Money Saving Tips
Printable and downloadable version:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4d8czl41lt4grcu/Tips%20on%20saving%20money%20printing%20PDF.pdf?dl=0
Tips on saving money printing, mounting, and framing your images:
► If you order prints in standard sizes, you can then easily buy precut mats, glass, and frames.
► Metal sectional frames (bought in pairs of height and width) are simple to assemble and are typically the most cost effective for many reasons. For most economical savings, be sure to purchase the same brand and style, for most economical savings. This will enable you to switch the frame sections to suit the new image size. All that will be needed is a new sheet of glass.
► Many of the online companies will offer a first order discount if you sign up for their newsletter. This will also alert you to their sales – which can be quite substantial.
► Before finalizing your order, check the coupon sites such as: https://www.retailmenot.com
https://www.couponcabin.com https://www.couponchief.com https://www.offers.com that may have a code you can use for additional saving or free shipping.
► Many of the online photo printing companies offer a wide range of materials to have you photo printed or mounted onto. It’s best to check online reviews of the type of image you are seeking (metal, glass, laminated, etc.) to which company has a good reputation for that type of service. Also, shop around – the pricing can vary wildly. Remember shipping is another cost to factor in.
► Ebay is an excellent place to find great bargains on mat cutters. https://www.ebay.com/
► YouTube offers a wealth of information. If you’re looking to buy a mat cutter, there will be video’s showing how to use it, and videos that rate one mat cutter vs another. If, at 1 a.m., you have a question on mounting your image, YouTube will have a video. https://www.youtube.com/
► BPC club members have great knowledge on pretty much anything photography related. You can always post a question on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17047604157/ or ask your question at the monthly or a focus group meeting.
Local resources include:
→ Michaels = Frames, both DIY and custom. Foam core. Mat board – both cut to standard sizes and half sheets to cut your own. Mat cutters. Standard size glass. Adhesives – spray and double sided tape. Often there are coupons (40% – 60% off one item) available on their website and in The Herald-Times.
→ Hobby Lobby = Frames, both DIY and custom. Foam core. Mat board – both cut to standard sizes and half sheets to cut your own. Mat cutters. Standard size glass. Adhesives – spray and double sided tape. Coupon available weekly on their website and in The Herald-Times.
→ Sam’s Club (must be a member) = Onsite photo printing. Can also order in specialty sizes and materials.
→ City Glass: http://www.cityglassinc.com/ = Single pane window/picture frame glass. Antiglare glass.
Premium service and products found locally:
→ Spectrumstudio: http://spectrumstudioinc.com/ owned by club member Kendall Reeves = Printing on a variety of materials.
→ Kirkwood Photo Lab: http://www.kirkwoodphoto.com/ = Printing, mounting, matting, framing.
→ Framemakers: http://www.framemakersbloomington.com/ = Can do any or all parts of mounting, matting and framing.
→ Pygmalion’s: http://www.pygmalions.com/ = Adhesives. Rag mat board. Mat cutting supplies.
Online frames:
https://www.pictureframes.com/
http://www.frameusa.com
https://www.americanframe.com
https://framing4yourself.com
http://www.jerrysartarama.com
Printing:
► Reviews of online printing companies:
https://www.pcmag.com/roundup/353850/the-best-photo-printing-services
→ Nations Photo Lab: http://www.nationsphotolab.com/
→ JD Photo Lab: https://www.jdlab.com/
→ Adoramapix: https://www.adoramapix.com/
→ Mpix: https://www.mpix.com/
→ Shutterfly: https://www.shutterfly.com/
→ Bayphoto.com: https://www.bayphoto.com
→ Fracture: https://fractureme.com
Mat cutters:
► Logan mat cutters:
→ http://www.logangraphic.com
→ https://www.dickblick.com
→ http://www.jerrysartarama.com
→ https://smile.amazon.com/
→ https://ebay.com
► Alto mat cutting system:
→ https://ebay.com
→ https://olfacutterstore.com/altos-mat-store.htm
► Precut mat board, foam core, full & half sheet DIY:
→ https://www.matboardplus.com/
→ https://www.redimat.com/
→ https://www.framedestination.com
→ https://www.utrechtart.com
Photo books:
→ Picaboo https://www.picaboo.com/
→ Blurb http://www.blurb.com/
→ Snapfish https://www.snapfish.com
→ Adoramapix: https://www.adoramapix.com/
→ Mixbook https://www.mixbook.com
** Sources listed are in no particular order.
This is by no means a complete listing; it’s just meant to give you a jump start.
You can find a copy of this on our website, with all the working hyperlinks.