreciate our families, and our good fortune, and we'll donate 50% of their purchase price.
If you've been intending to make your book please make it now, before next Friday, January 22nd, and we will send 50% of the purchase price to to the International Rescue Committee.
The book will become a special memory for your family, and is a critical gesture of support for a family in Haiti.
Simply bring your images and order any product from our Photography and Stationery Studio.
Thank you.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Inspired by the Best
I just was leafing through a 1972 volume titled "Caring for Photographs." The book offers great-if dated, solutions for displaying and preserving pictures.
The mission of Cameo Style is similar: it's about enjoying and sharing pictures in a meaningful way, and it's about preserving memories. And it's fun and easy.
I was struck by a picture of an accordion book similar to our 5x7 Tag a Long. I guess good ideas never die.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Valentine's Day and Cameo Style, sample newsletter
Below is the copy of a newsletter that PhotoLounge sent today to over 7000 customers on its list. We think we developed some creative ideas, and I'm especially hopeful that the free card program will drive lots of eyeballs to the gifting opportunities Cameo brings to every store.
And that''s really the thing, isn't it? that everyone who tries it likes it, and that you simply have to continuously drive new customers to recognize that in addition to pretty, placing Cameo orders is also simple and fast-and feels good. I would love all our retailers around the country to offer free cards in their own community as well.
Feel free to cut and paste these offers in your own marketing, (except "photo coach day" which is trademarked).
________________
This Valentine's Day we're determined to help spread the love, and will be giving away 500 one-of-a-kind cards FREE. So come and make yours. Simply bring to PhotoLounge 1-5 digital images and your favorite quote, short poem, or phrase. Then spend 5 minutes making your unique card.
Also, join us for these great events:
- Planner/Calendar Party- Bring 13 images to make a 12 month calendar, (with cover), or a daily planner. January 20th, 12pm-12:50 or 1pm-1:50. RSVP now
- January 27th- Girls Only Valentine's Gift-Making Party- Make lasting gifts from your photos while socializing in a fun party atmosphere. Enjoy special pricing on every product, matching gift bags, and beautiful ribbons for a great finishing touch. Because of high demand RSVP is requested. 7:30pm-9:30. Free
- Photo Coach Day- Learn the most important settings for your new DSLR. Also, meet our instructors and sign up for additional classes and private tutoring. February 3rd, 6:30pm-8. $10.00. Register now
- Feb 6th, Walk-in Valentine's Gift Workshop- Bring to PhotoLounge 1-20 digital images and let our friendly staff help you select and make a suitable gift. Add gift- wrapping and beautiful ribbons for a nominal cost. Free event. (concierge service, email us your file and price range and let us do it all). 12pm-8
- Guy's Last Ditch, Make-a-Gift Event- PhotoLounge comes to the rescue with irresistible gifts. Our husband and boyfriend-friendly staff will help you select, make, and, hold on- even gift- wrap gifts that will show your sensitive side. Girl approved, boy easy. Feb 11th, 12pm-6, walk in.
- Feb 24th, Neglected Wedding Pictures Workshop-Come for three fun hours of making books and framed collages of your wedding. Bring images from your photographer, and those from guests. Our instructor will help select and edit your pictures so you can design your project. $90 includes $65.00 product credit. longest neglected wedding in class
Cameo Style and Valentine's Day Marketing Newsletter
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