🧍‍♂️ 1. Manual Labour Costs

 

These are all costs tied directly to people performing tasks by hand — whether in capture, production, or admin. They typically grow as your business grows unless you automate.

 

Examples:

 

• Photographers and assistants (shoot days)

• Data entry and order handling

• Manual template design or cropping

• Printing, packaging, and dispatch labour

• Customer service and phone/email support

• Freelance editing or retouching

• Studio admin and logistics staff

• Setup and sorting of galleries, school lists, etc.

 

Why it matters:

Manual labour is often the biggest inhibitor to scale. Every extra job requires more hands, time, and coordination - meaning your profits grow slower than your revenue.

 

Automation, systemisation, and smart workflows reduce manual labour costs while maintaining consistency.

 

⚙️ 2. Operational & Overhead Costs

 

These are the non-labour costs required to keep the business running — most of which don’t change much with job volume.

 

Examples:

 

• Rent, utilities, and insurance

• Software and platform subscriptions

• Printing and packaging (COGS)

• Marketing and advertising

• Equipment leasing/purchase

• Professional fees (legal, accounting)

• Vehicles, fuel, and travel

• Training, conferences, and growth initiatives

 

Why it matters:

These costs define your operational efficiency. Managing them smartly (e.g., through better vendor deals, automation, or green shipping strategies) improves profit per head.