Local Print Shops vs. Online Print Shops

There’s no denying that online print shops are taking the place of many local print shops we used to have. With the growth of eCommerce and the simplicity of online shopping, more consumers are turning towards shopping online rather than shopping locally. Everything has its pros and cons, and this applies to print shops as well.

What’s the Difference Between Local and Online Printing Services? 

Whether you’ve been ordering print for decades or are looking to place your first print order, both local print shops and online print shops help you get a print project done. However, there are a few factors that may contribute to which option is best for you to use.

Knowledge

Not everyone is a print professional, which is why it’s always ideal to have in-house experts. This is where local print shops have the upper hand, as customers can inquire about services and receive immediate help right off the bat. When it comes to online shopping, customers can only receive so much information from the FAQ page, and contacting customer service usually takes longer. With local print shops, you have professional printers right there to help you with your print project as they give you detailed input and recommendations that you may not get when shopping online. When submitting your print files online, everything must fit the format requirements. Mistakes can be costly, and reprints usually occur because of errors from the customer’s side for submitting an incorrect file. At local print shops, professionals in the print industry are there as experts to help guide you and are able to catch any mistakes with your file before it officially goes into production.

Cost

While cost is usually determined by the type of print product and project, the type of print shop you go to is also a factor. Typically, online printing is cheaper. With many online companies taking print orders from all across the country, this makes mass production easier for them, thus bringing down the cost of orders. The cost of shipping can also be a factor, which is an additional cost if you don’t choose local pickup.

Speed

Since many consumers are turning towards online shopping because of its convenience, this means fewer print orders for a local print shop. Small, local print shops don’t get as much work these days, so your chances of getting your project done and printed quickly are likely. On the other hand, online printing companies have so many orders that they have their system in place to produce things very quickly as well. However, it’s also best to keep in mind that despite an online store being open 24/7, this doesn’t necessarily guarantee that you’ll get your order the next day after placing it at 11:00 at night. As with cost, shipping is a factor again. While “Next-Day Delivery” exists, there’s no promise that a carrier can deliver products on time.

Interaction

Some customers may prefer online printing services so as to avoid face-to-face interaction, which is a strong benefit of shopping online. For those who want direct help in-person with a printer, local print shops do just that. An online printing company can be limited when it comes to interacting with customers, as local print shops typically go the extra mile to provide the most assistance they can for customers during face-to-face interaction. It’s also easier for printers to understand exactly what you want when you explain your needs and requirements in person, which leads to a higher chance of success with your print project with no mistakes.

Convenience

What drives the advancements of technology is convenience. Everyone wants a solution to get the best results in a fast and efficient way. Online shopping is as convenient as it gets, as it doesn’t require you to leave your house and you’re free to place an order right from the comfort of your own living room. It takes only a few minutes to place an order, and you’re able to view all the same product options a print shop has to offer even at a local shop. The best part? The order gets shipped right to your doorstep.

How Do You Choose the Right Type of Printing Company For You? 

There are benefits and downsides to both options, and the option you pick all depends on the factors that you have to consider. Do your research and work with print shops that are reputable and have good reviews from customers. With options of both local and online print shops, you have the best of both worlds! Overall, choose a printing company that you feel most comfortable with, and one that offers an array of products that suit your needs. 

Here at eprintfast, we’ve made it easy for customers to get as much support as they need online. Aside from our social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram, customers can head over to the Support page for FAQ inquiries. For issues that require more attention, eprintfast has a feature that allows customers to submit a Support Ticket, where a customer service representative will then reach out to provide further assistance.

We offer a wide variety of printing services, including printing products such as business cards, lawn signs, flyers, and more. Check out all that we have to offer here on eprintfast at eprintfast.com.