Vista Print - Poor printing/poor customer service

[#1]

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]

I love, LOVE moo cards - the business cards, mini cards, stickers; all of it. It's so easy to upload images of your shop, or just customize it how you want the cards. I love that! And they look awesome!

My roommate uses Vista Cards and has had some trouble, but for the most part, is happy with them. However, she pays for all the upgrades; glossy cards, quick shipping, everything. It ends up being quite expensive when it's all figured out. She also had them design a logo for her, which I think is crap and it cost a lot. (She's not an Etsy seller, but a travel advisor.)

If anyone wants a Moo discount code for a first time order, convo me with the subject heading "MOO." Just had to add that pitch in there!

- Rachelle

[Former_Member]

mmm, it is sad to hear that. I usually work with Vistaprint and my experience is that their customer service is more than excellent. They have helped me several times with my designs and pixelation etc, it was them who contacted me themselves. Right now I am waiting for a new order and well, I hope everything will be fine.
I will let youknow!
This is my experience with this company and I think it is fair to tell it.
Have a nice day!
=)

[TheCatBall]

Pixellation is typically due to limitations with the original art file, and not the printer's fault.

[Former_Member]

I ordered my business cards from Vista as well and was quite pleased with the result as well as customers commenting how nice they looked. I used one of their templates and not one of my own pictures however and perhaps that made a difference.
Thanks for the heads up and creating this thread otherwise I would not have known it's a problem.
Terri B.

[june2six]

Thanks guys for suggesting moo.com. The website looks very nice and modern.

[IAmLittleCurly]

Yes, I order 2 different design postcards with the recycled paper and its come out 2 different paper, I did check my order and its be place the same order but.
I just ask a sample pack from moo.com and have print some stickers from moo and its come out great!! so i think i may use moo even they mush more expensive but the quality is much better that is what i want to brand my products. Good Quality Good Design.

[Former_Member]

Bottom line, you get what you pay for.
This applies to our products here on Etsy. We are handmade artisans.
You can buy one of our products and get something beautiful, but not at Walmart prices. Just my opinion, I think too many people expect high quality without having to pay the price for it.

[TinyTiptoesBoutique]

Sorry about your experience. I just recently ordered biz. cards from vistaprint for this shop, and while not having any problems, persay, I wasn't exactly pleased with the quality of the premium business cards or the intensity of the printing(it seemed very faded).

[Former_Member]

That's the problem with LivingSocial, I jumped on a deal for VistaPrints and ultimately got a bad deal. Not LivingSocial's fault but makes me more hesitant when I see offers on LS and Groupon. Oh well...lesson learned. All your feedback is great!

[Former_Member]

A lot of what you get from Vistaprint depends on the quality (or lack thereof) of your original image. I was very pleased with the "free" postcards I got of one of my paintings - they sell very well and the profit margin is huge.

What I don't like about VP are the sneaky charges on come-on "free" goods - upload charges, exorbitant shipping/handling charges, "free" goods which are free only if you use their templates (thereby blowing your visual brand), etc. Also, they kept triggering a freeze on my Bank of America credit card because of the small charges from a foreign bank (they are headquartered in UK) so I use only PayPal for VP. Pain in the butt. I'm looking into Zazzle.

[Former_Member]

I'm sorry to hear that. I wonder if they have changed their quality? I have used them for years and have great biz cards. Maybe I'll be checking more closely next time?

[Former_Member]

Wow, I have never had a problem with Vista Print. I actually use them for everything from business cards to stamps to coffee mugs. I always upload my own designs. I LOVE them. Their prices are unbeatable and it never takes long to receive my items. I'm so sorry you were not happy with them.

[SummersBreeze]

I've had good and bad luck with Vistaprint, once I had a black t-shirt made for our cleaning business and after one washing the print and picture came off. But other shirts were just fine. Some of the cards we have had done were good though.

[Former_Member]

Im sorry that happened Vista print is free. For a reason. The quality is nothing better than free. Their premium cards are no better.

I love moo. But if you follow them on Facebook, twitter, etc they often have coupons. What you actually pay for moo after discounts and what you actually pay for vista print after all the scammy mess it's really as big a gap as it looks at first glance,

That said I get vista print business cards all the time and frankly, they don't give the best first impression.

[Former_Member]

never had a problem in 3 years.

[Former_Member]

handustry says

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.
----
You cant judge online printing by vista print! Vista print is below the bottom rung. There are many places that print cards online that are great, I personally love moo and give out coupons whenever they send me one I can't use.

The thing about business cards, almost without exception: they show what they are. If you got them from a place that gives you crappy printing at rock bottom prices it shows. If it you print at home it shows, if you used a local printer it shows and if you spent a lot of time on a card design that too shows. If you do to a place that like moo where you get a high quality product it shows.

The minute a person touches your cards they know a lot about you. So I say always by the cards that are a best fit for your business. If you are a professional photographer or printer, you need cards that at least as good as moo, for example. But a teenage girl who us a babysitter really doesn't need cards that are better than vista print.

[NextStageVintage]

I had uprinting.com print both business cards and brochures for my day job and they did an excellent job. The website was easy to navigate and the online proofs arrived almost too quickly. The response I get to both the cards and the brochures are overwhelmingly positive--to quote another local businessperson "You dropped a ton of money on these." The good news is that I didn't. As a former art director back in the mesozoic era, I'm something of a paper and print snob, and I'm pretty comfortable recommending this company.

[judithrhue]

Once you get the greeting cards printed, does anyone have an idea where can find the cellophane envelopes to put them in, so they can be sold individually.

[Former_Member]

Wanted to let you know that I shared my bad VistaPrint experience with LivingSocial (I had purchased the VistaPrint coupon from them) and they provided a refund. I will certainly use LivingSocial again. VistaPrint: never again.