10 Upselling Ideas for Photo Booth Clients

Want to make more money from your photo booth business? Upselling is the key. Adding premium features like custom backdrops, branded overlays, or animated GIFs can boost your revenue by $100–$700 per event. Even small upgrades like props or memory books bring in extra cash while giving clients a better event experience. Here’s how you can do it:

Premium Prints: Offer high-quality prints with custom finishes for $100–$300 per event.
Custom Backdrops: Charge $100–$350 for themed or branded backdrops.
Custom Props: Add fun or branded props for $100–$200.
Branded Overlays: Include logos or themes for $75–$300.
Photo Booth Attendant: Provide on-site support for $200–$400.
Animated GIFs/Videos: Create shareable content for $200–$700.
Memory Books: Add guest books for $100–$300.
Social Media Sharing Station: Enable instant sharing for $50–$500.
Green Screen Technology: Offer virtual backgrounds for $150–$400.
Photo Albums/Scrapbooking Station: Let guests create keepsakes for $100–$300.

Quick Tip: Upselling just $100 per event at 20 events a year adds $2,000 to your income. Add more premium options, and you could easily make $6,000+ annually. Start small, focus on what your clients value most, and watch your profits grow.

10 Photo Booth Upselling Ideas with Revenue Potential and Implementation Difficulty

The Latest Update On Photo Booth Upselling with Brandon Havrilla on #PBNTV

1. Premium Prints

Premium prints transform digital snapshots into tangible keepsakes. In an era where most photos are stored on phones, holding a physical print feels special – a timeless way to preserve memories.

Revenue Potential

Premium prints aren’t just about sentiment; they’re a smart business move. With material costs ranging from $10 to $30 per event and upsell prices typically between $100 and $300, the profit margin hovers around an impressive 90%. This makes them one of the most profitable add-ons you can offer, seamlessly fitting into any event setup.

Ease of Implementation

If you already have a camera and lighting equipment, adding premium prints is straightforward. A high-quality dye-sublimation printer, like those from DNP, and the right paper stock are all you need. Plus, modern software makes it even easier – guests can print photos directly from their phones during the event with minimal effort on your part.

Customization Options

Don’t limit yourself to standard 4×6 prints. Expand your offerings with postcard-sized prints, metallic finishes, magnets, or keychains, all priced between $100 and $300 per event. Go the extra mile by adding branded overlays featuring couples’ names or corporate logos, or design custom sleeves that match wedding themes or company branding. These thoughtful touches turn prints into lasting keepsakes – and even marketing tools – that guests will proudly display.

2. Custom Backdrops

A custom backdrop can turn your photo booth into the centerpiece of any event, perfectly complementing the occasion’s theme. Think about the impact of a flower wall at a wedding, a branded step-and-repeat for a corporate gathering, or a playful balloon installation for a birthday party. These backdrops don’t just look great – they create an experience that guests will talk about long after the event wraps up. Plus, like premium prints, they’re a smart way to boost your revenue while enhancing the overall event vibe.

Revenue Potential

Custom backdrops are a fantastic upsell opportunity. On average, they can bring in an extra $100 to $200 per event, while material costs typically range from just $20 to $60. For corporate clients, branded step-and-repeat designs can command even higher fees, often between $150 and $350.

"If you can upsell just a few hundred dollars with each client, that could mean thousands of extra dollars of revenue per year", says Cameron Bingham from Photobooth Supply Co..

With the photo booth industry growing at approximately 11% annually, offering premium backdrop options is a smart way to capture more of this expanding market.

Guest Satisfaction Impact

An eye-catching backdrop doesn’t just add to the decor – it transforms the guest experience. The right design can make attendees feel like VIPs, encouraging them to engage more with the photo booth. A polished backdrop enhances the event’s mood and ensures guests look amazing in their photos. This, in turn, increases the likelihood that they’ll share their snaps on social media – something 70% of guests already do.

Ease of Implementation

Tension fabric backdrops are a game-changer for quick, wrinkle-free setups. Larger or more elaborate designs may require an additional 2-3 hours to assemble. Before the event, test the backdrop under the venue’s lighting conditions; materials like sequins can reflect harsh glares, so soft, diffused lighting works best. For most setups, a 10×10 ft area with an 8-9 ft width is ideal for accommodating group photos comfortably.

