Selecting a printing service

[nvw]

Hello,

I would like to starting printing my photgraphs on something more than my HP Laserjet but I am not ready to purchase a printer, a better monitor and what appears to be a small investment in inks just yet. I prefer to work with someone local to Massachusetts, New Hampshire or southern Maine and am looking for a recommendation.

I have also seen a number printing services online. Can anyone offer an opinon on how good these online services are and what questions I should ask them?

Thank you,
Michael

[Ken Doo]

It really depends on the level of quality and the quality of media that you would like to use for your prints.

I work with a number of clients out of state. The internet and Fed Ex make for a great solution for printing your work just about anywhere. 

ken
www.carmelfineartprinting.com

[rdonson]

Michael, what kind of prints are you looking for?  What size?  What print surfaces, glossy, metal, lustre, fine art cotton rag paper, baryta, etc.  These will influence the choice. 

[nvw]

Thanks for the replies. I want to start simple, looking to experiment and learn. Then I will know what I want to do. I'd have to say glossy or cotton. Most of my prints will be B&W.

[howardm]

I live in Mass near Rt2 & 495.

PM me, perhaps I can help you out.

[jdoyle1713]

Ken

I cant believe I Just saw you say Fedex.. wow with all the great printers on this forum.. Fedex..

I cant Stop laughing..Michael Please dont Go to Fedex..If you need a List call My Office..I bet there are 50 In That radius
That are really well qualified and will produce wonderful images for you..

Cheers
Jim Doyle
Shades Of Paper
856-787-9200

[Ken Doo]

Jim, think a little bit about internet orders.  How do you deliver your products to clients out of state?

I don't do personal deliveries, at least not out of state.  Um, I use Fed Ex, you know, those little white trucks that zip around town all day delivering packages. Yeah, they deliver my prints in "stay-flat" envelopes, and sometimes tubes if the prints exceed 18x24. No, I don't use big brown because they just seem to damage too many fine art prints.  Really----do you seriously think anyone on this particular forum is going to suggest Fed Ex Office to do printing on a copy machine??   The OP was asking about ordering prints with an online printer.  Talk about trying to keep it in context. 

Thanks for the vote of confidence, Jim.  I still have your email trying to solicit from me how to earn more of my business.  Here's snippet: "I See you post on LuLu a lot..I am curious you have bought thiongs from us in the past.. Is There anyway I can earn more of your business?" (sic)   Um, yeah.  I think you just made that an easy decision.  I'll remember to remove Shades of Paper from my address book so you won't have to burden your shipping department.

Ken

www.carmelfineartprinting.com

[jdoyle1713]

ken

Read how you said It.. It Sure didnt say Ill Print it and ship it fedex..

It Sounded Like you said go to fedex.. ( They do have a print Service..Same at UPS )

Ken its ok There are over 300 US re-sellers of paper of all types and as i look at your account here at Shades you made that decision to use someone different a long time ago..

Cheers
Jim

Shades Of Paper

[Ken Doo]

....

Ken its ok There are over 300 US re-sellers of paper of all types and as i look at your account here at Shades you made that decision to use someone different a long time ago..

Cheers
Jim

Shades Of Paper

You've just confirmed that I made the right decision not to buy from you as one of those 300+ US re-sellers of print media.

Thanks for caring.   

We definitely have different business philosophies.

ken

[jdoyle1713]

Ken

I am Not Getting into this with You any longer..



Good Luck..

Cheers
Jim
Shades Of Paper

[Jager]

I'm pretty sure most of us knew what Ken was saying.

It is kind of funny that there could be even the notion of using a xerox-copy-machine to make prints!

[nvw]

This is silly. I knew what Ken was saying as did (almost) everyone else.

I spoke to Ken last week. Really nice guy, very patient with my questions and very clear with his answers. He was extremely helpful in letting me know the things I need to consider for printing and when I am ready to print, I'd have no problem working with him from 2000 miles away via Fedex, UPS or Pony Express.

Lets consider this post closed.