Online Printing Versus Local Print Shops
When it comes to choosing a printer it can be difficult deciding between online printing versus local print shops. How do you decide? Do stay loyal to local business and keep your money at home? Or do you use an online service?
Your personal values are going to play a role in this decision. For some of us, the decision is made by our financial needs. For others the decision is made by our time constraints. Some of us may choose to use both options at different times.
Here are some things to consider as you make decisions on this important subject:
- An online print shop requires you to have computer skills. All your interaction with the company will involve transfers of files. A local print shop may or may not have moved into the computer age. This is not a reflection on the quality of the print shop’s work. Computers make the printing pre prep work easier. Many of the remaining printing processes are identical to what they were 50 years ago.
- An online print shop can often offer services that a local print shop is too small to manage. Because online print shops service a larger area, they can often afford equipment that smaller shops cannot. They can also support larger staffs that specialize in design and layout. These resources can be invaluable.
- An online print shop can seem impersonal. Unless you are immersed in the cyber world, dealing with a distant business via emails and invoices can leave you feeling disconnected from the process. A local print shop puts a face with your project. You can feel that someone cares about your project, and that you have someone to talk to if you don’t like how something is going.
- An online print shop can offer you fantastic service. The communication process does not have to be impersonal. Many companies focus on stellar customer service. You may receive phone calls confirming that you are pleased with the work that they had done. They may ask if there’s anything that they could have done better.
- An online print shop can usually offer better pricing. Online printers are often focused on volume so they develop very streamlined methods. They focus on the speed at which they can turn over your project while maintaining quality. If you’re looking for a good price on online printing, be sure to try the printing price search here at PrintingChoice.com!
Online Printing Q&A
Is online printing better than using a local printer?
The answer to that question really depends on your needs. Most local printers do excellent work, so other factors such as your budget may influence your decision. Don’t make a hasty decision. Do your research, and you will be able to answer this question for your own situation.
What advantages do online printers offer that local printers don’t?
Once again the answer depends on your local printer. If you live in a small town, an online printer may offer many services that a local printer can’t. Each situation is unique.
Is there anything I should expect from an online printer that I wouldn’t expect from my local shop?
You can expect shipping costs. Many online printing companies do waive shipping once you reach a certain order size. But if you have a small order, those costs can erase any savings you expect to realize by using an online printer.
If I am displeased with the printing, will it be harder for me to resolve the problem if I used an online printer?
This is a risk of course. It is harder to take an online company to small claims court. But you also need to remember that you can have difficulty with a local printer. Online printing companies must have a physical location. You can contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in their city to make a complaint. Before you even sign on with an online printer, checking the BBB could warn you of potential problems, so this is always recommended.
Conclusion
In summary, online print shops and local print shops can both provide the service you need. Whether you decide that you prefer to keep your business at a local print shop or that using an online printing service makes sense, make the decision that is best for you.