Trying to gauge interest

[MartyM]

Looking to expand on my photo services and client base. I got this idea while on jury duty as one of the other jurors had their business broken into while on jury duty.

How often have you heard that you should photograph and catalog your possessions at home that are of significant value either money wise or due to being sentimenal? But who wants to spend their day taking pictures, burning CD's (or DVD's) of the images?

That's where I want to help. I'd be willing to travel to your place, take all the pictures that are needed, burn them to DVD or CD right there and give you two copies of the disks, one to keep at home and the other in an alternate safe location. After we verify that the disks work on your PC, I would right there in front of you delete the images from my memory card so that you know I did that in order to give you some piece of mind.

The cost is what I'm working on right now, but thinking of a mileage + modest fee type of structure.

[mswerb]

Not a BAD idea. I had a friend whose toilet broke loose while on vacation and lost a TON of stuff. He actually had to sit down and write out what he had lost. For this reason alone, it would be a good idea. Godd luck on your venture.

[rebelwithoutaclue]

That's where I want to help. I'd be willing to travel to your place, take all the pictures that are needed, burn them to DVD or CD right there and give you two copies of the disks, one to keep at home and the other in an alternate safe location. After we verify that the disks work on your PC, I would right there in front of you delete the images from my memory card so that you know I did that in order to give you some piece of mind.

I think it would almost be better if you provided the photo-taking service and the alternate storage service. Don't ask me how it would work. Possibly an initial fee for the photos and then a small monthly storage fee of a dollar or two

[Cease]

From a marketing angle, this is a service that an insurance agent should easily be able to offer as an add-on with you as their partner. They pitch to home-owners at signing, with a one-time charge, you service the account, agency gets a kickback. Agent gets second copy of disc for secure storage. You might want to take a local agent out for a beer and get their takes (penetrating locally would keep your travel down, too).

As far as the pricing goes, the more simple the better. I know the mileage issue is a cost on your end, but consumers don't give a hang about your costs. Go with an all inclusive rate for services X, Y, and Z. For $X, I will come to your house, take the photos, and provide you with copies in one hour (or whatever it is). Add a flat rate surcharge if it's an East Side address and you are West Side, if you have to. But calculating out the price per client based on mileage is cumbersome and will slow down the sale.

Personally, it's something I've been meaning to do for a while. I would feel more comfortable with you entering my home if you were coming from my agent. I wouldn't be comfortable with you having photos of my property without a hell of a lot of insurance, bonding, and a ton of bulletproof BBB rating creditability and recommendations.

[MartyM]

Thanks for the input gents, much appreciated! Still in the planning stages and your input is appreciated.