HOW IT STARTED

When Surfside Supply started selling online in 2015, they faced a challenge with product photography.

"We had a shiplap [wooden boards that fit together with a slight gap between them] wall in the office, a single flashlight, and a camera. I was taking pictures of the product front and back for flat lays," - says Tommy Guess, Senior Director of Marketing and Innovation at Decor Global, Surfside Supply’s parent company.

Surfside Supply, an East Coast-inspired casual brand for men, was founded in 2013.

The brand's clothing line is designed for those who love the coastal lifestyle. Initially, the brand was available only in wholesale markets. Now, it can be found in around 250 specialty stores across the US and has about 30,000 online customers.

CHALLENGES WITH FREELANCERS

As the brand grew, Surfside Supply needed better photography. They switched to freelance professionals, but quite soon the process faced troubles.

"We were using a freelancer who hired other freelancers: a stylist, a photographer, a makeup artist. It worked great for a while, but it became very slow and cost-prohibitive. We had to book these shoots months in advance," - Guess shared.

This approach also lacked consistency and efficiency, showing that they needed a more reliable and straightforward solution.

Small orders were especially hard. "They had a minimum day rate, even if it was just for a few pieces. We were charged the full day rate even if we only needed three items shot. It became a logistical and financial burden," - Tommy noted.

FINDING SQUARESHOT

In search of a new photography partner, Surfside Supply came across Squareshot.

"We were looking for a studio that could provide consistent quality at a competitive price. Squareshot’s model and the quality of their work caught our attention," - explained Guess.

After a successful test shoot, Surfside Supply decided to partner with Squareshot.

FIRST STEPS WITH THE NEW PARTNER

The transition to a new vendor was smooth.

"Switching to Squareshot was probably one of the easiest transfers I've done," - Tommy reported.

"We were initially concerned about switching from our long-time freelancer to a new provider," Tommy explained. "The test shoot with Squareshot, however, was fantastic. The whole process was really dialed in, which made us feel confident in the transition."

One of the standout features for Surfside Supply was Squareshot’s client-facing software: "It's been really nice being able to log into an account and see all our previous shoots, reference images, and go through the approval process. All in one dashboard".

ADDRESSING FEARS

One major concern for Surfside Supply was whether they would continue to receive the same level of service and image quality over time. The seamless switch and dedicated account management from Squareshot helped ease these concerns.

"You always worry if the level of service and quality will drop after the first project. But with Squareshot, we found that every shoot maintained the same high standards," - Tommy shared.

HOW THE SWITCH PAID OFF

Switching to Squareshot brought significant benefits. The streamlined process and competitive pricing nearly halved their photography costs compared to freelancers. "We're saving roughly 40% shooting with Squareshot," Tommy shared. "When we were shooting with freelancers, we had to cover costs for lunch, the stylist, studio rental, and any extra equipment, which added up quickly."

Product shots delivered by Squareshot consistently showcase the products in an appealing way that resonates with customers. It increased Surfside Supply's sales.

"We've seen an increase in our full-price sell-through rates and average order values since partnering with Squareshot," Tommy reported. "Our imagery looks more elevated, and it’s been reflected in our sales."

TESTING THE WATERS BEFORE PROVIDER SHIFT

For brands unsure about switching to a new photography provider, Surfside Supply’s team suggests starting with a small test project.

"There's always a risk, but if your current solution isn't meeting your needs, it's worth exploring new options," Tommy advised. "Start small, maybe do some tests. You don’t have to shoot your entire catalog or collection right away."

TAKEAWAYS

Surfside Supply’s move from DIY photography to partnering with Squareshot proves that embracing change and finding a new reliable vendor can be worth it.

The switch was beneficial for a few key reasons:

• it increased Surfside Supply's sales,
• it made the content production process predictable and smooth,
• it nearly halved the ecommerce photography costs,
• it improved consistency of product shots.

If you're thinking about upgrading your product photography, start by reading our guide on choosing the right studio.

Or book a 30-minute demo call with Squareshot to discover how we can improve your brand's visual content.

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