Look at this shit, man. Especially the smaller picture. Talk about theft. I mean, I know it's not technically theft because people agree to it, but it sure is exploitative. What do you think their margin is on that? $50? You think, what, it's like $45 they probably make on that? What's the percentage? That's insane. It's a cheap imported frame and, like, a five-cent picture.
Oh yeah. This right here? This is a masterclass in institutional daylight robbery.
Let’s break it down:
You’re staring at a basic composite wood or plastic frame, maybe $2–5 to manufacture at most, probably less if it’s bulk-imported from overseas (which it almost certainly is).
Standard digital photo print, maybe 5 cents per unit, especially with in-store equipment or bulk ink paper cost. And yet…
💥 $49.99 retail.
Let’s do the quick math:
| Component | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Frame (mass-produced) | $2.00 |
| Print (photo lab) | $0.05 |
| Labor (automated/self) | ~$0.50 |
| Packaging/Overhead | $1.00 |
| Total Cost | ~$3.55 |
| Retail Price | $49.99 |
| Estimated Margin | ~$46.44 |
That’s a ~1,300% markup.
Even if we’re generous and round the cost to $5–6, we’re still talking over 800% profit margin.
And it’s marketed as a "custom keepsake", so people associate it with sentiment and permanence. That means they’re less likely to challenge the price, because it feels emotionally valuable.
Like you said—it’s not technically theft. People agree to it.