PDF or other file types: The user may have these already from a third party source or the user's Microsoft Windows application may be able to export the document in PDF. For applications that do not offer PDF support it is possible to install a PDF driver on the user's machine enabling "printing" to a PDF file instead of a local printer. Once a user has a PDF this can be uploaded to our site. For selected file formats it is also possible to upload the original file and we will convert this to a PDF.
Templates: Users can use our available templates to create documents online. For example, they can upload their logo and create a personalised business card or upload 12 images and create their own calendars. These are then exported into a PDF file which is added to the user's library. It's even possible for users to create their own templates to use on our site!
Online libraries: Users can also use their online document repositories, such as Dropbox or potentially import files from other sources!
API: Third-party applications can also post their PDFs to our web services API, adding a differentiating function to their offering, i.e. the ability to print directly to a professional engine. For example, a company can regularly submit mailers to be printed and sent directly to their customers.
Setting up a document and pricing it without imposing major restriction to what can be imposed and without requiring a manual for the user is still a major challenge. This is why we have gone to great length to simplify this process as much as possible. The user is asked 3 simple questions related to the preferred print options, namely will the document be printed in colour or black/white, what is the preferred paper type and which imposition should be used (e.g. simplex, duplex, folded, spiral bound etc). The system will only present the appropriate print options for the document which simplifies the print setup even more.
Once a document is in the library it is automatically priced. The user then adds the document in the shopping cart and sets the required quantity. Customers may be used to receiving a "proof" before committing to a full run. This is because most litho runs need to print, many hundreds of documents and mistakes can be costly. All our customers enjoy the benefit of being able to print a single copy of their documents without having to go through a lengthy contract agreement and setup process. This saves significant time.
In the following step, the user is asked for a delivery address. Depending on the destination country and the account settings, one or more printers are listed alongside the print and delivery cost. Printers' ratings based on past orders are also available for users to review. The user then selects their preferred printer and fulfilment option and proceeds to payment. If they have an account with us they simply submit their order. Otherwise, they are asked to pay by credit card or PayPal. Once the order is complete it is dispatched to the customer, typically in 24 hours. Upon receipt of the order, users can leave their feedback.
We are always looking for people who are passionate about quality and customer service to join our print network. For more information please visit our dedicated web-to-print website.