New lab

Hi anyone's here LAB operator .
i was thinking like, if to open a minilab,
- what is the best system to handle the order from customer registration and delivered ? if u got latest or something improvise system, pls do share it here ?
- where can i buy the envelop sleeve for film archival. last time all lab will issue these to customers during registration the order ..

I imagine any standard web shop suite like Shopify should work. You could even use that for the orders brought in physically; just book in the order through your own website so they end up in the same flow.

As to sleeves etc. I think it depends a lot on where you're located; I see you're in Malaysia, which means whatever sources available to you will be different from what I'd use here in Europe (if I were to run a commercial lab in the first place).

Maybe @ADOX Fotoimpex might like to chime in, and I suspect people like @Mr Bill and @foc may have some words of advice to share as well.

Whatever you end up doing, make sure you've got the film processing itself set up in a robust way, first. We've corresponded a couple of times on the troubleshooting of film processing issues; you'd have to iron all that out before being able to offer a credible/viable commercial service.

I see from some of your previous posts, you were using a Noritsu V50. If you haven't it already, then download the user manual.

Noritsu user manual

Also I recommend you read the following: Kodak C41 manual Z131 and Kodak Trouble Shooting and Fuji C41

Have you experience in commercial film processing?

What is your projected weekly film processing volume?

I wish you the best of luck but please remember that running a lab/minilab requires knowledge and some skill. Your customers expect you to treat their films with professional care. It's a lot different than home processing and it requires you to produce top results on time, every time.

For a simple analogy, you may be an excellent home cook, but that doesn't mean you will succeed in a professional restaurant kitchen.

I will gladly offer any help I can, just ask.

search for terms like "Film sleeving" Twin Check Tabs, "Film envelopes"to try and find the Bulk suppliers in your area. One of the bigger brands is "Crown"

cmacd123 said:

search for terms like "Film sleeving" Twin Check Tabs, "Film envelopes"to try and find the Bulk suppliers in your area. One of the bigger brands is "Crown"

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I didn't think Crown was still around ???

John S

John Salim said:

I didn't think Crown was still around ???

John S

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I don't know for sure, I really only use "twin Checks" (so I can match my film with my Notes" and a Few years back I bought enough of them to last a couple of Lifetimes when they were cheep coming out of abandoned Mini-lab Businesses.