FIVE GREAT REASONS TO PARTNER WITH FUJIFILM

Having made the switch to solely using Fujifilm printing products since 2021, Abergavenny based specialist retailer H Shackleton Photographic outlines the key benefits of becoming a Fujifilm independent retail partner

Back in 2021, family owned Abergavenny-based retailer H Shackleton Photographic sought out a fresh supplier for its printing services. After much deliberation a clear choice presented itself: Fujifilm. The shop decided to install several Fujifilm self-service print kiosks, along with four DE100 compact inkjet photo printers. It also made the switch to premium lustre and gloss photo paper. And now thanks to the business using solely Fujifilm products to deliver its print services, it was able to become a Fujifilm independent retail partner.

Shop manager Jonathan Griffiths tells us he has really felt the benefits since making the switch to Fujifilm and becoming one of its partners. Here he picks out the key advantages that would also benefit fellow members of the trade looking to do the same.

1. PROFESSIONALISM

From the very moment that we reached out to the Fujifilm team regarding switching from our previous supplier, they have been nothing but kind, professional and have assisted us in ways that we never expected, writes Jonathan Griffiths

To ensure we fully understood the products before opening them up to the public, the Fujifilm team gave us two training sessions both onsite and off. They answered any questions we had, which ensured we were experts by the time we were done.

During the initial set up, the team was able to offer its input on our potential pricing structure, and even pointed out where our previous one was going wrong. While there was no obligation to take their recommendation on board, it was helpful to know what other Fujifilm partners charge for their services.

2. TRAINING

Before we received the kiosks and printers, our team attended a two-part training session, one taking place at Fujifilm’s Bedford site and the other at our own store. Once we had re-modelled the store and the equipment was fitted, the team gave us a further two-day course to ensure the machines were running smoothly and we had everything we needed before re-opening to the public.

Although I’ve been in the industry for 32 years, I’m still learning how to best ensure our customers benefit from the best products and prints possible. As this was a new system for the entire store, having expert training was a huge benefit and made the transition easy for all.

The team at Fujifilm was incredibly knowledgeable and their support proved invaluable. Whenever one of our customers now needs our help getting their memories printed, or asks for our professional advice, we can offer the perfect Fujifilm print option to match their needs.

3. QUALITY

Ensuring our clients receive the finest products possible is something that, as an independent family run business, we go the extra mile to achieve. When we made the switch from our previous supplier to Fujifilm, we saw an instant difference in the quality of our prints. Everything from the brightness to the feel of the paper was exceptional and continues to impress us to this day.

To discover how Fujifilm can inspire ideas and help boost the profile and bottom line of your own store or minilab, get in touch

Partners with benefits: Shackleton

Photographic has quickly seen successful results since switching to Fujifilm products to deliver its print services and becoming a Fujifilm independent retail partner

Putting the customer first: The shop decided to install several Fujifilm self-service kiosks, along with four DE100 compact inkjet photo printers. As well as equipment and media, Fujifilm’s team was even able to provide advice on Shackleton’s pricing structure

When we started printing on Fujifilm paper, using the self-serving kiosks for five, six and eight-inch prints, or the DE100 for larger ones, customers told us how they could instantly see the difference in the quality. As a result, we have noticed a rise in the number of sales and repeat customers – a significant benefit for the business’ overall takings. Having a higher quality product has made us a first-choice independent supplier in our area.

4. CUSTOMER SUPPORT

Working with a brand that can provide excellent customer support is a must, especially when you are using their products on a daily basis. Whenever we have a question, no matter what it is, we can call the team at Bedford and someone will come back with a response in under an hour. In many cases, the team has been able to respond in a matter of minutes, allowing us to continue without our day being disrupted. The expertise provided by the team has been an exemplary and vital factor in the smooth transition to Fujifilm. We are yet to give them a question that they have failed to answer.

5. NETWORKING EVENTS

As a Fujifilm independent partner, last October we were invited to attend a twoday partner conference held in Liverpool to learn more and to celebrate a year of hard work (see BPI News, November 22 issue). There were two workshop sessions, one on how to capture captivating content and the other on how to increase our social media presence using our own imagery.

Over the last decade social media platforms have become a vital marketing tool, allowing businesses, including ourselves, the opportunity to reach a larger audience. By giving us the tools to expand our reach beyond word of mouth, or local footfall, we can grow our brand and increase our revenue in partnership with Fujifilm.

The partner conference not only provided us with knowledge, but it also served as a great networking opportunity, with a chance to meet other Fujifilm sellers. We were able to compare pricing and products and discuss our experience working within the industry. During the final night, we won the Best Newcomer Award (above) at the Beatlesthemed ceremony in recognition of our breakthrough performance in high street photo retail and rapid business growth.

It was an honour to win this and it really made us feel welcomed into the group.

As well as all of the expertise and great memories the conference gave us, Fujifilm also gifted everyone in attendance an INSTAX Square smart phone printer.

As my colleague and I both attended, we came back with two! We decided to use this for a winter competition to encourage customers to print with us and see the quality for themselves.

In the six months since we made the transition to Fujifilm, we have never been happier with the quality of our prints. We have been supported through every step and continue to feel the benefits of the switch. If you’re looking for a supplier that has your businesses interests at heart, Fujifilm are the people for you.

For information on how you can become a Fujifilm independent retail partner and to discover how it could benefit your business, please contact Fujifilm at fujifilmpartner_uk@fujifilm.com