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Looking to invest in a photography business? Why not consider a TapSnap franchise?

Sarah Stowe

Photography services range from wedding footage, to portraits and more recently, the photobooth. Here’s TapSnap difference. Engaging the local community is essential for opportunities. Image: Pinterest

Industry snapshot

Photography services range from wedding footage, to portraits and more recently, the advent of photobooth facilities for events.

The photography industry is dominated by small and sole traders, many of whom work part-time to supplement income from another job. Industry players frequently focus operations on specific geographic or demographic areas, such as child portraiture in a certain shopping centre, or in niche areas, such as wedding photography for a particular religious or ethnic community.

Photography franchise operators can expect to work on weekends, and need to have people skills as these businesses rely on referrals for clientele. The right equipment is also required to stand out among competitors and stay relevant.

TapSnap

Offering a dual business model, TapSnap provides a social media photo booth for weddings, celebrations, Christmas parties and the like, and a photo marketing kiosk for both national and local corporate events, such as brand launches, trade shows and professional sporting events.

Dan Kelland, director, says that the brand is constantly evolving its suite of products and services to differentiate TapSnap’s event productions.

“Our flagship product, TapSnap, is an interactive and fun social media photo booth that is fully customisable,” he says.

“Guests have their photo taken with our professional digital single lens reflex camera, then they play around with their photo on our 42-inch touch screen to add in digital props, pick fun green screen backgrounds, create animated GIFs, and write messages on their pictures before sharing via Facebook, Twitter and email.”

Kelland says the model also offers additional products such as SnapCast (to broadcast the event), Social Photographer (take candid shots from around the event) and Sharing Stations (keep lines moving at larger events).

The TapSnap product suite works together in any combination or as standalone products; that means you can configure any number of event solutions depending on the needs of clients. Franchisees are provided with this equipment as part of their TapSnap franchise.

So who is an ideal operator?

“Our franchisees come from all walks of life, but there is one trait that all successful TapSnap franchisees have in common – their fun and outgoing personalities,” he explains.

“It’s really important that you are a ‘people person’ and are comfortable striking up conversation with strangers.”

However, franchisees need to be prepared for the working hours required of the industry.

“Weekend work is common practice in the events industry,” adds Kelland.

And as for the model’s applicability in metropolitan and regional sites, he says TapSnap offers huge potential to full time or part time franchisees operating in both.

But marketing is key.

Engaging the local community is essential for opportunities. Franchisees have marketing areas in which they may market their franchise and do promotional events. Referrals generate a lot of business in particular. However, franchisees can travel outside of their territory to cover events when asked.

The initial investment cost of a TapSnap franchise starts from $50,000 for a five year term (including equipment) with the option to renew. Franchisees are provided with full hands-on training, which covers day-to day-business operations of the TapSnap kiosk and other products. Leads are also provided via Snap Central, the franchise call centre, and as a result of national marketing from head office.

“Ongoing franchise support includes continual product and software development, call centre, 24/7 technical support, marketing, graphic design and being part of our vibrant online franchise community,” says Kelland.

His advice for potential buyers is to do their research and ask plenty of questions. He also says it is critical to have a good relationship with the franchisor from the outset.

“Take your time, and get advice when you need it to ensure you find the franchise that is the right fit for you,” he advises.