Printing Part 3: Online vs Local Printers

As online printers become increasingly prevalent, and finding an online printer is often easier than finding a trusted local print shop, sometimes people wonder whether or not it’s even worth looking into local printers. Let’s put this debate to rest.

It’s my opinion that it’s often better to use a local printer when you can, even though it’s sometimes the more expensive option. Here’s why:

You can build a relationship with local printers, which means they’ll take the time to understand your needs and do your job right. Local printers will also allow smaller print jobs than some online printers, which sometimes require a large minimum order. You also don’t have to worry that your print job will be ruined during shipping, since many local printers deliver (or only require a short shipment) or you can simply pick it up.

Another benefit of local printers is that you can sample the proofs of the print job in person to make sure they’re just right before proceeding (and check out paper samples while you’re at it), which is impossible with online printers.

There are exceptions, of course. Some online printers will do a great job for you. I’d advise that you at least talk to a company representative about your project or use a company with whom you already have a good relationship before moving forward.

Comments

[Brad McCall]

Kirby! It's nice to run across your blog - you've got some awesome content here, thanks for the great posts. I added you to my list of Utah Graphic Designers (http://bradmccall.com/blog/utah-graphic-designers/ ) and my Bloglines list. It's been a long time!

As far as local printers (Utah Valley, UT) I've never had a problem with Printing Resource (http://www.printingresource.com ). They are always dependable with excellent quality and speedy turn-around. Sometimes it's worth it to pay the few extra dollars their competitors are willing to undercut them for dependable excellence. (I'm sure since you're practically a neighbor to them at Logoworks, you've used them many times.)

A company I recently found that does online print is 48hourprint (http://www.48hourprint.com ). They have an excellent range of products, quick turn-arounds and good quality.

Keep up the great content. Let's do lunch!

[Jeff Charlton]

This website is very interesting on online printers over local printers.
There is a website which is very useful for online printers of stationary,designing and marketing
...
Online Printers

[Mark Manser]

I was looking at 48hrs.com we have very comparable pricing locally in NSL . We have been in business for 11 years we gross over $1,000,000.00 a year in sales and specialize in Family histories, educational materials and self published books.
We also do all of our own service on our 5 digital Heidelberg laser printers which produce excellent quality photos and help keep us very affordable. TRY US

[Mark Manser]

I was looking at 48hrs.com we have very comparable pricing locally in NSL . We have been in business for 11 years we gross over $1,000,000.00 a year in sales and specialize in Family histories, educational materials and self published books.
We also do all of our own service on our 5 digital Heidelberg laser printers which produce excellent quality photos and help keep us very affordable. TRY US

[Mark Manser]

I was looking at 48hrs.com we have very comparable pricing locally in NSL . We have been in business for 11 years we gross over $1,000,000.00 a year in sales and specialize in Family histories, educational materials and self published books.
We also do all of our own service on our 5 digital Heidelberg laser printers which produce excellent quality photos and help keep us very affordable. TRY US

[Image Clipping Services – SBL]

Keep posting
Regards
Image Clipping Services – SBL
http://www.saibposervices.com/Clipping-path_services.aspx

[Salt Lake City Web design]

Yeah!Great post.It does not matter how the printer is connected, directly to the workstation or via shared network. Same applies to remote printing, whether the printer is connected remotely or locally is insignificant.Thanks for sharing.