Printonline.co.nz Pros & Cons

Alright, let’s break down the good bits and where there might be some room for improvement with Printonline.co.nz. Every service has its strengths and weaknesses, and understanding them is key to deciding if it’s the right fit for your needs.

The Upsides (Pros)

Printonline.co.nz packs a solid punch with several key advantages that make it a compelling choice for printing needs in New Zealand.

• Exceptional Value for Money:
  • Low Cost Per Page: Starting from just 9 cents for A4 black & white, their pricing is incredibly competitive, especially when compared to the actual cost of printing at home (ink, paper, printer wear and tear). One user mentioned printing 1000 pages for less than $60, including delivery, which is hard to beat.
  • Cost-Effective for Bulk: The more you print, the more cost-effective it becomes, making it ideal for students, small businesses, or anyone with large document printing needs.
• Blazing Fast Turnaround:
  • Overnight Delivery: This is arguably their biggest selling point. Place an order by 2 PM, and often, you’ll have it the next working day. This is a lifesaver for deadlines and urgent projects. This speed is a significant competitive advantage over traditional print shops or even self-printing when time is tight.
  • Efficient Workflow: The three-step ordering process contributes to this speed, ensuring minimal friction from order placement to dispatch.
• Environmental Responsibility:
  • Sustainable Practices: Their commitment to using paper from sustainably managed forests and highlighting the efficiency of their commercial toner cartridges (saving hundreds of ink cartridges from landfill) is a strong positive. It resonates with customers who are conscious about their ecological impact.
  • Reduced Waste: By centralising printing, they help reduce the environmental footprint associated with individual home printers and their consumables.
• User-Friendly Experience:
  • Intuitive Website: The site is clean, easy to navigate, and the ordering process is very straightforward. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get your prints ordered.
  • Clear Pricing: No hidden fees or complex pricing structures. What you see on the homepage is generally what you get.
• Confidentiality and Professionalism:
  • They explicitly state that they handle each print job with 100% confidentiality and do not share user data with insecure platforms. This is crucial for sensitive documents like legal papers or business reports.
• New Zealand Owned and Operated: Being 100% NZ owned and operated often translates to better local support and understanding of the local market’s needs.

The Downsides (Cons)

While Printonline.co.nz has a lot going for it, there are a few areas that might be less ideal for some users.

• Limited Customisation for Paper Stock/Finishing:
  • While they mention printing on paper stock from 80gsm to 300gsm and offer basic finishing like folding and binding, the online interface doesn’t immediately provide granular control over these options. Users might need to contact customer service for specific paper types or advanced finishing. This could be a hurdle for designers or those needing very particular specifications beyond standard documents.
• No In-Person Service:
  • As an online-only service, there’s no physical storefront to visit. This means no in-person consultations, proofing, or immediate pick-up. For some, the ability to walk into a print shop and discuss their project directly, or collect prints instantly, is a preference or necessity.
• Rural Delivery Exceptions:
  • While they offer NZ-wide delivery, rural areas are explicitly excluded from the overnight guarantee. This is standard for most couriers, but it’s still a “con” for customers in remote locations who might experience longer wait times.
• Reliance on Online File Uploads:
  • The entire process hinges on users accurately uploading their print-ready files. If a file isn’t formatted correctly, or if there are issues with resolution or margins, the onus is largely on the customer to fix it before uploading, potentially leading to delays or unsatisfactory results if not managed properly. There isn’t an obvious online proofing tool before ordering.
• No Obvious Live Chat Support:
  • While they offer email and phone contact, a live chat option during business hours would significantly enhance immediate customer support, especially for quick queries about an order or file upload.