Photo submissions close today and I am in the process of finalising the logistics for ordering the printed calendar but would like to run something past you all:-
As per last year, we will have the calendars printed to order volume and we will have to estimate qty required before we set the price. As always, this is not a profit-making exercise but we do need to cover our costs and ensure we don't get caught out with unsold stock as that is very costly.
We are currently seeing reducing sales of the app due to the whole East Coast COVID issue so a bit wary about buyer sentiment right now, hence seeking your input please before we commit. As you know, we are a very small business so these sorts of things do affect us.
There are two options:-
The A3 calendar has no spine with single A3 pages turned over with the wire at top. The photo is at the top half of the page (therefore printed at A4) and the bottom half of the page has the calendar boxes. There is no doubt that this is the premium option and these photos really deserve to be presented in a premium calendar so I'd like to do this again (the 2016 and 2017 calendars was the A3).
This year's 2021 Calendar was the smaller, more budget style A4 calendar - this is 2 A4 pages with a wired spine in the centre. To hang the calendar the top page (the photo) has a small hole drilled in the centre. Anyone that has one, may have noticed that the top photo page begins to curl inwards as there is no wire at the top to support it from wind/movement/effects of heat etc as it hangs on your wall.
Pros/Cons: The A3 calendar keeps its shape for the year better than the A4 calendar due to having the wire as the hanger, rather than the drilled hole. However, postage costs are much higher because of the size and print costs also a little higher but not too much so its worth considering...
Postage Costs: A3 postage is parcel post and cost varies depending on your location. Cheapest postage is $8, most expensive is $12.50 (plus packaging/handling).
The A4 calendar can be posted as a "Large Letter" and is $6.50 flat rate.
I can bulk order the A3 to help ease the unit cost and try to keep the calendar $RRP to $19.95 plus postage as per last year. Total cost therefore between $26.50 - $32.50 (within Australia, depending on your delivery address).
The issue: The price has to be determined based on our estimated requirement/print run.
Is the A3 price with postage acceptable to the majority? Price quoted is based on ordering approx double what we ordered last year so would need more people to commit.
Will you commit to buy the calendar? This is a unique photo calendar and can't be compared to a mass produced calendar. Does this make it of interest to you?
EDIT: I've just re-checked the postage. There is a fixed parcel rate of $8 that will apply for 1 calendar. If buying 2 or more the above pricing range of $8-$12.50 based on destination address will apply. The price is fixed for up to 22kg so you won't pay more postage than that for extra calendars. Phew! I think I've answered my own question - this seems reasonable to me. :) yes??