LabPrints, ROES, etc. questions

[rossbilly]

I've been shopping around for printing services, seeing who offers exactly the products / sizes / prices / qualities I like.

Unfortunately, it seems not every company offers an easy method of ordering (ie - some are more user friendly than others). Recent attempts to deal with software programs like ROES, LabPrints, etc. are getting frustrating.

I wanted to give H&H Color Labs a try, especially after receiving their paper samples (lots of options, beautiful prints). However, after spending 3 hours trying to sort WHICH software to use, downloading & trying several, AND calling on the phone... The 'new accounts specialist' helped to walk me through, but it just felt like having to jump through hoops to place a damned order!

There where a TON of little frustrations that made this whole thing annoying, but one example was in trying to order a 24x36 print: "You have to pay for a larger print, the 30x40, and then specify that the original image is NOT to be enlarged OR cropped, but for them to cut away the excess paper" Hmmm - I wonder if they at least send me the huge pile of paper they cut off... THAT I PAID FOR!

Can someone give me some insight into the whole LabPrints / ROES ordering system (used by a LOT of companies, not just H&H), and maybe even explain why on earth I'd use them instead of MPIX / EzPrints / Adorama / etc?

[blumesan]

I use WHCC and their ROES system. Very straightforward and no problems; also great quality.

To answer your last question: Give them all a try and pick the one that gives you the best quality with the least hassle.

[Mark McCall]

I use WHCC, and use LabPrints for all ordering except press products that must be ordered through ROES.
It's as simple as you get...what type of problems are you having?

[rossbilly]

(thank you both for your responses, gentlemen...)

I think in all fairness, I must disclose that the H&H rep. stated they will be releasing MUCH improved software in early '08. That said...

The entire system was very UN-intuitive. From no explanations as to which product/software to use for which purpose (there were at least FIVE!), to not having correct pricing (literally required a calculator and 8 pages of a PDF file), to unavailable print sizes. Also, the welcome package included a bunch of paper forms & bar coded stickers, when I have NO intention of physically mailing anything to a printing company. There is even a 'rule' that one must mail a CD of images for test printing, should I choose to NOT pay for them to auto-edit my images...

I truly HATE to bad-mouth this company, especially since I have NOT given the entire process a try. Hopefully, some of the great and friendly people here can offer words of advice, or your opinions of H&H.

I've already signed up with WHCC and plan to try them soon as well.

[jfrancho]

Let me get this straight. You don't want them to verify that you'll get what think your getting, color wise, and they offer you many different options of how to make your order, and carry a wide range of products, and you think this a bad deal? I'm a little baffled here. Anyway, I just placed three orders with WHCC using ROES, and it took me about a half hour. That's 136 prints and a proof book. BTW, WHCC will have you go through a similar test print process.

[rossbilly]

Think that's confusing? The other day, a model advised me on marketing matters... and she was RIGHT! actually, her most prolific statement was that "If you want people to buy your product or services, make it as EASY as possible. If not, they WILL go elsewhere!"

H&H has NOT made it easy.

Was that a little more succinct? (sorry - i DO get long-winded!)


ALL of you have stated your use of WHCC... i was not talking about them. if you were making a recommendation, then i thank you.

[jfrancho]

I guess I am making the recommendation . But, they use the same software, though I like both ROES and Labprints much better than the usual web forms. Maybe the process is different, and availability is better with WHCC? At any rate, their prints are awesome, and customer service, either by phone or email is very personal - no automated form emails. Ellie is usually the person that I talk to.

[TonyK]

WHCC has every new account do a test run to be sure what they see on the screen when ordering is what is received. It allows the photographer to calibrate their system to WHCC.

Having used WHCC off and on for several years and having used both their FTP method (best avoided if possible) and their ROES I would use ROES every time.

The comment about the 30"x40" is the same thing for our local Wolfe store. Its because that is the paper size. They don't stock a 24"x36" paper. If the image is meant to be framed, just center your 24"x36" image on a 30"x40" canvas. Makes matting and framing a little easier IMHO.

What is the issue in doing a test run? With WHCC, if memory serves me correctly, I just FTP'd the image to them using the old FTP process. Now there was a confusing process. Having to FTP the images to a special folder AND then going online to complete an order form. Took 1 or 2 times through before I felt comfortable.

Good luck with your choice.