Not all printers and print buyers are converts, for it means a new way of doing business in a very old industry. Traditionally, printing has been accomplished through personal relationships between buyer and printer. To think that suddenly, this age-old craft can be done over the Internet is a big leap of faith. The e-printing phenomenon is still in its infancy and may take years to be fully embraced. However, businesspeople need to know about these e- printing solutions, which offer something for everyone.
Some sites are resources for graphic designers or professional photographers.
Others are strictly sites for printing vendors to purchase such supplies as printing presses, paper, and film over the Internet, or post job openings. It's often easier to define something by what it is not. The new e-printing industry is different. They promise convenience, efficient ways to buy and manage printing, streamlined production processes, and cost savings. These benefits are based on the belief that since managing print is labor-intensive and inefficient for most businesses, there is real, measurable value to be gained by automating the print buying and managing processes.