How to Make Cards From Amateur Photography to Sell

Select images to print. Just like a professional, an amateur photographer needs to be selective about the work he prints. You will need a high quality, high contrast image that will reproduce well when printed and will appeal to a wide variety of consumers. Some common themes include local landmarks that can be sold to tourists or local residents, breathtaking landscapes and interesting flowers.

Select a type of card to print. Standard postcard-sized cards are 4 inches by 6 inches and are printed by a wide variety of vendors at low costs. Larger cards can also be printed, or you may opt for a folded note card that will allow for the consumer to write a more detailed note inside the card.

Research printers. There are a wide variety of printers online. You can also find a printer in your local area by searching in your local phone book. Look for a professional printer (not a copy store) that can produce a high quality card for a reasonable price.

Order sample kits from printers who can deliver the product you need within your budget. These kits will contain samples of the card stock they print on, show you the quality printing you can expect from them, and list the prices for printing cards in a given quantity. Quality can vary greatly even within the same price range.

Compare samples. Take a close look at both the paper quality and the print quality from each of the sample kits to get the best cards for your money.

Select the method of printing you would like. Digital printing can often be done at a lower cost and with smaller print runs than offset printing, a printing style that requires the creation of printing plates. Offset printing can provide a higher quality image on larger print runs (1,000 cards or more).

Select a printer. Choose the best balance of quality and price to maximize the profit you can make on the cards you sell.

Choose your quantity for printing. Consider printing a limited number of cards (less than 1,000) if this is your first time selling them, but remember your cost per card is lower the larger your print run is.

Sell your cards. You can sell them yourself on your website or through an auction site such as eBay or you may want to partner with a local gift shop that has access to regular foot traffic.