Mpix Prints

On the advice of a fellow photographer I know I started using Mpix for my printing needs because the "local" shop has not made a few mistakes nearly every time I went there and Mpix prices were way better than the local shop (which is out of the way anyway). I was entering a local juried art show and needed a print done so I ordered it from Mpix. However, when I got it in the mail it had several problems:

Damaged corner
Frayed edge where the cut was made
Erroneous dark spot
Two very large finger prints that occurred before the ink dried so it was embedded in the image

I e-mailed customer service and they gave me a lame one-line about how I can send it back. I ended up e-mailing them a few more times telling them it was an unsatisfactory response especially considering every print from Mpix comes with a stamp saying it was "carefully inspected by XYZ". Eventually they said to send it back to them with the e-mail correspondence and that they were "surprised" there woud be fingerprints because the people are supposed to wear gloves. I'm going to send it back on Monday and see what happens.

I was wondering if others have had any problems with Mpix or, alternatively, what online companies others use. If I had that print drop-shipped to a client I would be awfully embarrassed that they received that.

Also, to make matters worse I ended up going to the "local" print shop because I really wanted to enter the image in the art show - well when I picked it up the colors were all wrong (it was primarily a sunset image, and the "yellow/orange glow" was a pea green. That was certainly that shops 3rd strike!

Thanks for any advice. . .

If you want the best (imho) prints from a service go to West Coast Imaging. They are not inexpensive, but their quality and customer service is top drawer. I haven't used them, but their subsidiary, Aspen Creek Photo has gotten good reviews.

--P

I use Aspen Creek for most personal images - they have a good price, excellent quality, and frequent "specials".

I used MPIX until about a year ago, and didn't have the problems you encountered, but many things can happen in a year's time. Your report is distressing, since MPIX is the primary Vendor for purchases from the Zenfolio websites that many of us have.

Sandy

I have used MPIX for several years now (through my Zenfolio website) and have not had any issues. There was one instance of a print arriving damaged in transport (box dented and bent as well as a crease in the image). I called and I explained the situation and received a replacement in 2 days via FEDEX and I did not have to return the damaged print. Everything else I received from them has been top notch (color and quality).

I've been using MPIX for several years now with no issues whatsoever. When UPS has bent the package on two occasions, I emailed customer service and they sent me a reprint within two days without asking for the original.
I seriously doubt anyone could differentiate between a print from there and West Coast Imaging.

Mpix is the consumer divison of Millers Imaging, one of the top pro labs in the country. That said, all labs make mistakes from time to time and everyonce in a while you get ahold of a jerk in customer service..I have used the lab from many years and have been quite satisfied....You need to tell them you were unhappy with the service and ask for a phone number of customer service because of it. Let them know what it would take to fix the problem...ball is their court. If they will not do it..kiss them goodbye.
Joe Rogers

I use Bay Photo Lab and so far have been very happy. http://www.bayphoto.com/

Luke,

Just out of curiosity - what was the local service you used? I just tried Color Imaging in St. James after myphotopipe dropped the ball in a big way on some time sensitive deliveries. The results were good - very quick turnaround on two very large canvas prints and both were good quality. One was just hung in Babylon Village Art & Frame and has received a couple of strong hits already, the other was in the C2 Gallery opening show. I like the idea of supporting local business if possible. Color Images's prices are competetive, but no weekend hours would make it inconvenient for me, bu tthe owner lives near my framer in Babylon and he dropps the prints off there for an extra $15 - well worth it in time and gas!

I have used MPIX on numerous occasions and any issues (rare) have been quickly resolved to my complete satisfaction. IMHO their combination of price, service, and rapid turnaround can not be beaten. There is always somebody that can do one thing or the other better...but the total package can not be topped. Please give them another chance. Recently the packaging includes sheets with names who signed off so if there are any issues you can match those to faces.

I had one issue with a dark spot.
I e-mailed them and they sent a replacement without having to return the item in question.
I've been happy with the quality.... but really have not used anyone else so that may be a "silent evidence" determination which can be inaccurate.
I live close by and receive quick service.
the fisch

I concur with all of the positive comments above - I had one issue one time with a crushed box & they shipped out a replacement within two days.

I'll give them another chance. . . their price and past service is very enticing.

Jim,

I don't even know the name of it - Hampton Photo maybe? It's a little shack of a place in West Hampton Beach that I only went to originally because it was a couple minutes from where I was living. I'd love a nice alternative in Suffolk County where I can get something done ASAP if needed! Feel free to send me an e-mail.

Ok, I'm going to have to call you on at least one thing. Mpix uses lightjet printers not inkjet printers. It is not possible to have finger prints on these prints they are never wet to begin with.

Brad,

The Lightjet printers print on Fuji Crystal Archive which is a true phtographic paper that is developed in RA4 chemistry. This is all done in a processing machine. If the machine is not set up properly (or gets out of adjustment) it is possible that a print may not be completely dry. If it's touched--finger prints.

--P

Brad,

I know nothing about how their equipment or anything - what I do know is there are obvious finger prints (substantial in size) on what is supposed to be a solid orange area. Mpix said that the people working on the prints are supposed to be wearing gloves to prevent that from happening. I certainly wouldn't be going through all of this if it werne't true.

I also use mpix/mpixpro/millers all the time and have never had a single issue and extraordinary customer service, give them another chance, I highly doubt you'll have issues in the future

I wonder if perhaps they wanted it back so they could hold the technician accountable for the finger prints.

What was your outcome in all of this?