Discussion

By Nikki Calhoun on May 06, 2022

I agree the small print shops have been decreasing for quite some time. Covid help with this decrease as the small printers just couldn’t survive it.
I own and operate Printers Repair Parts located in Melrose Park IL, we manufacture and supply replacement parts and rubber rollers for the offset printing printing industry. We have experienced this decrease first hand and are keeping these presses running.

By Al Karnavicius on May 06, 2022

Frank is on-target in describing the evolution/demise of the quick printing industry. The biggest problem with the survival of quick printers was the unwillingness or inability to accept change and adapt to it. To Pivot. When the recession hit the business world very hard in 2008-2010, quick printers began to evaporate as an industry segment. Many of those who survived hunkered down waiting for the storm to pass, assuming (hoping and praying) that when the recession was over, all would be well again. While the business environment, in general, did rebound and began to flourish once again, quick printing did not come back with it. That caused an even bigger "hit" to that industry segment, and it continues today. Those of us who were able to change and adapt (pivot!) are still here (40 years this year!). Sadly, many others are not.

By Jim Hamilton on May 06, 2022

I am lucky to have an independent print, mail, and office supply center in my town. They are flourishing by providing a range of cost-effective services and knowledgeable staff. They don't have any web-to-print capability (which surprised me at first) but their customer set doesn't require it. They are able to provide a quote quickly either at the counter or by e-mail, and their turnaround time is generally not longer than a day (often just hours) even for more complicated jobs. They are certainly an exception to the rule, but I prefer their services to just about anything online except for business cards. The online providers practically give those away to gain new customers.

By Allen McLean on May 06, 2022

Unfortunately, in my view, the franchise printers continue to pay their fees with little return. As a group, franchise printers are no longer receiving the leadership or support they once did from their franchisors. To be fair, it appears these franchisors really don’t know what to do to combat the online printers. Some franchisors have simply moved into other arenas to sell their services and/or are recommending their franchisees adopt new services (signs). The advantages of being a franchise printer are gone.