Vista Print - Poor printing/poor customer service

[Former_Member]

Wanted to share a recent experience with Vista Print to perhaps save others from a similar headache.

I recently purchased Premium Business Cards from VP. When I received my cards the paper was flimsy and cheap and the printing quality poor (could see the pixelation). I immediately contacted VP's customer service via the website and was told that the paper is what they advertised (80lb cardstock); the rep said he did inspect my file and because it was high resolution that they would reprint. However, when I responded that the paper was not adequate for biz cards, I received no further feedback. I sent a second message through the website; no response. I tried calling but the customer phone number is only automated; you cannot reach a live person (ever). I ended up tweeting and did get a customer service rep to call me who was rude and did not offer to reprint. He only ended up refunding me the shipping (not the cost of the cards).

Note: I had the exact same cards printed at OvernightPrints and they turned out great (although I was less than pleased with OP's greeting card printing).

This was my first, and last time using Vista Print.

[Former_Member]

Sorry to hear about your experience, but thanks for the warning!!

I've been pretty disappointed using online printing for business cards (admittedly I've only tried once!) I had a similar problem with flimsy paper. I just assumed that if the company was using the paper for business cards that it would be Appropriate for business cards, ya know. I also didn't know anything about paper weight at the time.

Now I know, just like anything else you buy online, don't assume anything!!

Again, I'm sorry to hear about your bad cards/bad CS. I hope it works out better next time and thank you for the heads up on Vista Print!

[Former_Member]

I've had good experience with Vistaprint. When my coupons expired, I called Customer Service and they gave me the discount. I've had several business cards printed through them and used my own photos. I agree, they're not top of the line, but they're not charging top of the line prices.

[MrsPepper]

vistaprint sucks, try moo.com :-)

[Former_Member]

I have had good luck with them. The shiny paper is much nicer than the regular paper. I got some of the cheap cards with just my etsy site and shop name to leave around here and there. I keep my good cards for face to face or to include with orders. Can't beat free cards!

[HeidiMillustration]

i have been through Vista print and i was really disappointed i ordered postcards and they where so flimsy i could not sell them as i intended.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the info.

I was pondering having business cards from online services. I think I will stick with buying Avery laser-cut business card paper and print it using my own laser colour printer. It will turn out exactly as I know it's gonna get.

When I'll be rich (or somewhat rich) I'll ask a local printer to do very nice B cards.

[Former_Member]

moo.com is extrodinary in both quality and service. I once ordered a huge lot of minicards (what I use for biz cards) from them the day BEFORE a sale happened - so they sent me a coupon code for the same % off for my next purchase (that I used this very week!) - I LOVE their stuff, and even though it costs more than other places, I dare not try the cheaper route since now my expectations are so high :D

[PearlesPainting]

I have used Vistaprint for 4 years now and have never had a bad experience.
Sorry that you did.

[ConcertinaPress]

I offer nice thick artist business cards in my shop! I have a trade account with a printer so I can get lovely 16pt business cards (same thickness as moo cards) but for less money. The only drawback I can see is that you don't get the variety of photos that moo.com offers, but not a big deal if you don't have tons of photos of your work.

anyway sorry for the shameless self promotion - but I'm always happy to work one on one with people too, since that's what I do as a designer - something vista, moo or overnight prints can't offer

[Former_Member]

I am a printer by day, educational art designer by night. I'm so sorry to hear about your bad experience. Having not seen nor touched your cards, I cannot say whether or not they are of acceptable quality, however I can tell you that 80 lb. cardstock is what most people choose to have their bus cards printed on. Heavyweight paper is much nicer, though it is more expensive. If you ever need a question answered about printing, paper quality or artwork downloads, just send me a note and I'll help you out! I hope next time it's better!

Heather

[Former_Member]

I had nearly the same experience with Vista Print's "Premium Business Cards". They wre awful! The colours were very washed out, very pixelated, and awful quality.

I ordered premium cards from Overnight Prints and the cards were just wonderful!! Beautiful colours, excellent quality cardstock, beautiful glossy finish.

LOVE!

I will never order business cards from Vista again.

