Photoreflect.com/lab Question

[Elese]

For those of you who use or have used this site, which lab did you choose? What made you decide on that one? Any problems with it? Anyones I should stay away from?

There's so many on there, I'm not sure where to begin!

Oops, 1 more thing-do you use Glossy/Matte, Lustre, or Pearl prints?

[OTRphoto]

I use photoreflect and chose a local pro-lab that was on the list. I like having the in-town support and they usually give me under 24hr turnarounds on anything 11x14 and under. sometimes I upload in the morning and can pick up the order at lunch.

They have a Pro-E surface paper that I use over the others. It's not too glossy or matte - and doesn't show finger prints lol

[Elese]

Unfortunatly, there aren't any photo labs that are close to me (I live in a small town). I love the "no fingerprints" paper! What kind is that? Would you mind sharing the name of the lab you use? I'd hate to pick one of the hundreds on the list and get burned. I'd much rather use one that someone else has used with good experiences :)

[StevenGWebb]

That finish used to be called "E" surface. It was Kodak's trademark but about as widely used as "Coke". You can ask for a finish similar to E surface and the lab should know what you want (though depending on age might not know where the name came from).

I separated from another firm at the end of last year to pursue my own ventures. I am following the same notion of fulfilling the orders myself. I too use photoreflect but have not established trust with any of the labs. If the prints are no larger than 11X14 I print them. If they are larger or need special lab attention I'll use a local lab. I want to see the work before its shipped not just printed and drop-shipped to the customer. I can't reccommend a lab. Dallas is only an hour from me and there are a dozen choices between here and there.

[epoh]

Just a small word of warning. I have had a handful of customers completely unable to order from Photoreflect. It would act like it worked, but nothing ever came through and they were never charged. I've also had a situation where someone ordered, was charged, and I never received notification. I only found out because I asked if they had ordered.

Unless you are only selling to friends and family I would not recommend Photoreflect.

When I did use Photoreflect I choose to handle all the print orders myself through Mpix. I now use SmugMug and am very happy with them.

[tresorph]

Ugh are you serious... I'm leaving instaproofs over the same thing and was signed up to do my move to photoreflect. i guess i'll keep shopping around this weekend.

[epoh]

Well, I honestly think 99% of the time you get what you pay for. That's why I finally moved to SmugMug. Got a discount, so $75 for a year didn't seem so bad.

[Scott A]

I have used photoreflect for a number of years without an issue. I choose self fullfilment and either drop ship from mpix or print them myself since I bought a new epson.

I have also bought their express digital software and use it for events, schools etc. It has significantly increased my productivity by reducing my time behind the screen.

Feel free to send me a PM if you want to learn more...

[OTRphoto]

I have only had one person have issues ordering from my photoreflect site. She was the great grandmother of a Groom.. I later found out that she was on a VERY old computer in the middle of nowhere OK - So I don't think it was a photoreflect issue.

For local orders, I pick up from my lab and hand deliver. I have had enough orders through them withou any issues that I trust them to drop-ship to out-of-town customers.

I haven't bought the software - I use the free web-edition. The local lab I use has a buch of extra templates and borders that they suply.. and give away a free template each month.

I haven't had issues with either photorelect or my local lab... I recomend photoreflect all the time. I like the options it offers (esp being able to accept CC's) - even though I pay a fee each time... It still works out cheaper (for me) than setting up my own shopping cart system.

[tresorph]

this is good to hear!