How do you evaluate a pro printing service?

[loeee]

I've never gone to a pro lab for prints. This one is local for me (so I can actually go there and talk to live people face-to-face) but I don't know how to evaluate their services and pricing. If anyone with experience would be willing to check their site and let me know your opinion I'd be grateful.
Specialty Color Services October Home Page

Thanks.

[Ellbee99]

Hi there,
They look ok. I'm not totally impressed with their website. Is there a particular reason why you need to go talk to them in person? An excellent consumer lab that prints about as well as most prolabs is Mpix.com - Home . I have been dealing with them for years for my personal stuff as well as some lower end client work. If I've ever not been thrilled they take care of it 100% of the time very quickly and courteously. Decent prices, fast shipping and I'd give them a 9.8 out of 10. I'd give them a try. And no I'm not affiliated with them in anyway. Sis uses them too.
Their prices look a lot more expensive than Mpix too. Also Mpix ships most orders in 24 or less and only $10.75 for overnight FedEx. For example I placed an order for 69 8x10's for senior preview book pages at about 1:30pm today...I got an email almost an hour ago telling me they had already shipped today. They also print up to 30x40 I believe...on canvas (stretcher board, mountboard or unmounted) metallic or regular e surface paper...b&w, sepia or color.

[loeee]

Thanks Lori. Mpix does look better on several levels. I like to give business to locals when they are competitive, but I just didn't have any way to judge whether they are competitive or not. Now that I have someone to compare them to, I'll probably go with Mpix. (If I ever should happen to shoot something worth printing)

[Ellbee99]

Originally Posted by loeee

Thanks Lori. Mpix does look better on several levels. I like to give business to locals when they are competitive, but I just didn't have any way to judge whether they are competitive or not. Now that I have someone to compare them to, I'll probably go with Mpix. (If I ever should happen to shoot something worth printing)

You're welcome! Now stop that! I've seen your images!! I'm sure you have A LOT of great ones to print!

I agree with ahopping local...after all I AM a small local business Sometimes in regards to labs it makes more sense to go other places. We had a couple experiences where bad local labs lost us a few VERY large jobs because of their incompetence. Just a thought.

[PrestonSmith]

I judge them by their color, prints, variety of products, turnaround, consistency, and prices. Have a look at www.whcc.com

[Ellbee99]

I guess I forgot to mention that the Pro lab we use is Miller's Miller's Professional Imaging they can not be beat for quality, consistency, amazing customer service and phenomenal turn around time. They however, have a waiting list to become one of their clients. Mpix is their consumer level company...