Are Blurb books really bookstore quality?

HarlanBearHarlanBear Registered Users Posts: 290 Major grins
edited November 20, 2013 in Mind Your Own Business
Hello all,

I am starting a project to, hopefully, create a high-quality, coffee-table type photography book and then shop it around; first to local bookstores here in San Francisco and then perhaps branch it out to larger distribution. And since I am not a well-known photographer but do have an idea I think is worthy, I believe the best way to shop it is to have an actual finished book to show.

So my question is to any and all who have used Blurb to create books either for themselves of for clients: are they really high-end, bookstore quality books. This includes binding (I'm looking to do hard bound), paper quality and weight, print quality, etc. All the things a person going into a bookstore would expect from a good coffee-table photography book. I can, of course, create and print one through blurb for my own review, but thought I would mine the experience of my fellow dgrinners as well.

Thanks for any input and opinions.
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Comments

  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited February 29, 2008
    I suggest you order one for yourself, and see what you think. thumb.gif
    Moderator Emeritus
    Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
  • RustingInPeaceRustingInPeace Registered Users Posts: 255 Major grins
    edited February 29, 2008
    Not Even CLOSE
    HarlanBear wrote:
    Hello all,

    I am starting a project to, hopefully, create a high-quality, coffee-table type photography book and then shop it around; first to local bookstores here in San Francisco and then perhaps branch it out to larger distribution. And since I am not a well-known photographer but do have an idea I think is worthy, I believe the best way to shop it is to have an actual finished book to show.

    So my question is to any and all who have used Blurb to create books either for themselves of for clients: are they really high-end, bookstore quality books. This includes binding (I'm looking to do hard bound), paper quality and weight, print quality, etc. All the things a person going into a bookstore would expect from a good coffee-table photography book. I can, of course, create and print one through blurb for my own review, but thought I would mine the experience of my fellow dgrinners as well.

    Thanks for any input and opinions.


    Not even close in my opinion! I felt the quality was extremely poor. The quality control seemed non existent. I ordered a book and here are a few of the issues:
    1. A couple of pages had incomplete coloring (as in a nice white spot of paper about the size of a pencil eraser right in the middle).
    2. Terrible color casting (even the black and white pages had a purple tint)
    3. A slightly fuzzy appearance. Just not at all sharp
    4. When I contacted them about the issues I got the run around.
    I would give them a 3 out of 10.

    “Look, I'm not an intellectual - I just take pictures.” -Helmut Newton-
  • JDubJDub Registered Users Posts: 171 Major grins
    edited February 29, 2008
    I use them for my brides, in all my wedding packages. Yes they are bookstore quality. I have not had any issues, yet. If I would nitpick the color is a little less saturated, on maybe 10% of the photos. But my brides love it, and they arent really interested in the things I notice that could be sub par.
    Josh Westbrook
    ---
    Atlanta, GA
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited February 29, 2008
    Not even close in my opinion! I felt the quality was extremely poor. The quality control seemed non existent. I ordered a book and here are a few of the issues:
    1. A couple of pages had incomplete coloring (as in a nice white spot of paper about the size of a pencil eraser right in the middle).
    2. Terrible color casting (even the black and white pages had a purple tint)
    3. A slightly fuzzy appearance. Just not at all sharp
    4. When I contacted them about the issues I got the run around.
    I would give them a 3 out of 10.

    I agree that i thought the quality was very low (when i got my book some 6-7 weeks late).

    Not even close to a book store quality book.

    I also had hells trouble trying to get my book. I had to send it to a USA address (smugmug actually) because Blurbs ordering system was broken for days. Anyway i was given a zip code for SmugMug that was out by one number at the end & the book traveled the US in post for several weeks until it got returned to Blurb & they simply left it at that. Im cool with that..my fault.

    What got me mad as hell was the way in which Blurb handled themselves from that point on ..no 'gee i wonder if the customer wants us to keep his money without getting his book' follow up what so ever.

    I sent several emails asking to see where the book was & kept getting a human reply (you could tell by the wording & punctuation it wasnt a generated reply) That i can not get an answer from that email address but i could not find out at the time whom to email..believe me i wasnt going through this for my own kicks !

