Costco, Adorama Pix, MPix?

Hey all, it's my turn to ask a question!

I've been doing all my own printing for, well, since the stone ages. Consequently I've limited myself size-wise to printing at the largest on 13x19 inch paper. I've never used an outside shop/lab for anthing larger.

Well, my curiosity got raised since a new Costco got built fairly near to me and since I've heard good reports here on POTN about Costco prints.

So, a few days ago I decided to pay this Costco a visit. I've never been a member there, but I phoned the photo shop and they agreed to let me come in with some test images and they would print them for me at normal prices. So, in I went! I brought in 5 images cropped for 5x7 prints and 5 uncropped for 4x6 images. If I had planned it better I would have had them do one or two 8x10 close crops to check out their larger print size quality, but I didn't and so my opportunity has passed. Oh well.

I was happy with the prints as far as overall quality, tones, colors, etc. Then comes the questions: for those who have used Adorama, MPix and Costco, how would you compare them? How is the print quality and especially the paper qality for larger prints than say an 8x10?

I brought home a Costco price list and on it they specified for prints 16x20 and larger "Poster" prints (as well as "Board" prints and "Canvas" prints). Are the "poster" prints as good quality paper as you would get from the others?

Their prices are good, but not phenomenal -- the main difference for some sizes would be the fact that I'd have to pay shipping for prints from Adorama/MPix but with Costco I can pick them up there. But, of course, Costco requires membership -- $50 a year. I'm honestly doubting whether I'll buy enough prints and personal supplies there to "earn" the $50, but I don't know. But, I do have a family member who may want to chip in so they can shop there too...

So, I've heard good things about each of these outfits, so don't need to hear about just one, but about each off the three and how they compare and is there a compelling reason to pick one above the others...?

Thanks, gang, for any advice!

With those three, about the same as long as your Costco lab is run well and consistent. You won't know that without getting to know them and giving it some time. Your choice really depends on what you're printing and for whom. I print through Miller's because I want unrivaled quality and consistent results for wedding clients. If you're not doing something that demanding, then local is a fine choice if you are happy with the results. I've been known to use the locals for single prints in a pinch; although, I wouldn't mix that with larger orders. (nor would I use those prints for wedding clients)

No Costco near me, but there is a Sam's Club. I have had several 16x20 sports poster printed there and they all turned out as good as I could expect. The lady working there knows me and takes good care of the work. She even saves the empty paper tubes for me so I can use them to ship the posters in.

MT Stringer wrote in post #12776724
No Costco near me, but there is a Sam's Club. I have had several 16x20 sports poster printed there and they all turned out as good as I could expect. The lady working there knows me and takes good care of the work. She even saves the empty paper tubes for me so I can use them to ship the posters in.

sams clubs 16x20 are outsourced

My personal experience:

Costco can be the best choice, if properly managed. AFAIK, they're all Dry Creek driven, but it also depends upon the manager of the unit. My local cosco used to employ Mr. Magoo as photo manager. Prints were crappy at best. The new manager is better. The greatest benefit of costco is (local) convenience.

Mpix is the most-recommended for a reason. Good prints, prices and service. The problem with them is logistics. If you get a bad print (and it does happen), they will be fair but because you're online and at a distance, days may go by for a replacement. So even tho mpix is logistically-handicapped, it depends upon your personal situation whether or not that is a factor.

Adorama is great. Never had a bad print. Prices are the best, too - at least the last time I compared. But to be honest here, I only print 24 x 36 at adorama - all else is printed by me. But same problem as mpix - logistics.

WHCC - I'll throw this in because my opinion is very strong about them. I have compared many test prints against others. Every time whcc prints have been noticeably inferior. I personally never use them nor recommend them.

Hope that helps.

http://www.postersize-it.com/index.html

I used these guys a couple of years ago for 16x20's and they were great and very affordable for nice poster paper. I see they are for sale so I would call first. They would be my first choice again.

Happy Shopping!

Thanks for the input gang. Does anyone have some insight as to what Costco calls "poster" prints for these larger sizes and how that compares as far as paper quality?

LONDON808 wrote in post #12777510
sams clubs 16x20 are outsourced

Not at my store. I watch them print 'em off the big printer. Hard to outsource a one-hour order.

tonylong wrote in post #12778690
Thanks for the input gang. Does anyone have some insight as to what Costco calls "poster" prints for these larger sizes and how that compares as far as paper quality?

I have a couple of 20X30 inch Costco prints here. The paper is about what you'd expect for a poster - not as heavy as photo print paper and not as glossy. Although, come to think of it, I did ask for matte finish. They cost $10 each, IIRC.

Specifically: the Costco poster paper is 0.008" thick, while my Canon Photo Paper Pro is 0.01125" thick, almost 50% heavier. A sheet of ordinary inkjet printer paper (non-photo) is 0.004" thick.

-js

BTW, Tony, Costco has other stuff besides photo processing. A couple of months ago I got two pair of eyeglasses from them and saved about $120 over other discount opticians, more than twice the cost of a year's membership.

tonylong wrote in post #12778690
Thanks for the input gang. Does anyone have some insight as to what Costco calls "poster" prints for these larger sizes and how that compares as far as paper quality?

I've had them print a few 16x20" 'posters' on the card stock and it's not bad. but you'll never mistake it for proper photo paper.

number six wrote in post #12780389
I have a couple of 20X30 inch Costco prints here. The paper is about what you'd expect for a poster - not as heavy as photo print paper and not as glossy. Although, come to think of it, I did ask for matte finish. They cost $10 each, IIRC.

Specifically: the Costco poster paper is 0.008" thick, while my Canon Photo Paper Pro is 0.01125" thick, almost 50% heavier. A sheet of ordinary inkjet printer paper (non-photo) is 0.004" thick.

-js

krb wrote in post #12780421
I've had them print a few 16x20" 'posters' on the card stock and it's not bad. but you'll never mistake it for proper photo paper.

OK, interesting -- have you guys framed any with that type of paper? What's the easiest way of displaying a print like that?

number six wrote in post #12780407
BTW, Tony, Costco has other stuff besides photo processing. A couple of months ago I got two pair of eyeglasses from them and saved about $120 over other discount opticians, more than twice the cost of a year's membership.

That's good info. These days I don't spend much on myself, I just need to decide whether the savings from Costco over a year will pay off!

tonylong wrote in post #12780491
OK, interesting -- have you guys framed any with that type of paper? What's the easiest way of displaying a print like that?

with the card stock the easiest is to just hang them as is. I only use them for wall decorations at work and the stock is plenty thick enough for that.

One important note, when you download the profiles for soft proofing the poster stuff is a different printer with a different profile.

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I use Costco and I very pleased. I also like their canvas prints, cards and their poster board prints both 16x20 and 20x30.