Photo Impact Printer Opens Doors to New Business with Customized Gifts

Personalizing balloons in Sears & Roebuck stores in 1992, FotoBoyz never stopped looking for new ways to capture special memories for its customers. The little gift shop now offers everything from custom key chains and calendars to picture frames and coffee mugs.

"The machines paid for themselves in just four days and are now a major boon for our entire business."

Already a master with heat transfer, sublimation and inkjet printing technologies, FotoBoyz bought four Roland MPX series photo impact printers. The desktop gift makers proved to be a natural fit, and they quickly expanded FotoBoyz’ offerings to include personalized metal products such as charms and bracelets.

“The machines paid for themselves in just four days and are now a major boon for our entire business,” Phil Wexler, FotoBoyz VP of marketing. “Flash is cash with this machine. We just put out the shiny metal samples and people clamor to get their pictures on them!”

There’s something about metal that really gives people a feeling of permanency. It’s something that they will own and treasure for years. Plus, the fact that it is personalized jewelry enhances the perception of value. FotoBoyz imprints photos and text into aluminum, stainless steel, brass, gold, silver and platinum.

FotoBoyz ‘biggest seller is the standard dog tag on a chain. This costs FotoBoyz less than two dollars, but sells for $24.95. Also popular are heart shaped necklaces and the bling bling with simulated diamonds. While they cost a bit more, they also sell for a much higher price – usually around $70 to $150.