Print Shops: Local Vs Online

Most businesses will require printed business materials at some stage, both for their own personalised business stationery and for marketing and advertising campaigns – here are some considerations when opting for a local print service provider or a national online print company:

Price

Obviously a major factor in sourcing any provision or service for your business – many are tempted to use nationally established print companies because their name is known, and they are easily accessed. This, however, does not necessarily make them the best choice for your business printing – these print companies often prove cheaper options for high volumes and major companies printing requirements, but do not always prove the best option for a smaller, local business. Local print companies can very often provide a more competitive and affordable option for your print needs – and they can offer a more personal service.

Turnaround Time

Local print companies often offer quicker turnaround times – if they are geographically close to your business then they can often print and deliver your order quickly. Using an online print company, they may well have many more orders to deal with, and yours will be placed in a queue to be processed – and the online company will automatically prioritise the larger, more profitable orders above a more modest print job!

Options

A local print provider will often be better placed to provide individual requests or options for you – your print job may require a specific paper type or a feature that is unique to your business that a national print company may struggle to accommodate. A local print company is often more likely to oblige individual requests to help nurture local business relationships.

Customer Support

A local print company is a good option for your print needs simply by definition – local! You can deal with them on a face-to-face basis rather than on a phone or, as is often the case, an online order form. A local printer can personally answer any of your questions or discuss the details of your print requests and explain your options – a service you don’t necessarily get from an online print company.

Shipping/Delivery Costs

The shipping or transportation of your completed print run job can prove costly and potentially time-consuming. Working with a local print company greatly reduces or even eliminates that transportation cost making your print job considerably cheaper and more easily and quickly delivered. There are also the environmental aspects to consider – a local delivery rather than from a national print production centre will reduce your company’s carbon footprint for your print jobs.

Business Relationship

Your local print company is more likely to offer a more personal service and make time and effort to build an ongoing business relationship with your company – they will get to understand your business and its culture and requirements, making it easier for them to advise you on different aspects of your print needs in the future. They can also introduce you to other local businesses and services that they deal with, so a local print company can be a great networking tool for your business as well as satisfying the print needs of your company.

Support Local Economy

It is in your company’s interest to deal with other local providers and suppliers – every job you place with a local service provider is boosting your area’s economy and therefore helping the local business community overall. This strengthens the overall infrastructure of your entire business community and network, helping local businesses and people flourish.

Quality

Not withstanding all the other mentioned advantages of dealing with a locally-based print company, you still need to ensure that you receive a quality print job for your business. Local print companies can only survive and thrive on the quality of the work they deliver – they need to establish, then maintain, a reputation for service and quality, so will ensure that the work they produce for other local businesses is of the highest quality, standard and professionalism.

There are many options to source business printing in Lancashire, but if looking for printing companies in Preston then you should consider Colin Cross Printers – their experienced and knowledgeable staff will offer help and advice on all aspects of your print requirements. They are the best option for a local online print shop Preston can offer.

Colin Cross – the print company to go to for online and local printing in Lancaster

Is your business based in Lancashire? Colin Cross has over 50 years of printing experience and are experts in the field of business stationery. They are a reliable printer in the Lancaster area but have a huge client base that is nationwide. For anything print, they have you covered. Contact them today to find out how they could help your business.