What is the difference between a local printer and an online printer?
A local printer is a printing company with a physical production or collection location within your area. You may be able to communicate directly with the team producing the work, arrange local collection or use a local delivery service.
An online printer is generally built around placing orders through a website. You select a product and specification, upload the artwork, pay online and receive the completed order by delivery.
However, the distinction isn’t absolute. Many local commercial printers accept orders and artwork electronically, while online printers may also provide telephone or email support.
Using a local printer doesn’t necessarily mean walking into a shop to place your order.
When does an online printer make sense?
An online printer can be a good option when the job is straightforward and you already know the specification you need.
For example, online ordering can work particularly well when:
- you know the exact product and specification required;
- your artwork is already correctly prepared;
- the required size and material are standard options;
- you don’t need the printing urgently;
- delivery fits comfortably within your deadline;
- you don’t need to discuss unusual production requirements.
The ability to choose a specification, upload artwork and order at any time can make online printing very convenient for routine jobs.
When does a local printer make more sense?
A local printer can become particularly useful when the job is time-sensitive, less straightforward or needs to be collected.
You might prefer a local commercial printer when:
- you need the printing quickly;
- you want to collect the completed order;
- your specification doesn’t fit standard online options;
- you’re unsure which material is appropriate;
- you want to explain how the finished item will be used;
- the deadline is fixed and needs to be discussed before ordering;
- you have several different printed items for the same project or event.
Being able to communicate the complete requirement can be especially valuable when there are several variables involved.
Local printer vs online printer: quick comparison
Consideration
Local printer
Online printer
Standard print jobs
Usually suitable
Often very convenient
Urgent deadlines
Can be useful where express production is offered
Depends on production and delivery time
Collection
Often available
Often delivery-focused
Custom requirements
Can often be discussed directly
May depend on available online options
Ordering outside opening hours
Online enquiries or ordering may be available
Usually a core part of the service
Nationwide delivery
May be available
Commonly available
These are general differences rather than fixed rules. Some local printers have sophisticated online ordering systems and nationwide delivery, while some online printers provide bespoke quotations and direct support.
Is a local printer faster than an online printer?
Not automatically.
The actual turnaround depends on the printer’s production schedule, the product and your specification.
The advantage of using a nearby printer for urgent work is the possibility of removing or reducing the delivery stage. If the printer can produce the job that day and allows collection, you may be able to collect it as soon as production is complete.
An online printer may also offer fast production, but you need to consider both production time and delivery time when working backwards from your deadline.
Always check the actual completion or delivery date rather than assuming that “express” means the same thing at every printing company.
What if I need printing today?
This is one situation where location can become particularly important.
If you need a professional print job today, look for a commercial printer that specifically offers same-day production and check its order cut-off before submitting anything.
You’ll usually have the best chance of meeting an urgent deadline if you can provide the complete specification, print-ready artwork and payment as early as possible.
Printpal London offers same-day printing in London on many commercial print products, subject to specification and production capacity. Our usual same-day order cut-off is 14:00 Monday to Friday.
Eligible same-day orders are generally available for collection from our Finchley studio between 17:00 and 18:00. Same-day London courier delivery is generally available between 18:00 and 22:00.
Is an online printer cheaper than a local printer?
Sometimes, but not always.
Printing prices depend on far more than whether the company operates locally or online. Quantity, material, finished size, printing process, finishing, turnaround and delivery can all affect the final cost.
Large online printing companies can be particularly competitive on standardised products and quantities because their ordering and production processes are designed around repeatable specifications.
A local printer may be more competitive on a different type of job, particularly where collection avoids delivery charges or where a custom requirement would otherwise need to fit a predetermined online specification.
When comparing quotations, make sure you’re comparing the same finished size, material, quantity, printed sides, finishing, turnaround and delivery requirements.
Which is better for custom printing requirements?
If your job doesn’t fit neatly into standard options, discussing it with a commercial printer can be useful.
You might have an unusual finished size, need several related items, be unsure which material to choose or have a specific deadline that changes how the job needs to be produced.
That doesn’t mean an online printer can’t handle custom work. Many provide bespoke quotation services. The important question is whether there’s a straightforward way to explain the requirement before committing to the order.
What about artwork problems?
