Why I Sell Digital Prints and What They Are

When I tell people that I sell digital prints I get a very positive response, but I feel like there's the looming question even if it isn't asked, "Why Digital Prints vs. Regular Prints?" And there's actually a very good reason why, settle in and I'll tell you!

I've wanted to create an e-commerce business for as long as I can remember. I've had my own marketing business for almost 4 years now and I did freelance work for many moons before that. But it's guys like Tim Ferris (author of 4 Hour Workweek), Mark Cuban, Noah Kagan and Gary Vaynerchuk (among the many, many successful entrepreneurs that I follow) who have been my inspiration and given me motivation to create an e-commerce business. Not just any business, but a business that can create passive income. Now I'm using the term "passive income" loosely because this is the definition: 

Passive income is an income received on a regular basis, with little effort required to maintain it. It is closely related to the concept of "unearned income".

Now as noted in the definition, it says little effort required to maintain it or unearned income. My business sure as hell doesn't take "little effort required to maintain it". It's quite opposite really, I work my ass off and I work all of the time. BUT... creating digital prints allows my shop to be open 24 hours a day and the product is delivered immediately after purchase without me having to do anything. You buy it, you download it, you print it. See, hands off and that's the way I like it! 

Let's break it down a little bit more, shall we?

What is a Digital Print?

A digital print is the digital copy of the art design that I create on my computer using Photoshop. When you receive the .jpg file after you purchase, you're receiving my exact file from my computer. If you've had your family pictures taken before you've likely been given the digital files on a cd and you're given permission to print them anywhere. We use the exact same process, essentially, you're purchasing the rights to print this .jpg print just as you wish. This file would be the same file that I would have taken to my print shop, had printed and then mailed to you.

But Why Sell Digital Prints?

As I mentioned above it's a hands off approach to the business. For me to make this business work, I had to create a business that sold digital goods. Creating digital goods allows me to create the product, put it on the website and then focus on marketing the prints. I have 2 businesses, a family of 6 and not a whole lot of time to hang out at the Printer or Post Office. 

Not only does it work for me, but it also works for you! You can purchase the print and get it printed at your own convenience. You can print it at home on your own printer or upload it to any one of your favorite print shops. Some of the most popular are Shutterfly, Snapfish or my personal favorite, Mpix. If you're running to Target, print it there! You can also print it as many times as you'd like. If you find a print that you love so much you want to give a copy to your friend as a gift, go for it! Our prints make for the most creative and unique gift. Put your print in a cute picture frame and wrap it in a bow!

But is there a cost savings?

Although the convenience of using digital prints for both of us is pretty sweet, this may be the sweetest of all, the price savings. I can sell my prints to you for a much more affordable price. I don't have to pass along the added cost of the physical involvement like there would be if I had to go to the printer, package your print, and then mail it. 

A break down would look a little something like this:

Regular Art Prints would sell for around $15 (depending on the size) + $3.00 shipping. That's a total of $18.

Digital Prints sell for $4.99 (depending on size). When you go to print, it will cost you anywhere around $1-$4 (again price depends on paper stock and size). More than likely it's on the cheaper side. The total to print is around $6-$9. You're getting beautiful prints for about half the price!

It really is the best for both of us. It allows me to run my business efficiently and focus on what I enjoy doing, creating more designs to put in the shop and put more prints on your walls!