Leather never goes out of style. It’s classic, timeless and it just took on a new look. Now you can combine the luxury of leather with your favorite photographs. Pounds introduced an extensive line of Leather Accessory Products this year that ranges from key fobs and compact mirrors to bags and iPad cases.

There’s something to captivate every client in every price range.

We think these new products have

the potential to be an excellent stimulus for your business. Existing clients will be excited to see fresh innovative items that can solve gift giving dilemm as and the leather line will draw new clients into your business who want to deal with a studio that stays on the cutting edge.

“We saw a consumer interest in photo bags and the imaged leather bags,” Chris Oelker, said. Oelker is the head of product development and marketing at Pounds and knows a thing or two about what consumers will purchase. “There was an opportunity to provide a high end quality product that photographers could offer to a wide rage of clients. We thought leather was a perfect addition.”

New Mexico photographer, Patti Hogue agrees. She saw the Weekend Crossbody and Ring Tote and realized they would be just right for her clients. “ The Ring Tote is perfect for football games,” she said. “It’s easy to carry all the things you need as well as a water bottle.” Hogue ordered samples of both bags and carried them with her to the games she photographed. They certainly got noticed and Hogue is posting photos on her Facebook page. She also had a brilliant idea to give a couple of bags away to community leaders.  When people see them they’ll know to turn to Patti Hogue Photography!

Juan Deleon is a wedding and portrait photographer in Houston, Texas. He also shoots a lot of professional sporting events and is always keeping an eye open for products his clients might enjoy.  “I saw an email about the leather products being offered. I’d never seen them anywhere else so I was excited! I immediately got on the website and placed an order.” Deleon ordered the Framed Card Keeper and French Wallet. He realized how often he changes his own wallet and that everyone needs a nice business card holder. The items were practical and beautiful.

“I can’t say enough about these products,” Deleon said. “Clients like the look and I’ve already had requests for purses.

In fact I’m going though my photo archives now so I can order more samples. I was so impressed with the clarity and the detail, I posted it on my Facebook page! I have been very impressed. I think leather is going to be big!

So do we Juan!

It’s time to bust out the Santa Hat, crank up  “Jingle Bell Rock” and jump into the holiday groove because we just heard

the elves have started polishing the sleigh!

Remember most clients want their cards mailed by Thanksgiving. That means you’re working on an eight-week timetable between mid September and mid November to order samples, create holiday packages, schedule sittings and  orders placed! The holid ays are generally a highly profitable time of year for the industry. It makes sense to be prepared.

Pounds offers one of the most comprehensive selections of holiday greeting cards you’ll find anywhere. There’ s really something to suit every style and taste. Our design team has just added new options for cards and gift tags that you won’t want to miss.

Enhance your card orders with our holiday products and create memorable packages that will keep your customers talking! Gift Tags are an essential add-on and our Holiday Funpacks are

alw

ays a big hit. Holiday Wallet Magnets make absolutely terrific stocking stuffersand are a great client give away. One of the most exciting holiday products is our Pewter Ornament. This is a beautiful, memorable, personal item and it’s durable! Remind your clients that it’s a good idea to order several, so when they’re faced with an unexpected holiday guest they’ve always got a gift solution on hand!

Press Books and Metal Prints are extremely popular seasonal gifts. Contour Metal has just been released and is bound to be a runaway hit!  Be sure to look through our entire novelty line. You’ll find creative gift ideas and great stocking stuffers.

Our new leather line will make holiday shopping even easier with a wide range of products to suit everyone from grandma to the babysitter. If you have not seen these terrific leather items yet, order a sample today. You won’t believe how beautiful they are until you see them!

Pounds offers one stop shopping for your clients and everyone on their Christmas list. Why bother with long lines, crowded parking lots or spending hours online looking for the perfect present? Pounds can solve every gift need. Make this your best season yet, and make it easy on yourself with a little holiday help from Pounds!

Don’t forget the great thing about getting organized and on top of the season is that you’re able to take advantage of the Pounds Holiday Promo that runs until September 30th!

What does 2011 look like for you ?

Reality check. The year is half over. Hard to believe, isn’t it? So shake the sand off your toes and start thinking about those Holiday greeting cards and New Year’ s Eve wedding

s.

