Photo Paper Pushes Boundaries

Orlando, Fla. — Printing manufacturers are reasoning that plain old photo prints may not be inducement enough for consumers to continue their already robust use of home photo printers, so at PMA they are introducing a number of creative alternatives and promotions to further expand the category.

Epson took aim at what it's calling a new category in the photo printer/consumables market: hardbound photo books.

The company's StoryTeller photo book kit includes two glossy book cover sheets, glossy photo paper for the interior pages, a hardcover book with adhesive strips for affixing the photo paper, StoryTeller Publisher software for creating and printing the book, and a clear book jacket.

Epson will sell a 10-page book for 5-inch by 7-inch photos for an estimated street price of $14.99; a book for 8-inch by 10-inch photos, for an estimated $19.99; and a 20-page book for 8-inch by 10-inch photos for an estimated $29.99.

Beginning this month and ending on April 30, Konica Minolta will bundle its inkjet paper with one of two free “Dummies” books. “Digital Photography Tips for Dummies” will be shrink-wrapped with Konica Minolta 4-inch by 6-inch inkjet paper while “Creating Scrapbooks for Dummies” will be packaged with the company's 8.5-inch by 11-inch inkjet papers. The company will also include a coupon for $2.00 off the purchase of any size or finish of Konica Minolta inkjet photo paper, good throughout 2005.

HPupdated its premium photo card lineup and will bundle HP Design Studio software with its photo card packs. The software contains over 100 card designs developed by AmericanGreetings.com for creating personalized 4-inch by 8-inch photo cards. The package also contains envelopes.

The software offers templates for baby announcements, graduations, new homes, birthdays, engagements and wedding invitations in addition to a number of holiday greetings. The photo cards will ship in March for an estimated street price of $14.99.