April 6, 2022

Why You Should Choose a Local Print Shop Over Online Printers

PostNet

These days, there are a lot of options available for high-quality printing. Whether you’re working on a personal project or you need materials for your business, it can be tough to choose between a local brick-and-mortar print shop and an online printing provider.

While online options offer convenience, there are downsides you might not be aware of. Working with a local print shop promises the best chance at getting your job done correctly and giving you a smooth and easy experience.

Check out these four reasons to work with a local printer on your next project.

1. Get consultative service and advice 

PostNet employee offering consultative services

Online printing services don’t offer much in the way of assistance when it comes to perfecting your print project. This could result in wasted time and money on an imperfect product. If you have a partially completed project but need a little help getting it over the finish line, it’s best to turn to the experts at your local print shop.

PostNet team members will work with you to fully understand your needs and project goals. We make recommendations and steer you in the right direction to ensure your project turns out perfectly the first time. 

This is particularly important for projects you might be unfamiliar with. Certain print products, like postcards and brochures, have specific parameters that must be followed for the piece to be printed effectively. You don’t want to accidentally print a postcard on flimsy paper or choose too small a brochure size! During your project consultation, a print shop like PostNet will catch any errors in your layout or paper choices and correct them.

2. Understand your options

Paper samples

Most people don’t realize how many options there are for paper type, weight, and finishes. Paper looks and feels different in person, especially if you plan to add premium finishes like metallic foil or spot gloss. You might be able to guess at your choices online, but nothing compares to being able to actually see and feel them yourself!

By working with a local print provider, you’ll be able to browse paper samples and choose the one that fits your project the best. Having this in-person review guided by an expert will ensure you know what to expect from the finished project, so you don’t run into any unpleasant surprises later.

3. Be in control

Reviewing color options

Sending a print project off to a printer and getting it back weeks later can be unnerving, especially if your provider doesn’t communicate along the way. If you’re investing in print, you deserve the right to retain control over the creative process and make sure the end product matches your vision. Working with a local print shop lets you do this.

Just one example of this is seeing project proofs before the final print. Did you know that colors are created differently on paper versus on screen? Digital colors utilize RGB color (a mix of red, green, and blue), but print colors use CMYK (a mix of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black ink). Therefore, what you see on your computer might not look exactly like the printed page. A local print provider will give you a physical proof of your project so you can verify that the colors look correct before the entire process is complete. 

Take the Design and Print Quiz to see how much you know and where your local print shop can help!

4. Enjoy a personalized experience

PostNet employee reviewing final product

The process of uploading and purchasing a print job from an online provider often feels more like a transaction than an experience. Local print shops like PostNet don’t see their projects as just another job. We got into the printing business to be creative and form relationships with our customers! This means you’ll enjoy a pleasant, personalized experience, from ideation to completion.

Local print shops offer greater flexibility, too. If you need a fast turnaround, we’re able to accommodate your needs. Plus, you won’t waste time waiting for shipping and delivery (or pay tremendous costs to have your project expedited). If something changes in the middle of the print process, there’s a good chance your local PostNet can handle that, too! You’ll have a more direct line of communication with the people handling your project and can make adjustments as needed.

Find your local print shop

Do you need professional-quality print products for your home or business? PostNet’s local print providers care about your project and will ensure you’re fully satisfied with the results.

Get started on your next print project today by finding your nearest PostNet center.

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