Customization Options

The versatility of custom backdrops means there’s something for every type of event. Weddings often shine with flower walls or rustic designs, corporate events benefit from branded step-and-repeats, and parties thrive with festive touches like balloon walls or neon signs. For even greater flexibility, consider green screen technology. This option allows you to offer unlimited digital backgrounds and can be priced between $150 and $400 per event, all while requiring minimal storage space.

3. Custom Props

Custom props add flair and excitement to any photo booth experience. Whether it’s personalized signs featuring the couple’s names at a wedding, quirky hats and wigs for a birthday party, or branded items for a corporate event, the right props can energize guests and draw them to the camera. Moving beyond the usual mustaches and glasses, consider offering standout props that make your business unforgettable – think banana costumes, beer helmets, or "Hulk hands" that add a playful twist.

Revenue Potential

Props aren’t just fun – they’re a profitable upsell. Adding props to an event can bring in an extra $100 to $200, while material costs typically range from just $20 to $60. If you book 20 events a year, even a $100 upsell per event means an additional $2,000 in annual revenue. Investing in high-quality props pays off in the long run. As Cameron Bingham from Photobooth Supply Co. explains:

"If you spend $20 on one quality prop versus $5 on a cheap prop that you have to rebuy, after only four events, the quality prop has already paid for itself".

Digital props, like filters similar to Snapchat effects, offer even greater profit margins. Once you have the right photo booth software, these virtual add-ons cost nothing to maintain but can still command $50 to $150 per event. For corporate clients, custom AR experiences can fetch $200 to $500 per event, making them a high-value option.

Guest Satisfaction Impact

Props aren’t just for decoration – they help guests loosen up and have fun. DIY chalkboard props, for example, encourage creativity and lead to memorable, personalized moments. When guests feel they’re part of a premium experience, they’re more likely to share their photos online and recommend your services. Josh Pather, Founder of Photo Booth International, sums it up well:

"Props raise the perceived value of your services. When clients feel like they’re getting a good deal, they’re more likely to book you again – and tell their friends to do the same!".

Customization Options

Tailoring your props to suit the event and audience is key. For corporate events, stick with professional, branded items featuring company logos. For weddings and parties, go bold with fun and whimsical accessories. Digital props take customization to the next level, eliminating storage issues while offering endless creative possibilities. New trends, like AI-generated trading cards or "Miniature Me" items, can add an extra $50–$300 to your revenue per event.

4. Branded Photo Overlays

Branded photo overlays transform simple snapshots into polished, shareable keepsakes. These overlays can feature wedding colors, corporate logos, event hashtags, or themed graphics tailored to the occasion. For corporate clients, they serve a dual purpose: every shared photo becomes a subtle yet effective mobile advertisement. As Pixilated explains:

"Adding branding is free, and widespread exposure, and attaching your logo to these types of images (fun, personal photos) adds a feeling of warmth to your image".

Revenue Potential

The visual appeal of branded overlays is matched by their profitability. A complete branding package – covering overlays, start screens, and animations – can be priced between $75 and $300. On the other hand, outsourcing costs typically range from just $25 to $50 per event. For those opting to use DIY templates, material costs can drop to almost nothing. Corporate clients, in particular, are willing to pay a premium for these services because branded overlays act as free advertising when guests share photos online.

Ease of Implementation

Setting up branded overlays has never been easier, thanks to modern tools like Foto Master Cloud and Salsa. These platforms use simple workflows such as "Select → Sync → Play" to create branded experiences in minutes. Even more impressively, the AI Workflow Generator, launched in January 2026, can craft a fully branded setup almost instantly based on a brief event description. Foto Master suggests framing the service as a natural enhancement, asking clients, "Would you like everything branded with your wedding colors and names – from the welcome screen to the overlays?".

Customization Options

Branded overlays are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit any event. Weddings often feature designs with the couple’s names and wedding date, adding a personal touch. Corporate events benefit from overlays that incorporate logos and brand colors, reinforcing their professional image. Charity fundraisers can use overlays to promote their cause, while product launches ensure the brand is visible in every shared photo. The best part? Digital overlays can be updated instantly, eliminating the need for physical props.

