I wrote this post two years ago and for some reason never published it, but I think it makes some good points about simplicity and not confusing price and payoff. See what you think... We had an interesting email from a client who also deals with a certain other album company (shame on him – LOL). This company makes a big deal about simplicity … and quite right too. Anyway, he asked them if they'd consider introducing some - gulp - options, and to his frustration they said No. Now to be fair, over the years we've got better at saying No to things that compromise either the integrity of our product or our ability to deliver it, and if there's one thing we do like it's simplicity, but there is still a big difference in philosophy here. It's highlighted by two things this company said to our client. 1. They suggested that he solve the problem of customers asking for options that they didn't offer by not showing them any other albums! Now that's a great idea, until people see what they want at your competitor's. 2. They also said that offering "options" would create production difficulties for them. No argument there. The solution for Queensberry lies in the workflow and systems that connect you with us (cue a big fanfare for Photojunction and Workspace here), in setting very high standards for our team … and understanding that yes, with more chances to screw up every now and then we may. That's the price, not to be confused with the pay-off – differentiation. Because making all your albums look pretty much the same as everyone else's ignores the fact that one of the most visible signs of differentiation between studios is … the album. And that's important because in the long run there are only two ways to compete - differentiate or drop your prices. We don't believe that your clients' choices, or your opportunity to project yourself in the market, should be put aside because artisanship and good taste and catering to personal choice are all difficult. And here's the thing – our job is to see that as far as possible, any difficulties involved are our problem, not yours. Cheers, Ian PS I also blogged about this five years ago: No Sausages at Queensberry