I sell only loose prints in my bins. Have been doing so since the turn of the century when I went digital. My philosophy, which I've stated in the past, is simple - offer the customer either a finished product, or one in which they can have full control over in the framing process. Nothing in between. Matting a print defeats either purpose - it's not quite finished, but it's already eliminated the customer's ability to choose what they consider to be a good mat color. Just my opinion, of course, and one which many photographers disagree, feeling the need to pre-guess a mat color for their customers. No thanks.
A good local friend also sells loose prints, as opposed to matted prints, but approaches it a little different. Here's what we both do -
I print a smaller image on a full sheet of paper (cut to standard outside dimensions), and use cotton rag fine art paper instead of photographic paper. The reason being that the matte, fine art papers can be placed against glass with no repercussions, hence eliminating the real need for an actual mat. Not so with many photographic papers. To dress up the image, I apply (in PS) a beveled edge and drop shadow to the image, then draw a pinstripe around it, about 1/4" out. Customers are instructed to simply drop the print in a frame, against the glass, and use the 1/8" foamcore found in the package as backing board. Works for me - I haven't cut a mat since the 20th century, and have had nothing but positive feedback from customers and patrons.
My friend's system is to print standard sizes, and sell that way, which does require the customer to purchase a mat and backing board. He offers 3 sizes of loose prints - 5x7, 8x10, and 11x14. However, he frames up to 40x50" on the wall, which really draws the crowds. He can do this easily because he shoots with an 8x10 film camera, so his print sizes are only limited to how big his printer is (9880 @ 44"). I once joked with him, that with the small loose prints he creates, he's probably throwing away 95% of his original file in order to downsize that much! Nonetheless, his method works for him, and he does sell a lot of prints per show. More than I ever do!
Bottom line for me (and my friend, Joe) - no matted prints. Either loose, or fully ready-to-hang.
Michael H. Cothran
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