What’ s your game plan? People always want more and this is the year they might just be ready to spend more. So what does that mean for your plan? What new products will you introduce

? How will you take business to a new level?

If you haven’t presented Wavy Metal to your client base, now’ s the time!

This product is taking the photography world by storm. It’s not only the latest trend, it’s beautiful and archival! Use it for sports, seniors, even weddings. It adds a whole new dimension to your packages.

Press Products are the fuel that keeps your studio’s engine purring. There is someth ing for everyone in our extensive catalog of press offerings. Start thinking now about what new sizes and styles you need to have on hand for the upcoming season. We’ve included some great ideas in the newsletter to kick-start your marketing with press products.

Make sure you’ve got the latest information on Photoshop and Designer Press Books by registering for one of our workshops. In fact consider adding workshops into your plan of action and learn how to increase business every month!

Whatever you need, we’re here to help with great information, great products and great advice.

Every year you have to stay on top and be on trend but keep your balance sheet on track. We’re constantly developing new merchandise and software to help you accomplish these goals.

The biggest buzz is all about our new Metal Prints. The archival qualities, combined with rich vibrant color and luminosity, have made Metal Prints a must have item to offer clients this year. We recently added a wave to the Metal Print product, creating an element of physical depth that imparts a feeling of spirit and energy to your images.

There’s a new take on Key Chains with the introduction of Silver color heart and diamond shaped options. These are wonderful for bridal party thank you gifts and senior keepsakes.

Of course we had to have a little fun with our novelty items this year so we added Stickers. Kids will love trading Stickers so be sure to add them to school photo orders. Offer them to your sports teams and don’t forget your seniors! Stickers are irresistible.

Keep an eye on your inbox, you never know what’s about to develop at Pounds!

October 1 – October 31
The Pounds ChromaLuxe Sample Special will make it easy for you to make the samples you need for 2010. ChromaLuxe is truly a unique method for enlarging images – the vibrant colors of advanced dye sublimation, the high-gloss finish, and the durable, ready to hang mounting make this an outstanding product for all markets.  Set your studio apart from the competition by offering ChromaLuxe as a contemporary alternative to traditional Canvas and Gallery Wraps.

Also, don’t forget to get your Ink Jet Samples on Canvas and Watercolor.  You can order one sample of each size from 3×5 to 40×60.   If you don’t offer  this type of print to your customers, now is the time to do a studio market test.

CODE- CHIN (Use this code for either product)
CHROMALUXE Receive a 50% discount on all ChromaLuxe products. There is a limit of one sample of each product per account. There is a limit of one sample per account.

INK-JET PRINTS Receive a 15% discount on all sizes on Canvas and Watercolor from 3×5 to 40×60.

There is a limit of one sample of each size per account.

Get a head-start on the holidays by launching your studio promotions before the big rush begins. From now until September 30, you can take advantage of our Holiday Products Special. Pounds is reducing our prices for Press Cards, Gallery Wraps, Calendars, Gift Tags, and Holiday Funpacks.  You can pass the savings on to your customers with an “early bird” special in your studio.  Just use Promo Code HOL2 when you place their orders.  Here are the discounts you will receive:

Press Cards
20% discount on quantities up to 299.
10% discount on our already reduced prices for quantities of 300 and more.

Spiral Bound Calendars
20% discount on 8.5×11, 11×8.5 and 11×17 calendars.

Gallery Wraps
20% discount on 11×14 and 16×20 Gallery Wraps.

Gift Tags
20% discount on Gift Tags – four photo gift tags on one sheet.

Holiday Funpacks
20% discount on Holiday Funpacks – six photo ornaments on one die-cut sheet.

We all hear doomsday talk about digital devices ruining the professional photography market, especially for teens, the customers of tomorrow.  With image displays on lap tops, cell phones, and i-pods, why would they ever want to buy prints?  Certainly not for sharing – the ubiquitous exposure of online sites is better, right? In a face-off between Pounds Press Books and Facebook – who do you think would win ?

If you’re worried about the future demand for studio products, you’ll be interested in this story from one of our customers. (more…)