It's hard to know who to choose when you're exploring the various services that offer to fulfill your needs. Above all else, be sure that you work with a company that is motivated to help you succeed. There are pros and cons to every service, but if you are dedicated to making money, you will see results. Some online photo services will charge thousands of dollars in membership fees. Services with low registration costs have a vested interest in your success as they depend upon commission in order to survive. The standard commission rate is 15%. If a company charges $3,000 a year for their membership, they profit so much to begin with that your success is not their first priority. Inform yourself before you work with anyone!

Questions to ask before partnering with an online photo-business solution

a. Does your service handle all printing, processing, and customer service?

b. Will your company assign me a personal representative?

c. What are your membership fees?

d. Does your system provide me with marketing tools?

e. What will you do to help me sell my images?

f. What is your lab's turn around time?

g. Do you have a customer service guarantee?

h. Can you please describe your printing technology.

i. Will all of my images be watermarked?

j. Do you offer sample prints?

k. How will I upload my images to your site? Do you provide me with a compression tool?

l. Can I mark up my prices on the prints/products I offer my clients through your lab?

m. Will your company archive my stock photos?

n. Can I create a separate homepage for every event I shoot?

o. How long has your company been in business?

p. If I still want to deal with my local lab, can I use your lab as a tertiary service?

q. How will I be paid for my sales?

r. Does you lab offer color correction? If not, can I download their ICC profile?

s. Does your company attend major photography conventions?

t. Do you have pros on staff who can give me advice and critique my work?

u. What percentage of my profits will you keep?

v. Are there any hidden fees?

If you're looking for a service that will provide you with top-notch customer service, contact our partners at http://www.photostockplus.com. Mention you're a member at Starephotography.com and they'll offer you VIP treatment! They will set you up with your own personal rep who will help get you started and work with you on a personal basis so that you know how to use their system. They also offer web-design services and storefront customizations.