Reasons to choose an online-only printer

In addition to local companies in your area, the web is overflowing with printing companies vying for your business.  Here are the top reasons people tend to choose an online printer, and what you can expect if you do...

Online Printers Are Cheaper
The internet can be a great place to find bargains and do price comparisons.   However, when it comes to printing, you may be surprised to learn that working with a local merchant could save you up to 70% off online prices (sometimes even more!).  Online merchants often advertise very low prices, but, once you've chosen the features you want, the online prices are actually much higher.  Don't forget shipping costs as well!



Here's an example:
$40 at AEC Printing will get you 250 full-color, full-bleed, double sided, glossy business cards on heavy 14pt stock.  The same cards from a very popular online retailer will cost $55.  However, this particular online retailer advertises $10 for 250 cards on the front page of its website, a very tempting offer!  Unfortunately, the $10 cards are single-sided, non-glossy, and printed on a very thin, low-quality card stock.  AEC Printing does not even offer a card printed on this type of stock, because it simply doesn't hold up under everyday applications.  So, buying online may be cheaper in this case if you are willing to sacrifice quality.  Here at AEC Printing we'd rather send you home with a quality card at an affordable price than a cheap card at a cheap price!

Ordering Online Is Easier
Having access to online businesses means never having to leave your desk.  Working with a local printer means you have to gather your files, drive across town, possibly search for parking, and spend time working out details with a printshop employee.

Or does it?

We offer convenient online design and ordering tools, and can deliver your order to your office for free when it is complete!  If you would like more assistance when designing or placing an order, our friendly staffers are available via phone, email and in person to guide you.  If you would prefer not to do the design work yourself, most friendly, local printshops can design your items for you for a small fee.  For time-sensitive orders, we can complete items while you wait, sipping our free gourmet coffee and using our free wi-fi.

Online Companies Show Me A Proof When I Order
Online retailers generally offer "instant online proofs" on many items.  Simply put, that means you will be shown an image of your item before you complete your order.  Unfortunately, because computer monitors vary greatly in color output, are only capable of showing 72 dpi resolution, and because the type of paper you choose can dramatically change the color, look and feel of a printed piece, your online proof isn't necessarily going to be anything like your final printed product.  Because you will have approved this digital proof when you placed your online order, you may have no recourse with the online retailer if you are not happy when your product arrives.  A friendly, local printshop will gladly provide you with physical proofs on the actual paper you selected so there will be no question your final product will be the same as your proof.  AEC Printing offers proofs for free!

There Are More Options Online
Just type "business cards" into an online search engine and you'll be overwhelmed by the number of choices available.  The quantity of online retailers is quite high, but the variability between these retailers is low.  Why?  Because the easiest way to print high volumes is to limit your options.  The largest online retailers typically offer one or maybe two types of paper, a limited variety of products, and one or two possible turn-around times.  If you aren't happy with the results when you receive them, you may not have another option, even from a different online retailer!

Searching for printed products online can become overwhelming because of the sheer volume of printers selling online.  A friendly, local printshop can help you sort through printing options, show you samples, and simplify your decision-making process.  Remember, we use the internet too, and we probably have experience with the items you are considering ordering.  Take advantage of the expertise of local printshop employees and you'll be likely to save time, money and disappointment!

Check out your local printshop's website while you're shopping online.  You may be surprised at the quality, price and speed they offer.  For a great example (according to us!) check us out at www.aecprinting.com.  Thanks for reading!