For seamless integration, advanced tools from Photo Booth International (https://photoboothint.com) make it simple to create and manage branded overlays, ensuring every event runs smoothly and looks polished.

5. Photo Booth Attendant

Adding a photo booth attendant to your rental service can elevate the entire experience. They take care of setup, teardown, troubleshooting, and guiding guests, ensuring everything runs smoothly. This hands-on support lets the host relax and enjoy their event while enhancing the overall experience for everyone. Plus, it pairs well with any other premium add-ons you might offer.

Revenue Potential

You can charge between $200 and $400 per event for an attendant, while labor costs typically range from $120 to $180. This creates an opportunity for a $100 upsell per event, which could translate to an extra $2,000 annually if you book 20 events a year. Even better, having an attendant allows you to schedule two events on the same day without needing additional equipment, helping you expand your business efficiently.

Guest Satisfaction Impact

A photo booth attendant does more than operate the booth – they create a memorable experience. They interact with guests, help them choose props, and make sure digital sharing is easy and smooth. This personal interaction ensures guests walk away with not just great photos but also great memories.

For larger events, especially those with 500 or more guests, attendants play a crucial role in managing the crowd and maintaining top-notch service. This level of care often leads to positive word-of-mouth referrals and increases the likelihood of repeat business.

As Steve Saporito puts it:

"It doesn’t cost us anything to treat people like they’re valuable".

Ease of Implementation

Incorporating an attendant into your offerings is simple. Consider bundling this service into "Good/Better/Best" packages for easy upselling. When hiring, focus on candidates with strong social and professional skills – technical know-how can always be taught. Train new hires by having them shadow experienced attendants and use a standardized checklist to ensure consistent service quality.

6. Animated GIFs and Videos

Animated content, much like custom props and branded overlays, adds a personal touch to the guest experience. Offering options like GIFs and videos not only keeps things exciting for guests but also creates new revenue streams. These formats turn your booth into a hub for creating dynamic content, capturing moments from every angle. Plus, they’re perfect for modern social media platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and Snapchat, where vertical content tends to get shared more often than traditional photos.

Revenue Potential

Adding animated content to your services can generate an extra $200 to $700 (or more) per event, while also increasing guest engagement. Visual content is 40 times more likely to be shared on social media compared to other formats. Since your software already supports GIFs and videos, the additional costs are minimal. For example, creating animated avatars or stylized portraits using AI costs just $5 to $30 in credits but can be sold for $150 to $300 per event. Offering multi-experience packages, where guests can choose between photos, GIFs, or videos, can bring in an additional $100 to $250 as a premium add-on.

Guest Satisfaction Impact

Guests love instant gratification, and animated content delivers that through QR codes, allowing immediate downloads and sharing during the event. Showcasing guest-created GIFs and videos on large screens adds a "wow factor" that encourages others to join in on the fun.

Customization Options

The customization possibilities are endless. You can brand every frame with logos or event-specific graphics, or use AI tools to transform guests into cartoon characters or artistic avatars. Augmented reality overlays can transport guests to virtual settings – imagine them on a tropical beach or floating in space. For corporate events, white-labeled online galleries with custom URLs ensure branding stays front and center. You can even combine physical effects, like confetti blasts or smoke, with digital enhancements to create a theatrical vibe that matches any event theme. These dynamic visuals build on your existing add-ons, keeping your offerings fresh, exciting, and highly shareable.

7. Memory Books or Guest Books

Memory books transform simple snapshots into cherished keepsakes by printing two copies of each photo: one for the guest and another to be placed in a guest book, complete with personalized messages. In today’s digital world, where most pictures live on smartphones, a physical memento like this becomes something truly meaningful and memorable.

Revenue Potential

Adding memory books to your offerings can be a great way to boost income. These books can bring in an extra $100 to $300 per event. For example, if you book 20 events annually and upsell this feature for $100 per event, you’re looking at an additional $2,000 in yearly revenue. The higher price is easy to justify, as double printing requires extra materials while delivering a tangible product that guests can enjoy right away. Plus, this feature often nudges clients to upgrade to premium packages.

