Rights Managed Images vs Royalty-free vs Exclusive Rights

Check out the recent article I wrote about Image Licensing options at the Lakeshore Branding Blog --

Royalty-free images vs rights-managed images

Update on my Two Huge Printers for sale - Z6100 (HP) and 11880 (Epson)

*************** UPDATE ***************

The 64" Epson 11880 has been sold. Thanks for your interest.
The 42" HP Z6100 PS is in final negotiations.

Where is the best place to sell a Wide Format Printer or Plotter -- Explained

After many experiences selling digital printers, both new and used, I have compiled the ultimate guide on where to sell your used Wide Format ink jet or Large Format Printer (In my humble opinion). I have ranked them according to ease of use, potential return, size of market, and my overall confidence in them. In no particular order:

• Your Favorite Dealer:

• COST: None (at least not in my experience, maybe a small percentage...)

• MARKET: Extremely effective at reaching potential buyers. Well connected.

• OVERALL:****

• Craigslist

• (www.craigslist.org)

• COST: Free

• MARKET: Very large localized traffic, and a surprising number of people will search through out many other [large] cities' craigslists to find a specialized item.

• DOWNSIDE: many scams artists out there. Don't partake in any kind of shipping to Nigeria, third party via western union, no matter what 'Prince' or Oil Heiress asks you to...

• OVERALL:****

• Photo.net

• (www.photo.net)

• COST: Free classified ads

• MARKET: Large target market of photographers, although not all print their own work, let alone digitally

• OVERALL:***

• Yahoo Groups

• (groups.yahoo.com)

• COST: Free (just read the group's policies before posting)

• MARKET: Large niche markets all have groups on Y!G's. Find the manufacture of you're printer's group, such as Epson Wide Format or HP Designjet group, and post away. Most encourage these types of ads, but read their rules before posting.

• OVERALL:****

• Ebay

• (www.ebay.com)

• I HIGHLY recommend against selling any type of printer over 13" wide on Ebay. If you do, be prepared to spend a good amount of money on Ebay's Fees... not to mention being willing to part with your investment for less than half of what you paid (or half its fair market value depending on your luck). Sending your printer to auction with a reserve only drives away many buyers, and if you start your auction at a reasonable price be ready to see very little traffic. If you must get rid of your printer, start the auction at a $1 bid and hope for the best. a last resort. Period.

• COST: High, X percent of listing price and X percent of sale price (add X% if you plan on getting paid with paypal, which once again will scare away bidders if you fail to offer)

• MARKET: Surprisingly Wide format printers seldom are sold on ebay, most listings I've found are for brand new printers priced right around list price. Doesn't do anyone much good.

• OVERALL:*

Selling Two HUGE printers - HP Z6100 42" and Epson 11880 64"

Ok, how I ended up with two printers about as big as VW Beetles without realizing I wasn't going to have enough space to set them up is a topic for another day. Bottom line, I have an HP Z6100 42" Postscript version and an Epson 11880 64" printer to sell. Both are boxed, brand new, fully warrantied, and in storage. These things are massive. After being allocated one of the first 11880's in the country, I jumped on the chance. Besides, my accountant said it would be a good idea... But when I considered work flow issues due to their sheer size, I decided they weren't going to fit.

I am willing to sell both of these printers at a loss to cut my monthly storage fee! Please be local in Chicago or willing to arrange shipping (I might if you ask nicely). Save thousands, save me money, buy one of these wonderful machines!

If interested, please contact me at info@elevateprinting.com or give me a call directly at 312.380.5017. If I can't hear you over the commotion, please leave me a message.

Best,
Michael

Two big galleries opening Jan 2008 you should attend

Two art galleries we're sponsoring this month:

Nigel Evan Dennis (Electric Heat) @ the Threadless gallery downtown













Chuck Anderson (No Pattern) @ the Green Label Art gallery (Mountain Dew)


Come out and support some great Chicago Artists.

-Elevate Printing

How do I know when my 9600 is dying?

I common question I've been getting recently is...
How do I know when my 4000 is not fixable?
When is my 7600 need to be replaced?

Epson printers and their permanent print heads come with both advantages and disadvantages. Advantage being they're perfectly calibrated when they leave the factory. Disadvantage being they cost more to replace then the printer is worth. Typically, after three to five years, depending on print volume, noticeable quality loss we begin to appear on your 4000/7600/9600. Replacing printheads will cost at least $1,000. Having a certified technician visit your place of business: $500 minimum.

This $1,500 is not worth it to save one of these printers, even for a 9600. Time to upgrade. Maintain your current workflow by getting a 4800/7800/9800, or consider a 12-ink from the HP Z series line.

Once quality begins to decline, expect to start doing a LOT of head cleaning. You can still get up to a year or so of use out of the printers from this point on before they really eat the dust. I recommend upgrading at the first sign of quality deterioration and saving you old printer for banners/posters/signage (anything that can get away with a little less than perfect output).