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When deciding where to outsource your latest print project, there are several factors you are likely to take into account. For many people, pricing is a major determinant in selecting a specific printer. For this reason, online printers have spiked in popularity over recent years, as they are typically able to offer lower prices than traditional print companies. However, this low cost…well…comes at a cost. There are reasons why these companies are able to sell their print so cheaply. So before you decide that online printers are the way to go, it’s important to understand the corners that are routinely cut to achieve this cut in costs.
Limited Variety
One thing that local printing companies like Omega pride themselves on is their long list of capabilities. Whatever the type, size, color, volume or substrate of your print project, we can do it all. However, this also means that we need to have and maintain all of the necessary equipment, as well as apply a different set up for each job in order to give the customer exactly what they asked for. This is not the case with most online printers. These print companies will usually only print in four-color, offer just a few standard sizes, substrates and/or design options. This means online printers do not have to invest in many machines as they’ve already artificially narrowed their capabilities from the jump. And yes, while this practice does cut costs, it also severely limits just how “custom” your print can be.
Diminished Quality
Another catch to the reduced costs of online printers is that the quality of their print can prove to be quite disappointing. There could be a few reasons for this. First of all, as previously mentioned, online printers tend to have a smaller arsenal of print equipment at their disposal than local companies. This means that these printers may use one type of equipment to produce a specific project where another type of equipment may be better suited. In addition, color accuracy checks and proofing are not typically services that come standard with online printers. With reputable local printers like Omega, you have someone specifically assigned to ensure your print is up to par; carefully reviewing the quality, doing color checks and making other critical adjustments.
Little to No Consulting Services
Sometimes, it’s nice to be able to have a back and forth with a customer service rep or press foreman to solidify your confidence that your print will come out as anticipated. Even though this is routinely possible with local printers, if you’re working with an online printer, this may not be possible. You would think this would be commonplace for any printer, but since online companies typically go from upload to print with very little in between, this is generally a non-option. This means that if you are a bit nervous about a huge order, are inexperienced with printing, or just want assurance in general, you’re out of luck.
We get it. Minimizing expenses is a priority for most people. Nobody wants to spend more than they have to. However, it is also important to realize that in the vast majority of circumstances, people get what they pay for. Being a patron of small, local businesses isn’t just philanthropic; it often means you are getting a superior product. Whether you are willing to risk or forgo complete creative authority, quality, confidence in your design or overall satisfaction is a decision that is purely your own. However, the team at Omega knows from years of experience that bad print can hurt a business more than no print at all. A company’s identity lies within how it is presented to and interpreted by the consumer at large, so if you want to be sure you make the right impression, investing in quality may just be worth it!
Looking for a printing company near you that can bring your custom designs to life? Omega offers an array of printing services that are guaranteed to get the job done right, every time. Contact us, today!
Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Digital Marketing Manager, Emily Steel