VistaPrint: Online Printing With Paper
This is the second review in our series of printing applications. For an introduction to this category please check out: Printing Online: Customizing Merchandise With Web 2.0.
While admittedly weak on apparel and skateboards (they don’t offer any), VistaPrint is a capable printer for stationary and paper goods, allowing users to use existing templates, use downloadable templates, or use VistaPrint’s design tools to create customized products on the spot. Users may be put off initially by the site that appears too promotional (like a Sunday coupon sheet), but VistaPrint offers affordable printing from the comfort of the web.
The strength of VistaPrint is in its flexibility; not only can you choose between products, but there are several models (several models of self inking stamps, for example) available. A wide range of paper products for business (brochures, business cards, magnets, posters, and the like) or for individual needs (cards, thank you notes, and calendars) are offered with sizing and quantity options. With all options users can use VistaPrint’s design tool to upload their own image, scale and form text (front and back). For users with a graphic background, VistaPrint offers even more possibilities. Unlike some print on demand applications, VistaPrint accepts all major graphic platforms, including vector based programs such as Adobe Illustrator.
To sweeten the deal, VistaPrint will offer promotional deals such as free business cards, but the downside is that VistaPrint doesn’t have a marketplace - once you’ve placed your order, it’s your job to promote and sell your items. Where some programs will have forums and a place to show your wares, VistaPrint is largely a vendor, offering straightforward printing with no extras. Users who don’t have the time to design their customized merchandise can also take advantage of VistaPrint’s copywriting and design services.
For users looking for value and options in paper printing VistaPrint is a resource that is as complex as the user would like - upload or create on the spot, in any quantity. To find VistaPrint or applications like it there is the Listio search: customize+merchandise.
Previously in this series: Zazzle: Personalizing Merchandise For Fun and Profit
Next in this series: SpreadShirt: Customized Printing For Apparel
Application: VistaPrintListio Profile: http://www.listio.com/web20/app/VistaPrint/
Website: http://www.vistaprint.com
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Tags: create, customize, design, print
Posted in: Printing | Respond
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October 30th, 2008 at 6:48 am
I used vista print to print some business cards recently. I’ve been highly disappointed. The quality of printing is not up to par. I got the basic business card first. The quality of paper is not even remotely close to business card stock. My brochures that I ordered were pixedlated and not cropped as the vistaprint application indicated they would be. I called back and complained. They issued me a credit and I reordered, making some changes, upgrading the paperstock for the business cards and changing the images for the brochure (invested some more money) and I’m STILL disappointed. The printing on the business card is pixelated and unclear. They do not look professional. I suggest you take your printing needs elsewhere.