Guest Satisfaction Impact

Guests love the instant gratification of seeing their photos collected into a beautifully designed book during the event. As Photobooth Décor puts it:

"Photo guestbooks are a creative and interactive way to capture memories at events and weddings. They allow guests to leave personalized messages or photos alongside their names, creating a cherished keepsake for the hosts".

This interactive experience not only delights guests but also sparks positive buzz about your booth. Seeing others contribute their photos and heartfelt messages often encourages more people to join in, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere.

Ease of Implementation

Setting up memory books is surprisingly simple. Photo booth software can be configured to print two copies of each photo automatically – one for the guest and one for the guest book. Position a table near your booth stocked with glue sticks, markers, and decorations that match the event’s theme. If you offer an attendant service (discussed in Section 5), they can help guests place photos and write messages, ensuring a polished and organized final product. Some modern software even takes it a step further by automatically arranging photos into a digital layout, which can then be printed as a bound book.

Customization Options

Memory books can be tailored to fit any event theme. Options include traditional scrapbooks, Polaroid-style designs, or classic photo albums. You can also personalize photo strips with details like the couple’s names, event date, or custom logos before printing. For a more interactive experience, set up a scrapbooking station with matching decorative paper, themed stickers, colorful markers, and washi tape that aligns with the event’s color scheme. For clients seeking something extra special, offer premium upgrades like leather-bound albums or engraved wooden covers. These thoughtful touches not only enhance the experience but also open the door to additional upsell opportunities.

A social media sharing station lets people instantly share photos, GIFs, and videos on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. It’s a perfect fit for today’s digital-first culture, where everyone loves showcasing their experiences online. Plus, it doubles as a marketing tool, creating genuine user-generated content that promotes your business while meeting the demand for instant sharing. It’s not just fun – it’s a smart way to tap into new revenue opportunities.

Revenue Potential

These stations are a goldmine with minimal material costs. Basic sharing via QR codes can bring in $50–$150 per event. Want to earn more? Add features like lead capture or real-time slideshows, which can boost your event earnings by $200–$500. Packaging these options into a "Social Suite" bundle can make your offering even more appealing, increasing your overall revenue per event.

Guest Satisfaction Impact

Guests love the convenience of scanning a QR code to quickly download and share their media. Event-specific hashtags make attendees feel special and encourage them to connect with others at the event. Real-time slideshows showcasing shared content add a touch of excitement and keep people engaged. Plus, the streamlined sharing process helps keep the booth area moving smoothly, cutting down on wait times and making the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Ease of Implementation

The best part? Implementing this feature is straightforward. Most modern photo booth software already includes sharing capabilities and online gallery hosting, often at no extra charge. You can set up your booth to collect emails or phone numbers for automated media delivery, freeing up your attendant to focus on interacting with guests. It’s an easy, profitable upgrade that doesn’t require much extra effort.

Customization Options

Social media sharing stations also offer plenty of branding opportunities. You can add custom digital overlays, logos, or event-themed graphics to photos before they’re shared, ensuring your brand stays visible. Want to go a step further? Offer white-labeled galleries or custom URLs that match the event’s theme, typically priced at $100–$200 per event. For corporate clients, branded email templates and custom microsites can make the sharing experience feel tailored to their brand. To encourage sharing, consider offering small perks like discounts or rental credits to guests who tag your business or use the event hashtag. It’s a win-win for both you and your clients.

9. Green Screen Technology

Green screen technology, also known as chroma key, lets guests step into a variety of themed settings – from tropical beaches and outer space to corporate boardrooms or movie sets – all without leaving the venue. This digital magic creates a one-of-a-kind, cinematic experience. Instead of juggling physical backdrops, you can offer an endless selection of digital backgrounds that guests can choose right from a custom start screen. This feature doesn’t just impress attendees; it also opens the door to premium pricing opportunities.

Revenue Potential

Adding a green screen as a premium option can bring in anywhere from $150 to $400 per event, while professional setups typically start at around $945. Pairing this with extras like custom branded overlays or animated backgrounds can further boost earnings, adding an additional $75 to $300 per event. The best part? The actual cost of AI-driven transformations is surprisingly low, often ranging between just $5 and $30 in software credits.

