Cameo Style Retailer

Helping Customers Take Better Pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 17:36:00 +0000

This is great. I'm thinking about printing this for display in the store

Cameo Style Mentioned in Drug Store News

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:48:00 +0000

Drug Store News Recently included us in an important article-thank you.

First Holiday Card Order, In July

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 19:34:00 +0000

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.

Highest Order Generating Retail Music

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:01:00 +0000

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

Father's Day Post Mortum

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:53:00 +0000

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?

Dry Cleaning Gets a Personality

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:54:00 +0000

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

Tag Along Sale

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:17:00 +0000

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:

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

Please review the pictures below for the ingredients: a chalk board; your entire inventory of books out as filler (we also really like the idea of "blank" book covers and frames out in the open because it seems to make the process more familiar for the customers); samples (always available from our sample library), and the Cameo Style product menu hand-out we created recently, (just ask us for the file and print on 8.5x11 on your laser printer).

Good luck, and please share.

Cross Merchandizing/ Bundles

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 17:28:00 +0000

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.

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.

Every Day is a Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:18:00 +0000

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.

New "Subscription" Program from Cameo Style

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:13:00 +0000

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.

Cameo Style Menu

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:24:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:10:00 +0000

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?

Creating an experience customers love...and retailers too

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 21:05:00 +0000

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).

Post Valentine's

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 01:59:00 +0000

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:

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.

Valentine's Day Promotions

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:17:00 +0000

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.

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

Re-merchandizing to drive store traffic

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 23:24:00 +0000

Haiti Crisis Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:59:00 +0000

I encourage all retailers to consider this fundraiser in their stores, (the artwork for this campaign can be downloaded here):

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.

Inspired by the Best

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 23:02:00 +0000

My love for all things pictures started as a teenager, and back then I devoured the Time-Life book series on photography.

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.

Valentine's Day and Cameo Style, sample newsletter

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:13:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:03:00 +0000

	Below please find the newsletter that went out today from PhotoLounge. Feel free to cut and paste into your own newsletter as you boost Cameo Style sales.

Subject: Classes, Workshops and Fun, at PhotoLounge


Make and Take Events at PhotoLounge Learn, Make, Give.	January 2010 - Vol 20, Issue 1

In This Issue
	· Our New Stationery and Photography Studio

Where would you like to go?
	§ Order prints online now (free center city delivery) § Need help with a new camera? Our tutor can help § Need help with your wedding pictures? meet our designer § If you wish to host a photo book party, (also great for kids), tell us

Dear Friend

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 wins a prize. Sign up now

Our New Stationery and Photography Studio

Open every day with a staff that's eager to help. just bring your favorite images or your original pictures. Also scan original pictures.

Forward email
This email was sent to info@cbop.net by info@myphotolounge.com. Update Profile/Email Address \| Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ \| Privacy Policy.	Email Marketing by
CBOP Cardinal PhotoLounge \| 1909 Chestnut Street \| Philadelphia \| PA \| 19103

New Calendar Size

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:22:00 +0000

Happy New Year.

Here are some quick ideas:

Promote Cameo Style with a stamped Coupon on every order or receipt generated in your store. The stamp we use at PhotoLounge isn't pretty but it generates a lot of discussion about the product, so it works.

Tag Along Books also display great on a flat wall, with the aid of 4 push-pins:

Our 9x12 calendars also print great on the 12x24 paper you all have in stock. this requires a few steps on Adobe elements software, which you use to print, and we can send you the instructions. It looks stunning, and we're also looking for ribbon ideas to hang the calendar:

Merchandise...

Touching Tag Along

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 21:15:00 +0000

A customer just came in with an idea she had a for a book. She was delighted to meet our Tag Along.

This is the sketch she made at home:

This is the Tag Along she left the store with 20 minutes later:

Holiday Postmortem

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 16:23:00 +0000

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share with you the Cameo Style product sales at PhotoLounge through Xmas eve. Sales were very high, but even so more established Cameo Style retailers did even better, (we only set the concept store in November).

This is what we sold:

25 Tag Along books
5 Tag Along Envelope
13 Peanut Books
1000+ Folded Cards, (we sold these in dozens, and average order was probably around 24 card),
500+ triptych Cards, (same as above but here many single cards were ordered as well)
10+ 9x12 Books, with additional pages
4 12x12 books, with additional pages
29 Calendars
11 Easel Frames
4 Coasters

This level of sales added significant profits and excitement to PhotoLounge, and other services also rose as a result.

Success came from moms who make for great customers. We enjoyed the long line of strollers and seeing moms complete projects while babies were still taking naps. We also had many new brides making projects with wedding pictures, and many original pictures that were scanned with the Kodak Shoebox scanner and personalized on the Cameo system.

The continuous attention to merchandising, and to keeping the department looking great, combined with a very enthused and well informed sales staff made the difference.

And this was, without a doubt, the year for personalization as consumers were seeking to make gifts that were more personal but less costly. This was evident in the store, but read more in this interesting article.

Ravid

Cameo Style Holiday Gifts for Employees

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:02:00 +0000

An enthused staff will make sales of personalized products in your store soar. This ties in perfectly with the fact that staff in most retail stores end up making products for gifts, and mostly on this holiday eve, at the last minute. By offering them a great incentive on Cameo Style products you will not only stay popular but also turn them into evangelists, and brand ambassadors for your most profitable department.

I myself just made a 70 page 12x12 photo book, (which Cameo cover is yet to be determined), and the experience of putting it together was very emotional and joyful for me, (it took me about 45 minutes). It was nice to practice what I preach, and it more than validated what I believe Cameo Style products mean to customers.

I included some book pages.

Have a great Holiday. We'll do postmortem next week, but it was good!

Ravid

Success at PhotoLounge

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 01:23:00 +0000

Cameo Style at PhotoLounge has had a strong showing since we set up the department. But today orders exceeded $1000.

Paying careful attention to merchandising has really paid off, (keeping the Boutique tidy and rotating the displays every day, and setting up a table in front of the Boutiques with an overflow of samples, about a 10 minute daily chore).

Today PhotoLounge processed orders for hundreds of cards, about 10 5x7 Tag Alongs, about 4 Envelope Tag Alongs, a number of easle frames, and over 20 calendars.

PhotoLounge devoted a person to Cameo Style production all day, and as we speak she is still printing.

A couple of points:

1) This is your week to recruit local customers whom the national websites cannot serve in time. Send a newsletter advertising extended deadlines in your shop, and place a big sign in your window letting customers know you can make last minute gifts. Make sure to follow through with fast turnaround.

2) From conversations with store customers I got the distinct impression that this is the year of the make-it-yourself gift. And I have seen no price resistance to the full price charged by Cameo Style. What a boon for Cameo Style retailers.

3) If professional photographers or graphic designers come into your store to process last minute orders always allow them to make a sample card for clients for free. In every instance where this has happened the client ordered over 100 cards.

4) We got many requests for a flat double sided card. This is something we'll add to the collection early in 2009 but for now PhotoLounge is cutting 5x7 cards in half and printing both sides.

5) PhotoLounge has sold several "blank" Peanut books and frames as gifts to be completed in the store by the recipient. The purchaser took with them the blank frame or Peanut book together with a gift card. A cute gift idea.

6) let customers access their online albums and get images while in your store. Several orders today came out of Picassa and other online albums.

7) Finally, don't discount, (except for multiple copies where a 10% saving is in line). And always ask "how many would you like" when writing up an order. More times than not its multiples.

Happy Selling!