Regardless of whether you order locally or online, supplying suitable artwork is important.
Automated online ordering systems can be efficient when your file is already correctly prepared. If something is unusual about the artwork or specification, however, you may prefer to discuss it with the printer before production.
A printer may check certain technical aspects of an artwork file, depending on its workflow, but this shouldn’t be confused with proofreading or design approval.
You remain responsible for checking the content of your artwork, including spelling, dates, contact information and other important details.
Does using a local printer mean I have to visit?
No.
A local printer can still operate digitally.
You may be able to send your requirements and artwork electronically, arrange the order remotely and only visit when the finished printing is ready for collection. Delivery may also be available.
This gives you some of the convenience associated with online printing while retaining the option of local collection.
If you’re currently looking for a nearby supplier, our guide to choosing a print shop near you explains what to check before placing an order.
Which option is better for repeat printing?
Both local and online printers can be suitable for repeat orders.
What’s more important is keeping an accurate record of the previous specification. If you want another order produced in the same way, provide the previous order details where possible rather than relying on a description from memory.
It’s also sensible to retain the final artwork file used for production.
Bear in mind that printed colour can vary between production processes, materials and print runs. Neither a local nor an online printer should be chosen on the assumption that a colour displayed on an RGB screen will reproduce exactly in print.
Should businesses use a local commercial printer?
For many businesses, having access to a suitable local commercial printer can be useful even if most orders aren’t urgent.
There may be occasions when an event date changes, stock runs out unexpectedly or printed material is needed sooner than originally planned. Knowing where the printing is being produced and whether collection is possible gives you another option when deadlines become tighter.
For routine jobs with plenty of time, an online service may be equally suitable.
Businesses don’t necessarily have to choose one model exclusively. The sensible approach is to use the supplier best suited to each type of job.
How do I find a suitable local printer?
Start by checking what the printer actually produces rather than choosing solely according to distance.
Look at the available printing services, materials, turnaround options, artwork requirements, collection arrangements and delivery services.
It’s also important to establish whether you need a basic document service or professional commercial printing. We’ve explained the distinction in our guide to print shops vs copy shops.
If you’re unsure what type of printing provider you need at all, start with our guide explaining where you can print near you.
Local commercial printing in London
Printpal London is a commercial printer based in Finchley, North London, producing professional print for businesses, organisations, events and individuals.
Customers can send their specification and artwork to us electronically before production, so there’s no need to visit simply to submit a file.
Once completed, orders can be collected from our North London studio or delivered. Standard delivery is available, alongside same-day London collection and courier options for eligible urgent orders.
We’re primarily a commercial printer rather than a traditional copy shop and don’t offer photocopying, scanning or self-service printing.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to use a local printer or an online printer?
It depends on the job. An online printer can be convenient for straightforward specifications with flexible deadlines. A local printer can be particularly useful when you need collection, have an urgent deadline or want to discuss a less standard requirement.
Are local printers more expensive?
Not necessarily. Prices depend on the product, quantity, material, finishing and turnaround. Online printers can be very competitive for standardised orders, while local printers may be competitive for other specifications. Compare equivalent quotations rather than assuming one model is always cheaper.
Can I order from a local printer online?
Often, yes. Many local commercial printers accept specifications and artwork electronically, even if they don’t operate like a conventional online shopping website.
Can I collect from an online printer?
That depends on the company. Some online printing businesses have collection locations, while others operate on a delivery-only basis. Check before placing the order if collection is important.
Which is better for urgent printing?
Look for a printer that specifically offers the turnaround you need. A local same-day printer can be useful because collection may remove the need to wait for delivery, but availability still depends on the specification and production capacity.
Should I use a local printer for a custom job?
A local commercial printer can be useful when you need to discuss a custom specification, but many online printers also accept bespoke enquiries. Choose a provider that can confirm the exact requirements before production.
Local printer vs online printer: which should you choose?
Choose according to the job rather than assuming one type of printer is always better.
If you have a standard specification, print-ready artwork and a flexible deadline, an online printer can be a convenient option. If the order is urgent, you want to collect locally or the specification needs discussion, a local commercial printer may be more suitable.
For important print jobs, compare the complete specification, turnaround and method of receiving the finished order. Those factors usually matter more than whether the printer describes itself as local or online.
