We all want to make intelligent business decisions and get the most bang for our buck when it comes to our marketing collateral. So, it’s no surprise we get these questions. What makes Shamrock and quick-print retailers different? Am I better off going with an online print warehouse for my print materials? What’s the best value for my business?
The answer lies in first seeking to understand the whole picture. This blog explains the answers to these questions and more, providing an overview and comparison of Shamrock vs. online quick-print retailers.
Shamrock vs. Web-Based Print Retailers: Which Is Best for Your Brand?
Where online print warehouses are the Walmart of printing, Shamrock is more like a Nordstrom experience. In other words, the difference is like comparing a big box store to the personal customer service and quality you get from a premium resource.
If you know exactly what you need, you can order, for example, direct mail postcards from an online quick printer.
But what if there’s a better solution?
What if a stock postcard isn’t your best option at all?
That’s the main difference between Shamrock and online print resources. Shamrock isn’t a self-serve website. Instead, we’re personal advisors who get to know you and your business and help you make the best decisions for your brand marketing spend based on your specific needs and goals.
Shamrock vs. Online Print Warehouses: A Project Example
Using the same postcard project scenario: Let’s say a postcard is definitely the right solution to meet your needs. You can quickly and easily design, print, and mail your postcards using Shamrock or an online retailer.
But what if your database is outdated and needs to be cleaned up? Could you save money by sending it at a marketing rate vs. first class? What if, based on your goals, adding a QR code and a landing page could help you capture the essential customer data you need?
These are the next-level questions that first lead to discovery and then custom solutions. At Shamrock, our business is based on relationships. We get to know you and understand your needs based on your goals. Then, drawing from our understanding of your brand, industry knowledge, and deep supplier partner resources, we help you find a better way. Sometimes those answers lie in print, while others might be a digital element or specialty packaging component that enables you to achieve your goals.
Do Shamrock and Online Printers Offer the Same Services?
While we do overlap in some of our product and service offerings, Shamrock’s discovery-based, full-service marketing solutions are where Shamrock is truly different—and where we add value: We are unique in the industry in that we are experts in print with more than 40 years of experience and a nationwide network of supplier partners. But what’s more, we also offer a full suite of marketing services, including digital engagement, custom graphic design and packaging, fulfillment and distribution, technology and reporting, turnkey company e-store solutions, and more.
Because the scope of our service offerings doesn’t limit us, we’re more flexible to meet your evolving needs and offer suggestions that may save you time and money while making the impact you’re looking for.
Who Offers Lower Prices: Shamrock or Online Print Warehouses?
Shamrock offers competitive pricing based on the depth and breadth of our national supply chain network partners and our volume-driven purchasing power. As a result, sometimes we are less expensive than online sources; other times, they are the cheaper option.
The main difference is that we manage everything from print and digital to warehousing and distribution—a personal, full-service approach that provides greater value for you and your business now and over time.
A Final Thought About Shamrock vs. Online Quick Printers.
Based on my experience, I believe there’s value and power in balance. The truth is, I shop at both Walmart and Nordstrom. But when it comes to certain items, you can bet I’m going with the higher-end quality and service I get at Nordstrom. Again, it’s about making the best choice for my exact need.
So, sometimes a quick printer might be what you want. But a full-service partner who gets you and your brand is what you really need. The choice is yours. Good luck!
