Once upon a time, there were dozens and dozens of companies that offered to connect print buyers and print providers via the Internet. The typical business model called for a percentage commission for each transaction. That was when the dot.com boom was going strong and e-commerce was in its infancy. When the boom busted, so did many – if not most – of those Internet print connectors.

Today, however, this Web-to-print effort is re-emerging and being adapted by more and more print providers. Web-to-print also has grown from simply the ability to exchange files to include such things as pre-flighting, PDF creation, job tracking, proofing, and other such features.

Print franchisors offer their franchisees standardized Web-to-print capabilities. For example, AlphaGraphics’ PDF Express gives customers free software that will generate printable PDF files and offers online proofing. Allegra offers an online catalog of standard orders, job quoting, job tracking, and online proofing. Sir Speedy has myDocs and PIP Printing has easyDOCS.

Among the larger players in the Web-to-print arena are Mimeo.com, VistaPrint.com, and FedExKinkos.com. File, Print FedEx Kinko’s lets customers download free software to specify, submit, proof, and track jobs. VistaPrint has developed software that lets it combine Web-to-print orders submitted through its digital storefront for gang running on large presses. Mimeo.com’s digital storefront uses proprietary Print-On-Demand software to compress and encrypt customer files for transmission, proofing, and production.

What About Us?

So, what’s available for a small commercial or quick printer who is not a franchisee or part of a chain? We have highlighted five companies that offer software at various price levels and degrees of sophistication to enable printers to create digital storefronts for Web-to-print.

PrinterPresence.com

A product of Digital IMS, PrinterPresence PRO is one of the better known packages in the quick and small commercial market. It offers exclusive website design to highlight a printer’s capabilities and selling points. Using Adobe PDF JobReady, it allows print customers to distill PDF files from almost any application, thus eliminating the bulk of file errors.

Its Customer Portals let customers log on to the printer’s site to reorder past jobs, view proofs, send files, place orders, or request estimates. Its VersaDoc utility lets customers enter information into templates of commonly ordered documents, such as business cards, and proof the order before submitting, thus reducing orders and streamlining workflow.

PrinterPresence PRO is compatible with most point of sale systems from vendors such as Printer’s Plan, Printer’s Plus, Print Leader, and PrintSmith. Printers can choose from 15 standard template designs or get a custom design for an extra charge. All levels from basic to premium involve a one time set-up charge and a monthly fee.