Ordering prints online has become very common in the UAE. Whether it’s for business cards, flyers, posters, or even home décor items, many people now prefer ordering prints online through online printing websites. It saves time, gives you more choices, and often costs less compared to traditional printing shops.
But while online printing sounds simple, many people end up disappointed with the final results. Wrong sizes, poor quality, late delivery, or designs that don’t look the way they expected – these are issues you can easily avoid if you plan properly and choose a trusted printing press in Dubai that understands your needs.
In this guide, we’ll go through the most common mistakes people make when ordering prints online in the UAE and how you can avoid them. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to check before clicking that “place order” button.
Why Online Printing is Popular in the UAE
The UAE has a fast-paced lifestyle. Businesses need marketing materials quickly, and individuals want personalized products without wasting time in traffic. Online printing services in the UAE meet these needs by offering:
- Convenience: Place orders anytime without visiting a shop.
- Variety: From business cards to custom home décor, everything is available.
- Competitive pricing: Online platforms often give better rates due to bulk printing.
- Speed: Many companies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah offer next-day or even same-day delivery.
While this convenience is great, rushing into an order without paying attention to details is where most mistakes happen when using online printing services.
Mistake 1: Ignoring Print Specifications
One of the biggest errors people make is skipping over print specifications. When you order online, you’ll see options like size, paper type, finish, and thickness. Many people quickly choose the cheapest or default option without checking carefully.
Why This is a Problem
If you’re printing business cards, using thin or low-quality paper will make them look unprofessional. For posters, the wrong finish can make colors appear dull.
How to Avoid It
- Always read specifications: Pay attention to paper GSM (thickness), finishes (glossy, matte, silk), and size.[[[[[[[[
- Match your purpose: For marketing materials, choose durable paper. For temporary use, a lighter option may be fine.
- Ask the printer: Many online printing companies in the UAE provide chat or phone support. Use it if you’re unsure.
Mistake 2: Not Checking Print Resolution
A common frustration is receiving blurry or pixelated prints. This usually happens because the uploaded design was low-resolution.
Why This Happens
Online previews may look fine on your screen, but when printed on a large format, poor resolution shows immediately.
How to Avoid It
- Follow DPI guidelines: For sharp prints, your design should be at least 300 DPI.
- Use vector files: If possible, submit designs in formats like PDF, AI, or EPS, which don’t lose quality.
- Check size and scaling: Don’t stretch a small image to fit a large print.
Mistake 3: Overlooking Bleed and Margins
When printing, machines need a little extra space around the edges. This is called a “bleed.” Many beginners forget to add it, and their prints come back with cut-off text or misaligned designs.
How to Avoid It
- Add bleed: Usually, 3mm to 5mm extra space is needed around your design.
- Keep text safe: Don’t place important words or logos too close to the edge.
- Use templates: Many printing websites provide downloadable templates with correct bleed and margin settings.
Mistake 4: Choosing Price Over Quality
It’s tempting to pick the cheapest option online, especially when you see deals like “500 business cards for AED 50.” But going only for the lowest price often means you’ll compromise on paper, ink, and overall finishing.
The Problem
Poor quality prints can harm your brand image. A flimsy business card or a dull brochure sends the wrong message about your professionalism.
The Better Choice
- Compare quality, not just price.
- Look for customer reviews of UAE-based printing companies.
- Request samples if the company offers them.
Remember: prints represent your business. Saving a small amount upfront may cost you more in missed opportunities.
Mistake 5: Not Reviewing the Proof Carefully
Most online printing presses in Dubai and across the UAE provide a digital proof before printing. Many customers, however, click “approve” without reviewing it properly.
Why This is Risky
Once the file goes to print, changes are usually not possible. Even small mistakes like a spelling error or misplaced logo will stay.
How to Avoid It
- Zoom in carefully on the proof.
- Check every detail—spelling, fonts, alignment, and colors.
- Ask someone else to review it as well. A fresh set of eyes often catches what you missed.
Mistake 6: Forgetting to Confirm Delivery Time
Delivery delays are one of the most common complaints when ordering prints online. Sometimes people assume they’ll get their order the next day, but the company’s timeline may actually be three to five working days.
How to Avoid This Mistake
- Always confirm delivery timelines before paying.
- Choose UAE-based printing presses for faster delivery instead of international sites.
- Ask about urgent options if you need prints for an event. Many Dubai printers offer same-day services at an extra cost.
Mistake 7: Ignoring Paper and Material Options
Not all prints are done on paper. Today, printing is possible on vinyl, fabric, glass, metal, and wood. Many customers limit themselves by not exploring these options.
Why It Matters
The right material can make your design stand out. For example:
- Flyers on thick paper feel more premium.
- Vinyl banners last longer outdoors.
- Fabric prints make unique home décor.
How to Avoid This Mistake
Take time to explore the material list provided by the online printer. If unsure, contact their support team to discuss which option suits your project best.
Also Read: The Complete Guide: Hacks to Make Your Life Easier and Smoother
Mistake 8: Not Considering Offset vs. Digital Printing
In the UAE, many online printing presses offer both offset printing and digital printing. Customers often don’t know the difference and choose randomly.
- Offset printing: quantities.
- Digital printing: Great for smaller orders, faster turnaround, and more flexibility.
The Fix
Before placing your order, ask the
Mistake 9: Skipping Customer Reviews
With so many online printing companies in the UAE, it’s hard to know which ones are reliable. Many customers make the mistake of ordering from the first site they find without checking reviews.
How to Avoid This
- Look for Google reviews and ratings.
- Check social media pages for customer feedback.
- Ask for recommendations from colleagues or friends.
A few minutes of research c
- If you need help, hire a graphic designer or ask the printing press if they provide design services.
- Double-check text, images, and layout.
Mistake 12: Ignoring Local Printing Press Benefits
Some customers in the UAE order from international websites thinking they’ll get better deals. But this often leads to delays, high shipping costs, and customs issues.
Better Alternative
- Stick to a reliable printing press in Dubai or other UAE cities.
- You’ll get faster delivery, local support, and easier communication.
- Many UAE printers also understand regional preferences, such as Arabic-English bilingual prints.
Final Thoughts
Ordering prints online in the UAE is a smart and convenient choice, but only if you avoid common mistakes. From ignoring specifications to not checking proofs or delivery times, even small errors can lead to frustration and wasted money.
The best way to ensure a smooth experience is to plan ahead, double-check details, and work with a trusted local printing press. By paying attention to these factors, you’ll save time, reduce stress, and get prints that meet your expectations.
So next time you’re ready to order prints online – whether it’s business cards, posters, or custom home décor—remember these tips. Avoiding simple mistakes can make the difference between a disappointing order and a print that truly stands out.
Also Read: How AI is Making Ad Creation Faster and Smarter
