Traditional Printers in the Digital Age: Local vs Online Printers

The world we live in has become dominated by digital technology. Electronic documents and paperless workflows have made us more organised and efficient, and we’re arguably more connected than ever before. As a traditional printer, Swallowtail Print has evolved to remain relevant and competitive in this space.

Businesses, retailers, charities, educational institutions, and individuals all still rely on printed documents for a multitude of reasons. Business cards are still exchanged; leaflets are distributed to promote openings or offers; reports are shared to demonstrate impact and generate support; millions of books are bought in the UK every year. But now, those people have a greater choice of who to place their print orders with – an online printer, or a local company?

Online printers

Convenience and accessibility

One of the most significant advantages of online printers is convenience. With just a few clicks, you can set your print specifications, choose your quantity, upload your artwork, review a proof and place your order – any time of the day or night.

Cost-effectiveness

Many online printers offer competitive pricing, as their overhead costs are lower without the need for a physical storefront. This can often mean that some processes are outsourced to other providers, rather than carried out by the printer themselves, but the cost saving is passed on to their customers.

A specialised range of services

Online printers typically offer a streamlined choice of materials – typically a few options of silk and uncoated papers that you select from a dropdown. This allows them to purchase materials in huge volumes, which helps to keep their costs low. It does mean you have less choice for your project, but for products like basic flyers or stapled booklets they can be a really suitable choice.

Local Printers

Personalised service

Local printers offer a level of customer service that online printers cannot match. By working directly with a local printer like Swallowtail Print, customers can discuss their specific needs, receive expert advice, and build a relationship with us. This personal approach can be especially valuable for complex projects that require collaborative conversations, to gain a close understanding of your vision.

Supporting local business

We have invested heavily in our print plant technology and our fantastic team. By using a local printer, you are supporting the local economy by keeping business within the community. Local printers also eliminate the need for long-distance shipping, reducing the carbon footprint of your printing.

A broad range of printed products

We offer a large and diverse range of paper stocks ideal for brochures, promotional leaflets and mailers, magazines, postcards and product packaging. Our ranges include FSC approved and carbon balanced papers, where the carbon is offset at no extra cost to you.

Our product offering is equally broad. In addition to the core range of printed products, we can create custom cutters for display boxes and cartons, table tent cards, capacity folders, stickers and much more.

We're nearby

For urgent printing needs, local printers really come into their own. If your job needs a printed proof to be approved, we can get it to you as soon as it's printed, without the wait for postage, and talk through any queries you have in person. This speed can be crucial to help you keep control over projects with tight deadlines.

So, in conclusion

We appreciate that for smaller volume, straightforward orders, online printers might be the best option. However, for complex, customised projects that require meticulous attention to detail, our personalised service and hands-on approach will be invaluable. We offer a comprehensive choice of paper stock and can offer expert advice to help you with selecting appropriate materials and finishes for your order. We also offer a variety of eco-friendly options, such as recycled paper and sustainable inks, to help your organisation meet its carbon reduction goals.

We pride ourselves on providing high-quality services for competitive costs, to ensure we offer the best possible value to our customers and represent a great alternative to online printers.

If you are looking for a local printer, give our sales team a call on 01603 868862, we will be happy to discuss your requirements.