TRONorail10
Active Member
Ride photo sales have definitely dropped dramatically over the last couple years. I think most of it is due to camera phones. Camera phones are one of the best/worst inventions due to the fact that they allow people to photograph things almost anywhere. On many recent trips to WDW, i have consistently noticed deals for the on-ride photos like buy 1 get 1 free, or buy one get the 2nd half off. if Disney is having a sale, u know they are feeling the pinch. unfortunately the Disney execs are so arrogant and full of themselves, that they don't even realize the laws of supply and demand. most people who have a camera phone are going to do one of 3 things: 1) buy the $20 on-ride photo 2) take a picture of the on-ride photo 3) take a picture of themselves while on the ride. i'm guessing that most people would save the twenty bucks and use their camera. for example: if i was in charge of sales for on-ride photos at WDW, i would realize the current state of society and realize we are embedded in the digital age. i would link photopass to on-ride photos somehow, and also i would realize that i have one chance to convince these guests to buy the picture. therefore, i would lower the price to maybe $10, which is way more reasonable especially in this economy. therefore, in guests' mind's, the price will seem much more reasonable, hence lower their inhibitions and creating a greater chance for a sale. its one thing to charge $20 for a disposable camera that a mom has to have to capture the moments of her vacation, but when people have a choice of whether or not to buy a tangible photo, you have to start looking at all the factors. poor management in my opinion. disney focuses too much on maximum profit per guest instead profit in quantity. i think Disney should start studying Wal-Mart's tactics a little bit (they are the world's largest retailer for crying out loud, and they got that way without scalping products).
