Filmwasters
Which Board? => Main Forum => Topic started by: Francois on October 06, 2006, 06:04:56 PM
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Hi, I just discovered another on-demand book printing site.
This one offers somewhat different services than iLife, Asuka, Blurb and LuLu.
They produce both Photo books and archival prints. Hardcovers are an extra 10$.
They charge 4.99$ + 0.25$ per page.
I Haven't used their services (and wonder if anyone here has), so I can't say about their quality.
Here's the address, check it out (http://www.viovio.com/)
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I've not tried them, but they are more expensive than lulu.
Lulu charge $4.53 base price plus $0.15 per page.
I found that with lulu you need to have the colour inks which are printed on white reasonable grade paper, their black inks are on off white paper that is way too thin in my opinion :(
I know it sounds obvious, but keeping the production costs down is essential. I make very little in the form of royalties from each copy using lulu just to keep the final sales price down to an acceptable level. At the prices you show for viovio, I don't think it would have been worth me publishing at all with 141 pages.
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But don't forget, viovio also offer archival printing... I think they're the only ones now who offer this service.
These shops seem to be popping up everywhere. I just found another one last night.
http://www.picaboo.com/promo/photobooks-1PFMDB-G.html?gclid=CPbktdKy5YcCFU1dDgodaQEIiQ
On the good side, the first book is free on picaboo...
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I read through the site.
Prices are good. But I did discover that their paper is #100 weight. On the thin side.
But they might be good. If anyone out there has tried or tries any of these companies, it would be if they posted their thoughts on the product and experience with the company.
LULU.COM
Many of us used it for a calendar and book. The paper and printing left something to be desired for the price. The customer service was lacking until I was able to get hold of one of the execs who was kind enough to allow me to phone him with questions. But that usually doesn't happen. He agreed to assist me since it was a non-profit situation and usually doesn't answer "help me please" emails.
IPHOTO
I've seen the IPHOTO books. They're okay-but nothing to write home about. Paper is thin printing is mediocre. Price is good. Can't say anything about the customer service since I haven't used them myself.
QOOP
I've heard the quality is poor, but the price is right. Damion--You've used them right? Maybe you can provide some thoughts?
ASUKABOOK
Asukabook is top quality. I've seen the books that they publish and haven't seen better, as of yet. But you pay to the nose for the product.
They are the most expensive I've seen in this group. They have a customer service phone line with very helpful folks.
Paper quality is by far the best I've seen yet--3 choices of papers.
3 choices of bindings and 3 covers. A bunch of sizes for books.
I suspect I'm going with them, but I'm still on the fence.
BLURB
A new company. Has anyone out there tried them yet?
I'd try them if and when they offer the square format books. But they are not available as of yet.
Jump on in if you have any thoughts?
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I guess archival printing would be nice, but I'm sure I will never be famous enough to warrant it ;D
Many thanks for the detailed review Susan :)
Looking at your review and their site, ASUKABOOK does seem the better option. Good choice of square books which I also like and their quality looks beautiful. For the quality they seem to offer, a higher production price and therefore cover price would be worth while.
LULU is certainly lacking on the customer support side, which delayed my publication :( Think I went with the wrong printer, but there again this is changeable ;D