5 Things to Consider Before Choosing an Online Printer

For many of us, using an online commercial printer is just plain convenient. No more gathering materials, schlepping them across town to the printer, then going back to pick your stuff up. Online services combine the same great quality of local print shops with the convenience of placing orders (and proofing them) all with the click of a mouse. While these features are shared by all online commercial printers, not all provide the same quality at a great price. Here are some helpful tips to choosing an online print specialist:

Reputation

Perhaps one of the most important things to consider in choosing an online service for your printing needs is to be sure the company is reputable. There are several ways to ensure your safety when finding a site to do business with:

• Always look for an address and phone number for the company. Feel free to test the phone number.
• Look for the Better Business Bureau seal and make sure the link is active.
• Be sure the site is secure. This can be done by checking the bottom right hand corner of your browser window for a pad lock or the same can be found in the browser address window.
• Ask for referrals. In many cases, you can find client testimonials right on the printer's website. PrintingForLess.com gives tons of customer statements, and many include contact information. (Here at OfficeArrow, we have our business cards printed by PrintingForLess, so if you're seeking another testimonial, look no further: we love them!)

Assistance

One of the greatest assets to a local printing shop is the one-on-one assistance, but you don't have to sacrifice that convenience when doing business online. Before you settle on an online service, evaluate your needs for an account representative and then shop for a service that can provide the level of service you need. Most printers have a customer service department whether they are online or not, so utilize them to answer any questions or concerns.

Choices

Another fantastic perk of doing your printing business online is all the great choices you'll have at your fingertips. Any quality printer will have tons of templates for you to peruse. Take your time and make sure they have what you need. If you have specific questions or alterations you'd like to make, call the company directly.

Samples

There is never any excuse not to get some samples from your prospective printer. In most cases, the website will have a specific page where you can fill out a free sample request form (like this one from PrintingForLess). Simply supply them with your information and they'll send over samples like business cards, postcards, brochures and stationary. If the quality of the items you receive from any printer is subpar, DO NOT use their services.

Pricing

Another fantastic convenience to using an online print service is the pricing, which is typically posted clearly. There are no confusing conversations with your printer about pricing while jotting all the info down quickly. Online, it's all there in black and white. Each and every product you want, in the colors you need, is priced in front of you and usually at a discount compared to traditional local services.

A quote is also as simple as adding items to your online shopping cart on any site you choose. This will tell you exactly how much you'll owe for the purchase. Of course, you'll want to shop around with several companies to get the lowest price and the best quality.

This article is sponsored by PrintingForLess, the #1 online commercial printing company and a proud supporter of OfficeArrow. In your research for an online printer, be sure to order a free sample pack and experience the PrintingForLess quality for yourself.