Fotomoto is a service that’s been around for a couple of years but I only became aware of it a few weeks ago thanks to a Twitter friend. Since then I’ve been playing around with it on my own photography site and thought it might be of interest to photographers or web designers who are creating sites for photographers. Note: I was neither asked or paid to write a review of Fotomoto.
What Is Fotomoto?
It is an e-commerce setup for photography (or any other kind of artwork or images you want to sell on printed on glossy or lustre paper). Their services include credit card processing, order tracking, and email receipts. They also print, package, and ship the goods to your customers. After adding one line of script to your site, visitors to your website will see the Fotomoto toolbar with the “Buy Now” button on those digital images you want to sell.
By adding the Fotomoto widget to your site, visitors stay on your web site when they go to the shopping cart and are not re-directed anywhere else.
For my own photography site I use WordPress, and Fotomoto provide a plug-in which inserts the required script into the site. Even if you’re not selling photographs, one feature that I particularly like is the ability to send an e-card of any image. This could be useful for graphic or web designers and illustrators for promotion purposes.
You can sell your images as cards with envelopes, postcards and prints in sizes from 6 x 8 inches up to 30 x 40 inches. You set the prices yourself and Fotomoto provide some typical sample prices if you’re not too sure how much to charge.
How Much Does It Cost?
It’s completely free to sign up for Fotomoto and there are no subscription fees. Fotomoto make their money when you sell a photograph and at that point they take 15% of the price. I’m just getting started with this, but it seems incredibly easy to use and requires no programming skills from me. It fits easily and unobtrusively into your web site and the popup widget which appears when a visitor hit the “Buy Print” or “Send E-card” is stylish and simple. It’s an impressive service.
Have you used Fotomoto on your own site? What other similar services have you tried? I’d be really interested to hear your thoughts and maybe put together a future post on this topic.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fotomoto
How does Fotomoto work for selling prints or e-cards?
Fotomoto is a print-on-demand e-commerce widget that integrates with your website, allowing you to sell prints or e-cards directly from your site. Once you’ve installed the Fotomoto script on your site, it automatically turns your images into a store. When a customer orders a print or e-card, Fotomoto handles the transaction, printing, and shipping, allowing you to focus on your photography.
What are the benefits of using Fotomoto for photographers?
Fotomoto offers several benefits for photographers. It allows you to sell prints and e-cards directly from your website, without the need for a separate e-commerce platform. Fotomoto handles all aspects of the sales process, including transaction processing, printing, and shipping, freeing up your time to focus on creating more images. Additionally, Fotomoto offers a range of products and sizes, giving your customers more options.
How does Fotomoto handle printing and shipping?
Fotomoto partners with professional print labs to ensure high-quality prints. Once an order is placed, Fotomoto sends it to one of their partner labs for printing. The lab then ships the print directly to the customer. This process ensures that you don’t have to worry about managing inventory or shipping logistics.
How can I integrate Fotomoto with my website?
Integrating Fotomoto with your website is a straightforward process. You simply need to install the Fotomoto script on your site. Once installed, the script automatically turns your images into a store. Fotomoto is compatible with most website platforms, including WordPress, Squarespace, and more.
What are the pricing options for Fotomoto?
Fotomoto offers several pricing plans to suit different needs. They have a free plan, which includes a transaction fee on sales, and two paid plans, which offer lower transaction fees and additional features. The paid plans are priced based on the number of images you plan to sell.
Can I set my own prices for prints and e-cards on Fotomoto?
Yes, you can set your own prices for prints and e-cards on Fotomoto. This allows you to control your profit margin. Fotomoto provides a suggested retail price, but you are free to adjust this as you see fit.
How does Fotomoto handle customer service?
Fotomoto handles all customer service related to orders placed through their platform. This includes handling any issues with printing, shipping, or payment. This service allows you to focus on your photography, without having to worry about managing customer inquiries or complaints.
Can I sell digital downloads with Fotomoto?
Yes, Fotomoto allows you to sell digital downloads in addition to prints and e-cards. This gives your customers the option to purchase a digital copy of your image, which they can download and use immediately.
How does Fotomoto protect my images from theft?
Fotomoto offers several features to help protect your images from theft. This includes the option to add a watermark to your images, and the ability to disable right-click downloads. Additionally, Fotomoto does not store high-resolution versions of your images on their servers, further protecting your work.
Can I use Fotomoto if I’m not a professional photographer?
Yes, Fotomoto is suitable for both professional photographers and hobbyists. Whether you’re looking to sell prints of your work, or simply want to offer e-cards to your site visitors, Fotomoto provides a simple and effective solution.
Jennifer FarleyJennifer Farley is a designer, illustrator and design instructor based in Ireland. She writes about design and illustration on her blog at Laughing Lion Design.
