COMPANY PROFILE
Tell us about your company history and the service you offer? We're an independent Studio and Camera Supply company established in 1994, and four years ago we were lucky enough to become the sole UK distributor of Orbitvu 360º Photographic Solutions. At the time 360º solutions weren't really being sold in the UK, and we've been fortunate to be dealing with a fantastic product with a fantastic team behind it over in Poland. We also specialise in lighting equipment, mainly Profoto, and many of our customers have a fierce loyalty to us as they've been with us for years and appreciate the customer service we offer.
What’s the story behind the name? When Andrew, the owner, started the business he got a call from advertisers who needed copy with his company name, and 'Andrew's Cameras' (when he intended to be dealing more with the camera-side of the business) was already taken. He was known as AJ (Andrew John) to a lot of people, so we became 'AJ's Studio and Camera Supplies'. Even though we don't really deal with cameras now, the name still fits.
Who are your customers? With Orbitvu we deal with manufacturers, distributors, retailers and companies mostly working with eCommerce and wanting an in-house photographic solution. Our customers range from huge international companies wanting multiple machines to small independent companies looking for an affordable alternative to commissioning work. With the other side of the business we deal with high-end commercial photographers and photographic studios as well as individual photographers progressing into commercial work.
Any recent footwear related jobs/case histories you would like to relate? Due to the nature of our product we have to be quite discrete with sharing information, but we're currently working with one of the world's largest footwear manufacturers based here in the UK and will be setting up a machine over in the US soon, and over in the Far East next year. We've sold to some blue-chip companies and to a number of photographic studios shooting ranges of products for footwear companies.
14 • FOOTWEAR TODAY • MAY 2015
What sets your company’s service apart from the rest? We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service, as there are only three of us working here full-time, we tend to know most of our customers by name. We offer excellent support and backup, and a really personalised service and are constantly praised by our customers because of the service we offer.
How much does it cost? Tell us about your fees? Our Alphashot range is on offer at 12% off until the end of May taking the standard Alphashot (medium sized) down to £5192+VAT and the Alphashot XL down to £10,472+VAT. We also sell a smaller machine for jewellery as well as 360º tables (without background removal) that are on offer at 25% off, but we'd prefer if people contacted us directly for these prices. All our Orbitvu packages come with software included, so the only additional items people need is a compatible Canon or Nikon DSLR and a Mac or PC. The price includes free UK mainland shipping and Skype training, but on-site training and installation is extra.
Where are you based? We're based in the South West in Bruton, Somerset. Bruton is a beautiful town that's growing more and more popular. It's one of the most popular places to live in the UK and between the Hauser and Wirth Gallery (the second largest art dealer in the world) and The Chapel restaurant, Bruton has got a big claim to fame.
How many people do you have working for you? Do you have a high turnover of staff? Currently there are two full-time members of staff, Charlotte and Ashley alongside Andrew, as well as our accountant, Helen and our IT
technician, Paul. Charlotte started six years ago, and Ashley started two and a half years ago, but prior to that Andrew was working independently. There have been a small number of people come and go because our location isn't ideal for finding long-term staff and it's usually been a case of them moving to London or elsewhere.
How do you market your service? Do you use social networking? Often people don't know a product like Orbitvu exists so we try to advertise it a lot so people know a solution exists. We exhibit at various trade shows throughout the year including the Spring Fair, Autumn Fair and MODA, as well as the Photography Show back in March. We do use Twitter and Facebook, but we're not particularly strong on it (although we do try!) as we deal with most of our customers over the phone.
And, the next step? Any plans for the future? We've recently moved to a new unit and are looking at importing a number of photographic related products from outside of the UK to expand our stock. We hope to eventually open a London branch to focus on Orbitvu.
How does the Trade contact you? We can be contacted at:
info@aj-s.co.uk or on +44(0)1749 813044. Our website is
www.aj-s.co.uk but you can see more information about the Orbitvu line of products at
www.orbitvu.com
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