Guest Satisfaction Impact

The wow factor of green screen booths is a major draw – 80% of event planners say interactive features like these enhance attendee satisfaction. Guests love the creative freedom to place themselves in exotic or themed settings without stepping outside the venue. Plus, these photos are marketing gold: visual content is 40 times more likely to be shared than other types of media, making every shot a potential promotional asset, especially for corporate events.

Ease of Implementation

Getting started with green screen technology is simpler than you might think. You’ll need a green backdrop, chroma key software, proper lighting, and a quality camera. The secret to success lies in even lighting – high-tension backdrops help eliminate wrinkles and shadows that could disrupt the digital effect. Most modern photo booth software already includes green screen functionality, so your main investment will be in a good backdrop and lighting setup. Once everything’s ready, guests can pick their favorite background directly from the touch screen, creating a smooth and intuitive experience.

Customization Options

The possibilities for personalization are virtually endless. For weddings, you can design dreamy backdrops like fairy tale castles. Corporate clients might prefer branded environments showcasing their logos, products, or office settings. Themed parties can transport guests to historical eras, futuristic landscapes, or other imaginative worlds. You can even enhance the experience with animated overlays, such as digital confetti or smoke effects, to make the photos even more dynamic.

For Photo Booth International operators, integrating green screen technology is a smart way to boost event engagement and brand visibility while adding a lucrative upgrade to your services.

10. Photo Albums and Scrapbooking Station

A photo album and scrapbooking station offers guests a chance to create a keepsake that lasts well beyond the event. This setup focuses on creative scrapbooking, where attendees can paste photo strips into an album and add personal messages for the host. Rebranding this as a "Memory Book" or "Guest Book" instead of a "scrapbook" can make it feel more upscale. As Cameron Bingham from Photo Booth Supply Co. puts it:

"At the end of the day, it’s going to be the same product, however, by calling it a ‘Guest Book’ or a ‘Memory Book,’ it sounds more premium and will allow you to charge a premium price."

This station doesn’t just add value to the event; it also strengthens your brand by focusing on unforgettable experiences.

Revenue Potential

You can charge between $100 and $300 per event for this add-on, with material costs ranging from just $10 to $30. Additionally, offering premium guest books can bring in an extra $100 to $200 per event, making it a significant revenue booster. In fact, these kinds of add-ons can contribute 30%–45% of total revenue. For example, David Kim, owner of Premier Photo Booths Chicago, was able to increase his average booking value from $695 to $1,150 in only 90 days by including premium memory books in his packages. This highlights how strategic upselling can make a big financial impact.

Guest Satisfaction Impact

The hands-on nature of creating a personalized album draws guests in and fosters interaction during the event. It’s not just about the photos – it’s the process of adding DIY elements like props and handwritten notes that makes the experience unique. This is especially meaningful at weddings or milestone celebrations, where guests often want to leave heartfelt messages for the host. These personal touches become cherished memories, enhancing the overall event and leaving a lasting impression.

Ease of Implementation

Setting up a scrapbooking station is relatively simple compared to tech-heavy options like AI or AR upgrades. You’ll need a high-quality album, adhesive supplies, pens, and decorative elements that match the event’s theme. The main investment is in durable, high-quality materials. Using a dye-sublimation printer and DSLR camera ensures that the photos are sharp and long-lasting. To keep things organized, consider including an attendant to oversee the station and ensure the album is neatly assembled. This added professionalism elevates the guest experience and justifies the higher price tag.

Customization Options

This station stands out by offering a high degree of personalization. You can offer albums with custom covers in finishes like wood, black leather, or white fabric, and include details such as names, dates, or themed graphics. Photo strips can also feature overlays that match the event’s colors or branding. For operators working with Photo Booth International, providing personalized props and materials tailored to the event can make the album feel like a bespoke addition to the celebration. Unlike other add-ons that focus on digital or printed content, this station invites guests to leave their personal mark, reinforcing the premium nature of the service.

Conclusion

Offering premium experiences can significantly increase your revenue beyond standard equipment rentals. For instance, adding just a $100 upsell per event across 20 bookings translates to an additional $2,000 annually. Strategic add-ons, however, can bring in even more – ranging from $200 to over $700 per event. These upgrades not only enhance your earnings but also create a more memorable and engaging experience for your guests.

