Commercial Printing? - STX

Caribbean Printing
ABS
Discount Printing

Thanks for the recommendations. I called everyone on the island. Prices ranged from 300 to 400-percent higher than Vistaprint, including shipping.

You might also try Overnight Prints as an alternative to VistaPrints.

I found them to be similarly priced but with considerably better quality. When we were living/working in the islands I used them exclusively for our cards, postcards, fliers, etc.

Business cards are not a money maker for most printers. And all goods made here are more expensive because of shipping costs and electricity. However, ...if you're going to be doing a lot of printing, will need special services or graphic help, or need a favor to get something done fast, then you'll be glad you established a relationship with a local printer. Local printers also pump money into the local economy, which needs all the help it can get.

Neil, I get it. I have established relationships with a number of local businesses that are vital to my business and I will reach out to local printers first for future projects.

But, why do you think Vistaprint's prices are so cheap for business cards? Because business cards are the first thing a new business needs. I am cool with island prices. But when the premium goes to 300 to 400 percent, that's a bit off base. Someone told me the other day that Caribbean matches Vistaprint's prices, but not on business cards. If so, great. I'll use him for everything else. I know that he is also philanthropic, which counts for a lot in my book.

Thanks for the rec, Count, will check them out, as well.

jb

Vistaprint is like a lot of other businesses....working on slim margins and depending on high volume. Like you, I have to make decisions about when to buy local and when to save money, but when I can, I go with Caribbean Printing for the reasons you stated, and plus, I know I can count on great work and service.

jb- Just be careful with Vistaprint. Customs likes to sometimes hold up their packages. A few years ago, we had biz cards take 6 weeks to get here from them. Others have reported ok timing, but just be careful.

Our biz cards took over 4 weeks from Vistaprint. Most of their printing locations are outside of the US, hence the customs holdup, I guess.

Our biz cards took over 4 weeks from Vistaprint. Most of their printing locations are outside of the US, hence the customs holdup, I guess.

Concur on that. I ordered biz cards from Vistaprint a couple of years ago, and it took MONTHS for them to arrive on STX. They were being printed somewhere in Europe and took forever to get here via mail. Was VERY happy with the quality once I got them, but you should definitely plan ahead with those guys.

Yikes! Thanks for the warning, everyone. Their own site says 14 days. Wish I would have known and would have had them sent to VI Cargo. Oh well. For the relative cost, it was worth taking a chance.