How do I find out if a print shop’s online ordering portal really works?

A portal can look polished and still produce few orders. Do the test yourself. Upload a file that is a bit awkward, such as a large image or an unusual size. See how it handles errors, whether the proof matches the result, and how the order lands in the shop. Does it flow into production, or does someone retype it?

Ask for portal reports: orders per month, the average order, abandoned carts and repeat customers. Compare these with total sales so you know whether the portal is central or decorative. Ask what percentage of customers have an account, and whether any big customers order through it under their own pricing.

Then settle ownership. Find out who built it, who hosts it, who pays for it and who holds the logins and the web address. If a freelancer or the seller’s relative controls it, get the handover in the agreement. Ask about payment processing and where customer data is stored, and have your lawyer review the contracts. Ask also whether customers actually call or email after using the portal, since heavy phone follow-up often means the ordering steps are confusing.

Key takeaways

• Place a real order yourself, including an awkward file.
• Compare portal orders with total sales to see its true role.
• Confirm who holds the logins, hosting and web address.
• Ask for the last few support complaints about the portal and how they were solved.