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Idaho-based photo retailer now provides the same print speed as larger stores, with the superior service of a boutique shop
May 15, 2007— Akre’s Photo Stop in Priest
River, Idaho is a popular destination for residents looking
to have high-quality photography printing completed quickly.
That is why proprietor Sandy Akre recently decided to change
her entire line of one-hour, chemical treatment solutions
for the DPS Click 5000 digital photo processing system
from Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America’s Photo
Imaging Division.
“We purchased the Click system with two CP-9550DW-U
printers and have one set to 4 x 6 and another at 5 x 7,” said
Akre. “This means that if we have large orders that
come in, we can have both running at once and cut the print
time in half. We bought the system from SouthPoint Imaging
and have been happy with its performance since it was installed.”
“We were using a one hour chemical photo machine
for nearly eight years and we felt the harsh chemicals
were making the store tough to comfortably work in and
less welcoming to our customers,” Akre continued. “Also,
when we took a step back and re-evaluated the process it
took to develop photos – mixing the chemicals and
meticulously processing each photo – it became evident
that we needed something a bit faster.”
“On top of all that, we found that our customers
were more frequently bringing in digital cameras that we
would have to mail in for printing,” says Akre. “This
factored greatly into our decision to invest in an onsite
digital photo printer for instant printing. We researched
a number of different models and decided on the DPS Click
5000 because of its functionality, ease of use and competitive
price point. It has been very easy to use and has enabled
us to provide an even greater level of customer service.”
With the two system printers running simultaneously, it
is easy for Akre’s staff to quickly fill big orders
by simply configuring one printer to supplement the other.
“It only takes a matter of minutes to change the
settings and switch the paper and we can do so without
worrying about exposing the film or having to deal with
chemicals and film paper,” Akre said. “So,
for instance, in the summer time when we have a larger
crowd of tourists stopping through, we may switch both
printers to 4 x 6 to make our operation that much quicker.”
The CP-9550DW-U offers five different output sizes (3.5
x 5, 4 x 6, 5 x 7, 6 x 8, 6 x 9), with edge-to-edge printing,
enabling Akre’s Photo Shop to meet nearly any customer
demand. At the same time, the CP-9550DW-U also employs
16-bit internal processing and a unique dual line head
technology, adaptive thermal heat management engine with
a 346 dpi thermal head that improves resolution and ensures
longer service life. The result is greater image quality,
detail and texture at superior resolutions.
Other features of the CP-9550DW-U include an easy-to-use, convenient front access
paper catch tray that holds up to 20 prints, a feed mechanism combined with a
simplified paper path that delivers the prints at an exceptional speed, two 32MB
memory frames so images can be stored in memory while printing, a color image
control system that monitors the number of prints remaining and a high speed
USB 2.0 connection that provides optimized interconnectivity to the store’s
system.
The DPS Click 5000 system frees up Akre’s employees
to focus on other tasks and orders around the store. “We
have the system set up on a desk so that all we have to
do is help the customers load their memory card and select
which files to print. It’s so easy though, most customers
can do it themselves and we just check in to make sure
they don’t need any additional help.”
The DPS Click 5000 provides a full spectrum of photo
editing and enhancement features, allowing customers to
zoom in on a specific portion of the image, crop, magnify,
enlarge and remove redeye. For specialty image printing,
such as photo holiday cards and all occasion cards, Akre’s
customers can use the DPS Click 5000 to choose from a set
of Aperion frames and borders to easily design and create
a personalized announcement for any occasion.
“The DPS Click 5000 system also allows us to print
passport photos very quickly using intuitive function buttons
to configure the photos for different countries,” said
Akre. There are additional settings that we could download
for cards, but the system came pre-loaded with so many
options we didn’t find it necessary to obtain any
more.”
“Overall, the biggest benefit is that we can provide
our customers with the same quick turnaround time that
was once only available at larger chains. We can provide
customers with the same print capabilities but with our
own personalized, friendly service.”
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