Home/Local printer or online printing
Local printer or online printing: how to choose wisely?
The low headline price online is tempting. But between hidden costs, colour surprises and no expert advice, the bargain doesn't last long. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide with full knowledge of the facts.
2M Numérique vs. online printing
On the criteria that really matter for the success of your project.
2M Numérique5 good reasons to choose a printer near you
A human eye before printing
We check your file (resolution, bleed, colours) and let you know before printing. No more paying for a botched file.
The right colour, guaranteed
CMYK colour management with a sample proof available: the colour you approve is exactly the colour you get.
The real price, no surprises
A clear quote within 72h, with no ballooning shipping costs or rush surcharges. You know exactly what you're paying.
Fast and on-site
Depending on the project, ready the same day and collected in Manciet. No shipping, and no delays that could make you miss an event.
Installation included
Signage, vehicle wraps, signposting: we don't just print, we install. Something no online platform can offer.
Short supply chain, Made in Occitanie
94% produced in-house (2024-2025), 100% in France, with regional suppliers: short lead times, a supported local economy, and a smaller footprint.
Online printing can be enough if…
- Your file is already perfectly print-ready (CMYK, bleed, high resolution)
- You're ordering a very large, standard print run
- The lowest price is your only concern and the deadline isn't tight
A local printer wins as soon as…
- You want expert advice and your file checked before printing
- Colour accuracy and final quality really matter
- The deadline is tight or you want to collect on-site
- You need installation: signage, vehicle wraps, signposting
- You prefer someone who picks up the phone and a local business
Frequently asked questions
Is a local printer really more expensive than an online one?
Not once everything is added up. The advertised online price climbs quickly once you factor in shipping costs, minimum order quantities, rush surcharges and file correction fees. At 2M Numérique, your quote within 72h is clear and complete: you know exactly what you're paying for, with advice and file checking included.
What happens if there's a problem with my file (resolution, bleed, colours)?
Online, you're on your own: a poorly prepared file gets printed as-is, and reprinting it is at your expense. With us, a professional checks every file before printing and lets you know (or fixes it) if there's an issue. You approve a proof, then we print.
Why is the printed colour sometimes different from what's on my screen?
Your screen displays in RGB (light), while printing uses CMYK (ink): without proper colour management, the difference can be surprising. Working with a local printer, we handle colour matching for you, and a sample proof is available: the colour you approve is the colour you receive.
Can I collect my prints quickly, even the same day?
Yes, that's the whole point of going local: depending on the project, an urgent print job can be ready the same day and collected on-site in Manciet — with no shipping delays or costs, and none of the risk of a late delivery ruining your event.
Should online printing always be avoided?
No. For a very large, standard print run, with a file that's already perfectly ready and price as the only deciding factor, an online platform can work well. But as soon as you need advice, accurate colour, a reliable turnaround, installation (signage, vehicle wraps) or someone who actually answers, a local printer has the advantage.
Let's talk about your project, for real
Expert advice, a clear quote within 72h, and the peace of mind of a local printer who takes care of your image — with no hidden costs.