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Microstock Photography Forum - General => General Photography Discussion => Topic started by: stockastic on April 16, 2010, 20:38

Title: a print service that doesn't use ROES
Post by: stockastic on April 16, 2010, 20:38
In the past I've used WHCC for prints, and they're great.   But they have 2 ways to submit orders - a Java application called ROES, and FTP.   Their FTP system is a weirdly overcomplicated thing that I'm tired of messing with. And ROES has a conflict with my ISP,  so I can't use it.

I started looking at alternatives but quickly found that ROES is everywhere - many print services are now using it, which means I can't go there.  I do small numbers of prints at infrequent intervals, so nothing with a yearly/monthly fee makes sense for me.  

Can someone suggest a good quality print service with a simple web-based interface for submitting occasional orders?
Title: Re: a print service that doesn't use ROES
Post by: Randy McKown on April 16, 2010, 22:05
If you are only making orders here and there you could go with a more consumer level lab like mpix.com .. it's a little sister to Millers for general consumers so I doubt they are using a ROES.

If you need access to high end specialty products though you will probably be better off finding out why their ROES isn't working. Have you tried updating your java or maybe uninstalling/reinstalling?

I always use ROES so I'm not sure how they work but I know I have seen options to use other free ordering software at hhcolorlab.com

WHCC is cool though because they send you candy with your orders.  ;D
Title: Re: a print service that doesn't use ROES
Post by: stockastic on April 17, 2010, 10:21
I used WHCC for quite a while.  Then I switched to a new and rather unusual ISP - the citywide wi-fi network here in Minneapolis.  That killed ROES.  I spent a lot of time trying to solve that problem, and I won't bore you with the details , it involves the fine points of FTP - let's just say the tech support people at WHCC and at my ISP were of no help and it's not gonna happen.  There's no way to test ROES without actually submitting an order, so upload problems are impossible to debug.

In my search for an alternative print service, I signed up at a couple only to find that they also use ROES. Both MPix and H&H use ROES, although I see they now have alternative upload methods.  I may try MPix again.


 
Title: Re: a print service that doesn't use ROES
Post by: Randy McKown on June 16, 2010, 19:40
The lowest price for Olympus PEN E-P2 IS that I could find so far is here:
[url]http://www.upiq.com/api.php?pid=92284390[/url] ([url]http://www.upiq.com/api.php?pid=92284390[/url])


Olympus LMAO !!!!!! .. yeah I'm right on that .. nice spam
Title: Re: a print service that doesn't use ROES
Post by: dnavarrojr on July 13, 2010, 23:23
I only order prints for personal use, so I just use Flickr, or more specifically Snapfish through Flickr.  I'm happy with what I get from them.
Title: Re: a print service that doesn't use ROES
Post by: stockastic on July 14, 2010, 10:49
MPIX is fine.   Problem solved.
Title: Re: a print service that doesn't use ROES
Post by: dnavarrojr on July 16, 2010, 16:26
How are their prints?

My wife just talked her work into using me to re-do their portraits and publicity photos (radio station talent, sales team, and executives).  The stuff I get from Flickr is okay for my personal use, but I need to find some place high quality for doing 8x10s.  Also I need a recommendation on what type to get... Matte?  Glossy?  Metallic?
Title: Re: a print service that doesn't use ROES
Post by: Randy McKown on July 16, 2010, 23:14
How are their prints?

My wife just talked her work into using me to re-do their portraits and publicity photos (radio station talent, sales team, and executives).  The stuff I get from Flickr is okay for my personal use, but I need to find some place high quality for doing 8x10s.  Also I need a recommendation on what type to get... Matte?  Glossy?  Metallic?

H&H, Millers, WHCC are all good .. Matte for Portraiture !!!!!  ;D I don't even offer clients glossy or metallic papers. Pearl paper for portraits is the worst IMO .. tacky hobbyist effect that doesn't scream pay me lots of money. Another thing .. when you lay out prices have frame options already added into the print prices. In other words find a variety of nice frames .. multiply your frame cost by 3 or 4 then add that to the print price you have already have marked up. Gives off a more professional appearance and makes your profit skyrocket per print.  :o
Title: Re: a print service that doesn't use ROES
Post by: dnavarrojr on July 17, 2010, 23:11
Thanks.  They only want to buy prints.  They are replacing the old portraits and re-using their existing frames.

I'm headed over on Monday to get the contract signed and I'll probably set up my gear in their conference room Tuesday night.  We're going to shoot through Friday.  I also offered them a small 'discount' to bring their families in for family portraits.  We'll see if there are any takers.