It seems everything can be done online these days, from grocery shopping and fast food delivery to booking doctor’s appointments and clicking for one-day shipping. While it can be extremely convenient to handle these things online, they can lack that personal touch that we’ve all grown used to being without.
This is especially true when it comes to services like printed custom products. You lose that personal connection when you choose to customize your printing order online. Instead, we think it’s best to choose a local printer in San Antonio that you can visit in person over impersonal online services. Here’s why.
1. Quicker Turnaround Times
You can expect a quicker turnaround time when working with a local printer. Why? Well, for one thing, shipping time is not factored into the equation so when your order is ready, you can simply pick it up. For another, online printers handle hundreds or thousands of orders each and every day. Your online request gets sent to a queue where it will remain until it gets picked up and done.
This wait can add several days to your order. In contrast, your local print company lives in your community and values each customer that comes in. As such, they have more of a vested interest in catering to your timeline, which translates to quicker turnarounds.
2. More Options
Local printers can fulfill customer demands more readily than a national online printer can. From print-on-demand to in-person graphic design assistance to ordering a specific paper stock that’s unique to your brand, local printers are more adept at filling personalized orders and accommodating individual needs. From creating templates to streamlining jobs, you’re more likely to get customized options that enhance business success.
3. More Attentive Customer Support
It can be frustrating and confusing to speak with someone over the phone, on email, or via a chat bot about your online order. But when you can visit your local printer, you can explain face to face what you want, offer examples, and ask for an explanation on your options. You can browse paper sample books to feel the weight of the stock, check out branded apparel samples by feeling the material quality, and check out how the colors you select will look on various options.
Local printers take the time to learn about your business goals, and over time will develop a rapport with the customer to ensure greater confidence in producing exceptional results.
4. No Shipping Fees
This is an obvious benefit. If your budget is tight, you can’t afford to add $25 or more to your order to get it delivered in a tight timeframe. Many times, online printing companies lure people in with the basic cost of their services, which do not include shipping prices. In turn, this can greatly impact your per-item cost.
Local printers often have convenient hours all week long where you can pick up your order. Some even offer local delivery for free if your order hits a certain price limit.
5. Easier Communication
Online printing companies print out your products exactly as you specify, and they do not check for technical errors. Think about the last time you ordered custom clothing or accessories online; you likely had to check a box saying you approve the text and image as is. Local printers, on the other hand, will reach out to you if they spot an obvious spelling or grammatical error just to make sure before printing.
In addition to reviewing your project, they can advise you on the ideal materials, file resolution, product size, margins, and more. It’s also easy to reach out to your local printer in person or on the phone if you have a last-minute request or change.
6. Long-Term Relationships
Local printers invest time and money in building long-term relationships with their customers. They put a lot of effort into getting to know you and your goals, and that trusted bond between the two can help you continually create impactful products. Local printers tend to network with other companies outside the printing business, providing local referrals for you to continue to grow and thrive.
7. Support Local Economy
One of the best reasons to choose a local printer over an online service is because it supports the local economy. Such businesses are owned by the people who live and work in your own community, making an imprint in that location that will hopefully last for generations. Keeping your money in the community helps to build and foster that community. Plus, local printers likely buy their products from other local companies, further cementing a stronger economic infrastructure.
Request a Quote From The Logo Store Today
With convenient locations in San Antonio and Austin, we welcome you to request a quote online and then come in to see us to make sure your product is created in line with your detailed vision. If you prefer, you can call us at (512) 505-8078 or drop in at one of our shops. Meanwhile, browse our website to get some ideas and meet the team that will be handling your order.
