Fotomax is not just a brand or business but a daily life activity we may engage in.
Since joining Fotomax, Ryan Sun has gone from the back office to the frontline. With his many years of experiences, he has witnessed the transformation of the photo printing industry. From taking over the brand to cultivating it intensively, what he wants to do and what he is doing now is to bring Fotomax into people’s lives.
Ryan joined China-Hongkong Photo Products Holdings Limited in 2013, responsible for accounting in its back office. He noticed that the company began developing personalized products by printing digital images on different products. Later, the business expanded to the production of customized products for Ocean Park and Disneyland, the two major amusement parks in Hong Kong, with one-stop services ranging from photo shooting to providing park guests with exclusive products, bringing new business opportunities to the company at the time." However, you will gradually find that it is difficult for the products to keep up with the changes in Hong Kong. Taking photos with mobile phones is too convenient, and gradually people no longer like to print photos. Putting up a post is more effective than buying a photo." From participating in to taking over and developing Fotomax afterwards, Ryan has determined to "add value" to the products.
When trying to transform digital imaging services and open up new customer sources through different channels, "I realize that schools need our products or services because as a parent myself, I want to have more photos of my children in school. Now in the market there are already many companies that undertake ID photo shooting and printing services. On top of ID photos, are there any other photography products and services that Fotomax can provide to bring convenience to schools and students, record campus life and make things easier for schools? These are what we have been looking and exploring for." Just bring the files and photos to Fotomax and there are always products that can meet customers’ needs. At least, that's what he has always believed.
With 52 physical stores currently, Fotomax will open exclusive stores in various landmarks in Hong Kong. Take FOTOMETA in Kai Tak Airside as an example. The store focuses on providing personalized services, offering a wider range of retail digital imaging products than Fotomax. The store also provides pet photography services. It is opened in a pet-friendly shopping mall as business opportunities surrounding "furry kids" are no less than traditional family customers in recent years.
As the leader, Ryan not only looks forward (for business development) but also looks backward (for internal development). He thinks that whether it is “B2B" (Business to Business) or “B2C" (Business to Consumer), "100% Satisfaction Guarantee" is not only a slogan but also the company's principle. No matter how hard things are internally or externally, the company must continue to operate."Our company has an advantage as we have a comprehensive follow-up safety system, so there has never been leakage of photos or related products and services. In addition, the raw materials used in our own factory, including photo papers, potions and rinse liquids, are all imported from their original Japanese manufacturers. Most of products are made in Hong Kong."
The company laid off no staff during the pandemic. Ryan said bluntly that "our first priority is not only our customers but also our employees." Many frontline staff are later transferred to Fotomax’s LAB or back office. "Our colleague is our most precious asset, from product knowledge to customer communication. You need a strong reason to print a photo. There is a meaningful reason behind every photo. If you don't handle it with care, you will make mistakes at any time. Photos carry memories and many other things, so every photo matters a lot to us. If you give us a photo, we will return good files and photos to you with heart. This is our service principle.”