Top 7 Photo Delivery Methods for Event Photographers

1. Viewing stations-This involves having a series of networked laptops where people can view the photos that were recently taken and then order them for mail delivery or on the spot if you decide to attach a printer.  PROS-Cash up front CONS-Computer tech issues & computer expense.
2. Print on demand-Just as it sounds. People go to a computer viewing station or have their photo taken on a backdrop. They pick out the photos, pay for them and they are printed on the spot. PROS-Very handy if it's not a huge group CONS-Any computer issues will lead to long wait times.
3. Online photo gallery where you print the orders-This is were you fulfill all the orders come in to your website gallery. PROS-You don't have to rely on someone else to produce your work. CONS-Time consuming and labor intensive. A good printer is expensive.
4. Online photo gallery where a third party prints the orders-PROS-Very convenient CONS-You have to give up a percentage of commission & product control.
5. Shoot and deliver during the event-You start by not having any photos but as the event goes on you print all the photos in stages. PROS-Event organizers like it because it's less risk for them to hire you. CONS-It can be very expensive printing everything up.
6. Shoot and deliver before the event-Some events have a dress rehearsal before the official event where you can take photos and print them up ahead of time. PROS-All the photos are ready for immediate sales. CONS-Printing expense and turnaround time.
7. Shoot and deliver after the event-This requires delivery of order envelopes fore the actual events so you take the order ahead of time and send out the photos later. Another way of doing it would be to print everything up and have them available at another function for sale. PROS-Cash up front CONS-The expense of order envelopes, postage, mailing time and gas.

All these methods work well but it depends on the scope and length of the actual event. One day events are the hardest. You also should stay away from speculation at all costs. Get paid up front whenever you can. If someone can walk away saying they will order online, 9 out of 10 times, you just lost a customer. Don't expect to rely only on online sales.