[Former_Member]

Sorry you had a bad experience with VP! I have used them for my business cards, banners, and other things and have had a pretty good experience with the turnout of the items I ordered. But- If I had a bad experience with my order and trying to get ahold of them, I wouldn't go back either :/

[IndigoPaisleyDesigns]

I have used VP twice, once got really flimsy paper(matt finish)'
but since they kept sending me emails with coupons I decided
to give them a try again(this time using glossy paper) and the cards
came out great. I had them print one of my artwork images and it came out
quite good! Will try Overnight or moo.com next time, just to compare.
devika

[Former_Member]

I ended up tweeting a complaint to VistaPrint and got a quick response asking for my VP acct#. I then received a call from a very rude customer service rep who offered no resolution to my complaint regarding flimsy paper for “premium” service as well as my complaint regarding the poor printing quality (pixilation and muddy colors). He basically told me in so many words, if I want better cards then order them again but select “glossy”. Basically, I will never use VP again. I don’t care to be treated like that and there are plenty of other businesses that will take my money and offer courteous service and quality printing.

@ConcertinaPress and @PopHeartPress –I will bookmark your shops and if I should decide to place another business card order soon I will consider your printing services.

Thank you to those who have recommended moo.com. I know they partner with etsy and perhaps that’s why. Will consider them as well.

[LittleGrayFox]

that's crazy! I love Moo cards but they are sure pricey!
I've never had an issue with vistaprint in the past and the cardstock used is perfectly firm
i tried overnight prints for postcards and found them to be pretty awful as far as quality of the image and their image upload online

moo is definitely the best that I've dealt with so far - great product and great service

[Former_Member]

Sorry to hear about your experience with vista print.

I have business cards from NextDayPrint.com and they are very nice. They are printed on a sturdy C2S cardstock, are doublesided and full color. They have an easy ordering system. I highly reccomend giving them a try.

Oh, and the best part is the price. $29! (If you buy 500, they give you 500 for free!)

[Former_Member]

That's so sucky, especially about their customer service! That's just NOT acceptable.
Not sure what happened with your file, but I get my cards printed with them and my image turned out great. Of course, not super quality since they're so cheap, but no noticeable pixelation and the colours were pretty accurate.

[Former_Member]

i find that vistaprint is ok if you use one of their stock business card templates, but uploading your own images can be a disaster. i use their template cause it fits my other etsy shop perfectly and i have never had a bad experience.

however, for my next set of business cards, i will be using an etsy designer (don't know who yet) just to help out another seller. it's good to be a part of this community!

[Former_Member]

I have to agree with your post 200%. I have ordered from VISTAPRINT a couple times and was extremely unhappy with the quality and false advertising - so called lost leader tactics. Sending mass amounts of emails offering "free" items - but when you go to checkout, the shipping is horrific.

I am a short run printer/Graphic Design company and have found a very reliable commercial printing company with wonderful prices, great quality, quick turnaround if anyone is interested. I would send the artwork to them (helping to design it, or using what you submit) and they print and drop ship to you. Been EXTREMELY happy and I am super OCD PICKY.

Feel free to contact me - can do anything from business cards, to banners, you name it - I can get it. Currently working on magnetic business cards.

Anyway - just thought I would share.

HUGE HUGS
Sherri
CEO/Graphic Designer
Designer Label Gal
etsy@designerlabelgal.com

[Former_Member]

Interesting and helpful to hear about your VistaPrint experience. I have been referred to them as a resource several times but have not ordered from them. I have ordered business cards from zazzle.com and was happy with the results. You can try them as well.

[Former_Member]

I use Vistaprint for cheap promo cards that can be handed out generously at shows and craft fairs. Thank you cards, too. For the price, they can't be beat.
Now for quality cards that I advertise my business, it's MOO all the way. Pricey, but totally worth it. Just know that you can't get MOO quality cards for Vistaprint prices.

[barnwood4u]

I've used them for 3 orders. Postcards,business cards and magnets. Magnets are a bit flimsy but inexpensive. My complaint about them is their shipping, very sloppy. Flimsy boxes, last order just kind of shoved in there.

[hautecards]

I will also go ahead and throw in my shameless promo LOL

I also do prints for business cards for Etsy shops, from custom design or if you just want to use your own artwork that's fine too. I can do postcards too, tags and I always use the thickest stock I've got 16pt. I can do matte or glossy for the same price, the matte being really silky smooth...

You can see the cards I've done for other Etsy shops in my FB page
Facebook.com/Hautecards

Thank you and Happy crafting!

ju

[Chymiera]

I have had no problem with vistaprints business cards, however on my last order i did order some of mugs with my (real ) company name on them, and the mugs were low quality- coffee stains stay in even when run through the dishwasher. Dont order the mugs!
;)