Custom upgrades turn ordinary bookings into premium events. Branded overlays and custom backdrops help create a cohesive theme, while features like AI transformations and AR experiences keep guests entertained and encourage social sharing. Providing both physical prints and digital copies adds extra value that justifies higher pricing. Additionally, interactive options like memory books can boost guest participation and satisfaction.

Tiered packages are a straightforward way to increase upselling opportunities and simplify the decision-making process for clients. Automating your booking system allows customers to choose and add upgrades anytime, eliminating delays and increasing convenience. Prioritizing quality also pays off – investing in professional lighting and durable props can quickly cover its costs after just a few events.

Photo Booth International makes incorporating these premium features seamless. Their equipment consistently delivers high-quality results that support premium pricing. But it doesn’t stop there. They provide access to the PBI App and Academy, which includes over 25 courses covering marketing, operations, and sales strategies. Additional resources like pre-written contracts, Facebook ad templates, automated email campaigns, and an Event Booking Playbook are designed to help you close more deals. Plus, with lifetime technical support, weekly coaching calls, and a private #PBIFamily Facebook group, you’ll always have a network of support.

Since 2015, Photo Booth International has helped over 5,000 entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Operators often aim for monthly earnings between $2,000 and $10,000[44–46]. The company’s founder even scaled his own rental business to six figures in just one year. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to increase your average booking value, Photo Booth International equips you with the tools and strategies to make upselling a key driver of your revenue.

FAQs

How can I choose the best upselling options for my photo booth clients?

To choose upselling options that resonate with your clients, start by thinking about the event type and its audience. For corporate events, branded visuals like custom overlays or photo print sleeves tend to be popular. For weddings or parties, you might consider premium backdrops, themed props, or interactive features like AR experiences to create a standout moment.

It’s also helpful to ask your clients directly about their preferences. Use a pre-event questionnaire or a quick consultation to figure out what they value most – whether it’s branding, keepsakes, or unique experiences. You can even test small upgrades, like adding a branded overlay or offering a signature prop, to see what gets the best reaction and increases engagement.

With tools like the customizable features from Photo Booth International equipment, you can easily adjust your upsell options on-site. Their portable booths and advanced technology make it simple to deliver high-quality extras tailored to each event, ensuring happy clients and a boost in revenue.

What are some affordable upselling ideas to boost revenue from photo booth events?

Affordable upselling ideas can boost your revenue without requiring a hefty investment. Here are some practical suggestions to consider:

Fun props and accessories: Stock up on low-cost, eye-catching items like themed hats, quirky glasses, or personalized signs. These can cost just a few dollars each, but you can offer them to clients for $5-$10 per set, ensuring a healthy profit margin.
Personalized digital designs: Add a touch of customization with photo overlays, start-screen animations, or event-specific graphics. Using budget-friendly design tools or templates, you can charge between $75 and $300 per event while keeping your expenses minimal.
Upgraded print options: Offer extras like magnet prints, keychains, or custom packaging for photo strips. These keepsakes come with low material costs, yet clients are often happy to pay $100-$300 for these unique touches.

Pairing these upselling ideas with the advanced features of Photo Booth International’s booths can help you easily generate an extra $50-$300 per event, all while keeping your costs under control.

To make sharing on social media easy and effective, ensure your photo booth system comes with built-in options for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Include features that automatically apply a custom event hashtag and your client’s branding to every photo. Make sharing seamless by displaying a QR code or a short link to the sharing portal in a prominent spot at the booth. Add clear signage to encourage guests to share their photos and tag the event.

Having a friendly booth attendant on hand can make a big difference too. They can walk guests through the sharing process, suggest fun captions, or even help them tag the event’s social accounts. This not only simplifies the experience but also creates buzz and boosts engagement while the event is still happening.

Once the event wraps up, keep the energy alive by creating a digital album or a social media post showcasing the best photos. Encourage guests to engage with the content and consider offering a small prize for the most-liked or shared posts. This strategy transforms each photo booth moment into user-generated content that amplifies the event’s reach and keeps it in the spotlight.

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January 15, 2026/by Josh Pather