AlphaGraphics South College Road - Why use a local printers instead of online?

Everyone shops prices.  No big deal!! Businesses would be crazy not to, especially in this economy. But buyer beware, especially if you are pricing a project that requires something printed that needs to be shipped.  Although the coupon on line may say
"Get 1000 business cards for $14.99" there are usually always hidden fees that you might not see until checkout or you get your credit card statement.  AlphaGraphics in Wilmington lets the customer know the cost of their project before we produce it.
Things to watch for:
1.  Set up fees.  Unless you are getting blank paper or envelopes, there is normally an art or set up fee.  Most places charge between $40 and $50 and it is normally put in small print so a customer might not notice it.
2.  Shipping. Unless you see a banner or note on the webpage or coupon that says "Shipping free" without an asterisk, there is going to be a shipping charge.
3.  Turn time.  A lot of online print companies will boast low prices and maybe free shipping, but those low prices may only be for orders that don't have a time limit. If you need something rushed or delivered within a certain time, chances are your price is going to increase. Example:  We had a client that ordered business cards from an online source. He got a fantastic price and shipping was free, but it took four weeks before the cards ever arrived.
4. Quality: If you really don't care about the how your product being produced feels and looks and you want the cheapest thing possible, online buying maybe the best way to go, but if you want product that is going to hold up, look professional, and appear as it did in the proof you saw online, you need to call AlphaGraphics at 910-791-9767.  Many times cheap online printing sources use the cheapest materials possible, (hence, that is how they make money).
5. Customer Service.  How many times have you ordered something online and the product you receive is not what you thought your ordered? Now what?  Online you can send them an email but who knows when you might get a response?  You might have an 800 number to call, but usually you get voice mail or an automated operator that has you press twenty different numbers until you get voice mail. Then what?
If something is misspelled or the colors you thought you were getting don't look anything like what you are holding in your hands, you might be stuck. A lot of online companies make you check a box that says you approve what you are sending. Be aware!
At AlphaGraphics on South College Road, we want our customers to get the best quality for the best price when they need it.