Samples:PFL (Printing for Less) delivers their samples cradled in a full color printed portfolio folder, where they include both benefits of their service, and a wide variety of samples. Most pieces include a small box informing you what paper was used, so you can see the vibrancy and feel the quality yourself. You are also given a free calendar with beautiful pictures located within.
The two parts that impressed me are:
-PFL details their recycled approach to printing. They buy paper from one of the few businesses to obtain the FSC seal, meaning the distributor actually practices safe foresting procedures, and they are happy to accommodate customers seeking to use 100% recycled paper, unlike the common 30% or even 0% that most other printers use.
-A special printing effects page that blew me away. They show you 4-color printing, spot varnish (it shines in the light and pops off the page), PMS inks (which cannot be printed in the common 4-color printing method, giving you a wide array of amazing colors), metallic inks, and foil stamping to make parts of your print stand out.
What I liked most about this page though was the embossing and die cutting. The page is shown with a butterfly, printed in the variety of ways said above. The bottom corner displays a large butterfly that has been cut around. No pointy edge here, only the butterfly’s outline. And their embossing printing is fantastic. Literally jumping off the page, you can run your finger over the picture and feel every bump and crevice on this butterfly.
Rating: 5/5 Great presentation with a variety of samples, special printing effects, and a green view on printing that few printers have yet adopted.
Products: PFL sports a huge line of flyers, cards (business, rack, post, etc), posters, banners, booklets, and many more. They can easily take care of your every need.
Products are all full color on the front, and you can have black or color on the back. However, there is a charge for this double siding process.
No products have the traditional 1 or 2 color printing or raised thermography, which is rather standard for most online printers. You can get the special embossed printing though for an even better raised feeling though.
They also offer catalog printing, an uncommon product from most printers. Generally you will only find tiny brochures, but PFL goes a step above.
Rating: 4.5/5 Good line, but like too many others it lacks the traditional printing colors. Otherwise, great variety for nearly every need.
Turnaround times: Standard 5 to 7 days, depending on product, and standard shipping rates. Both shipping and printing can, for a fee, be produced faster.
Rating: 3/5 Standard times, doesn’t mean they’re bad, but I always want better and faster without the extra charge.
Website Functionality: Containing an instant calculator for your product, showing you exactly how much you will spend for the quantity, customizations, faster turnaround times, and shipping all on the initial page (some printers include the shipping costs on a second page), this easily let’s you know the entire cost without trying to pull you in to what seems a good deal but creates a huge bill.
It is easy to get to their special printing methods, all their products, and is an efficient website for their company and for customers.
Rating: 5/5
Contact Methods: They offer both email and phone contacts. Also there is a helpful FAQ page which can answer most basic questions.
Rating: 5/5
Services: Mailing services are offered for your products, along with very pre-made designs for your product. They do not offer their own graphic design service, something most other printers do, but again with the pre-made this will satisfy most customers.
They also have special campaign marketing and printing for those looking to get into office.
Rating: 4/5 They should hire some graphic designers to help with custom orders, but otherwise are very good.
Total: 26.5/30 (A) PFL is a great choice for anyone looking to print. Standard turn around times, amazing printing effects, and pre-made designs to help customers, along with a green approach, they are a recommended printing service that is sure to please.
