Optimising MAT Resources Through School Photography

Life is often about balance. About finding that rare equilibrium where everything feels perfectly weighted against opposing forces.
Multi-Academy Trusts (MATS) are no different in this respect. They strive to find that magic spot between the delivery of educational excellence and ongoing financial stability. There is an undeniable responsibility of the MAT to offer exceptional learning environments whilst proving fiscally responsible. A frequently overlooked area for cost optimisation is that of school photography.
How to make the most of your School Photography Provider
It seems easy to simply tick a box where school photography is concerned. Surely this is a service that holds the same financial obligations regardless of provider?
Well, you may be surprised to learn that every school photography provider stands alone in terms of what they can offer your MAT, and a little research beforehand can pay big dividends down the line.
Generating Additional Revenue:
Commission Opportunities: Partnering with a reputable photography provider can generate significant commission income. Seek out elements such as sliding commissions and a history of quick payments that offer the best financial outcomes for your MAT. You may be surprised how commission differs from company to company on both rates and speed of payment. These funds can prove hugely beneficial in supporting school initiatives, from purchasing classroom resources to funding extracurricular programs.
Customisable Agreements: Opt for flexible partnerships that offer competitive commission rates. Don’t skip that small print, sometimes additional costs to the MAT can be hiding in this copy. The goal is again about balance, this time between maximum financial return to the MAT and the delivery of quality school photographs and products to the families of students.
Reducing Administrative Costs:
Streamlined Processes: Choose providers that offer bulk uploads, digital order management, and integrated systems to reduce manual tasks. As we all know, the day-to-day life of staff in an educational environment rarely offers windows for additional paperwork and tasks. A good school photography provider will have streamlined, user-friendly systems in place to take the weight and leave school staff free to tackle their own workload.
MIS Integration: Simplifying photo management with plain backdrops or ID systems can save valuable administrative time and costs, again, check beforehand that you are opting for a provider who can deliver this.
Enhancing Value with Incentives:
Added Benefits: Before signing a new partnership, look at the perks being offered in exchange for your custom and see how much you can save. Perhaps you can snap up some free Wall Art to enhance a learning space or find free 360 virtual tour videos that keep your MAT doors open to prospective families 24 hours a day. This opens another avenue to not only sabe money, but also to elevate your learning environment.
Cost-Effective Packages: Providers with diverse product ranges that include items such as digital downloads, celebration mugs, and occasion themed photo packs encourage purchases, driving up commission without additional marketing investment.
By optimising your approach to school photography, you can generate additional revenue, reduce costs, and enhance the overall educational experience, helping to find that critical balance between the demands for the delivery of academic excellence and ensuring financial sustainability whilst delivering exceptional value to students and parents.