Help, please, with significant opportunity regarding a web site

Started by Chuck_Revised, May 26, 2009, 12:20:13 PM

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Chuck_Revised

I'm "left behind" typesetter with knowledge of the print side; I utilize Q__rk, CS3 on a daily basis.  I operate a small and shrinking business out of my home, serving brokers and small printers with prepress clean-up and various typesetting.  Not a designer.  NO web development experience, little knowledge.

A broker customer has been requested by a current client to bid on creating a website (and providing printing) where their agents can go to order stationary and sales aids, providing personalized information for the print items.  The agents number about 1,000 nationwide.

The business wants this to function without their day-to-day involvement.

The broker has less knowledge of the web than I do.

Our goal is to add a link to the business's website to a separate website where the agents would make their selections of print items and input their specific variable information.  The order would be emailed to me, artwork created and sent out for proof approval.  Upon approval, I send the artwork to the printer.  I need to consider the billing at some point... right now I'm not sure who will actually pay... I believe the company.

My question here is the website.  I've looked at a couple of the web hosting sites which provide the capability to create the website online.  But is this too simplistic... though cheap. Should I look for a local website developer to do this?  Any recommendations in the Kansas City area?

Any input would be appreciated... I know I need some facts... but I really don't know what's out there now.

I visited Vista Print's site and thought "how can we compete with this"... but this particular broker has a knack for surprising me with his closing ability!

Thanks, Chuck

gnubler

This sounds like a big project. I don't think the online website builders are going to suit your needs. This may be the type of site you can set up using Joomla software and using a plugin like VirtueMart (all free) to order the items, but you're going to need some help getting it set up and maintaining it. Others may have better advice. I do websites and I don't even know where'd I start with a project like this.
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Quote from: pspdfppdfx on December 06, 2012, 05:03:51 PM
So,  :drunk3: i send the job to the rip with live transparecy (v 1.7 or whatever) and it craps out with a memory error.

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Joe

Gnubler is right. You can do it the free way like Joomla or one of the other open source ways but be prepared for a steep learning curve from web hosting to PHP and everything else associated with it. It's not a "quick & easy" way but it's basically free except for the web hosting. (I recommened HostGator or anything not named GoDaddy)

The easiest but most expensive way is by using software like these:

- RocketPrint - http://www.rocketprintsoftware.com/
- Amazing Print - http://www.amazingprint.com/
- Bitstream Inc. / Pageflex, - http://www.bitstream.com
- EFI - Digital StoreFront , - http://ww.efi.com
- Enterprise Print Management Solutions, - http://www.entpms.com
- EonCode, Inc., - http://www.eoncode.com
- FORIX, LLC / Printbridge, - http://www.forixusa.com
- GMC Software Technology Inc. - PrintNet, - http://www.gmc.net
- KODAK INSITE Storefront System, - http://graphics1.kodak.com/
- Lucid Dream Software, Inc. , - http://www.tribalsketch.com
- NowDocs - NowPrint, - http://www.nowdocs.com
- Objectif Lune Inc., - http://www.objectiflune.com
- PageDNA, Inc., - http://www.pagedna.com
- Press-Sense Ltd. - iWay Enterprise, - http://www.press-sense.com
- Print-Quotes Software Inc., - http://www.print-quotes-software.com
- Printable Technologies, Inc., - http://www.printable.com
- RedTie Ltd, - http://www.red-tie.com
- Responsive Solutions Inc., - http://www.responsivesolutions.net
- RocketPrint Software, - http://www.rocketprintsoftware.com
- Saepio Technologies, Inc. - PrintStore, - http://www.saepio.com
- Screen USA - Riteportal SE, - http://www.screenusa.com
- XMPie Inc., - http://xmpie.com
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Chuck_Revised

Wow, Joe!

I thought this was out there, but my searches weren't using the right verbiage.  I'm not sure there's enough time for me to get up to speed on this, so I'll check out some of these sites and look for local guy also.

As I'm dealing with a broker, I doubt he's interested in an expensive initial investment for one client.  Actually, he could probably use Amazing Print (if I understand their offerings correctly) and bypass me entirely.  His printers use PDF workflows.

Wow again... maybe I should apply at ADT for that customer service job.  I'll probably need to dye my gray hair....  anybody know a good wrinkle remover?

mattbeals

Matt Beals

Everything I say is my own personal opinion and has nothing to do with my employer or their views.

eoncode.com

Hi, this is Aaron from EonCode.  Im one of the websites listed for providing you services for creating the web to print solutions.  Everyone does say the the prices are extremely high. I know that just as much as everyone else but with us that is not the case.  We focus more on helping our printers, print shops, and print brokers have the tools they need to grow.  We are cost effective and the leaders in the market for web to print solutions.  I believe the when you view our EonWorkflow™ your questions will be answered.  Please feel free to let me know when would be the best time I can contact you and talk to you about your needs.

Thank you,

Aaron
aaron@eoncode.com
www.eoncode.com