    So after about 5 emails...they simply told ME..THE CUSTOMER ...that they would no longer reply to my emails.

    So i went to their forum & posed the question 'Where is my Book'...they deleted my post !! Even though i made sure it was politely written. It just pointed out that they did not have the ability to handle a simple issue such as a wrong zip code.

    They will never see an order from me again.

    I eventually got it sorted after embarrassing them in their forum & i asked why they removed my post...they answered

    "oh that ? ..we were just tidying up the forum a bit"

    I went & checked...no other persons post was removed.
  • HarlanBearHarlanBear Registered Users Posts: 290 Major grins
    edited February 29, 2008
    DavidTO wrote:
    I suggest you order one for yourself, and see what you think.

    Thanks, Dave. Wish I'd thought of that.rolleyes1.gif
  • HarlanBearHarlanBear Registered Users Posts: 290 Major grins
    edited February 29, 2008
    Not even close in my opinion! I felt the quality was extremely poor. The quality control seemed non existent.


    I would give them a 3 out of 10.
    gus wrote:
    I agree that i thought the quality was very low (when i got my book some 6-7 weeks late).

    Not good to hear. Consistency is very important to me in case I do get someone to place orders. Last thing you need is a PO'ed client who is trying to sell your products.

    Any other experiences or maybe suggestions for other vendors?
  • RustingInPeaceRustingInPeace Registered Users Posts: 255 Major grins
    edited February 29, 2008
    Other options
    HarlanBear wrote:
    Not good to hear. Consistency is very important to me in case I do get someone to place orders. Last thing you need is a PO'ed client who is trying to sell your products.

    Any other experiences or maybe suggestions for other vendors?

    I just ordered a book for a senior this week. It's coming from Bay Photo. I have nothing but great work and service from them on my prints, so I am hoping it will hold up on this press product.

    “Look, I'm not an intellectual - I just take pictures.” -Helmut Newton-
  • bruceblurbbruceblurb Registered Users Posts: 48 Big grins
    edited February 29, 2008
    Harlan, sorry to hear that you feel you got the run around when contacting us. As many of the folks in the SmugMug forums know, you guys are important to us and if you ever feel that you can't get the straight scoop just drop me a line.

    I'm not going to try and defend our products and service here, except to say that we feel we have a fantastic value proposition. And, as David said earlier, the way to see if our products fit into your offering is to try us out.

    Best,

    --bw


    Not even close in my opinion! I felt the quality was extremely poor. The quality control seemed non existent. I ordered a book and here are a few of the issues:
    1. A couple of pages had incomplete coloring (as in a nice white spot of paper about the size of a pencil eraser right in the middle).
    2. Terrible color casting (even the black and white pages had a purple tint)
    3. A slightly fuzzy appearance. Just not at all sharp
    4. When I contacted them about the issues I got the run around.
    I would give them a 3 out of 10.
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited February 29, 2008
    bruceblurb wrote:
    ...And, as David said earlier, the way to see if our products fit into your offering is to try us out. Best, --bw
    And that is what I did.
    I ordered a small book to begin with.
    I have chosen the black background and the pictures are too dense, too dark.
    Talking to someone I know involved in this business, I was told that the black may have influence on the density of the photos.
    Globally the quality is good and it looks like a real - but of course it is :D - book rolleyes1.gif.
    I mean, it is not like one I have seen from Hofmann printed in Spain with too strong paper and good for Christmas time and Familly matters.
    This is a book for demanding people, for people concerned with quality.

    I have ordered another book which is on the way now. With brey background this time.

    A more "serious" one. I hope it comes OK. It will. thumb.gif

    I post here when it arrives and let you know. (Hope to remember)

    I think the book I receive is printed in Holland... Does it matter ? No.
    I payed in Euros with the Credit Card.
    :Dthumb.gif
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • HarlanBearHarlanBear Registered Users Posts: 290 Major grins
    edited February 29, 2008
    bruceblurb wrote:
    Harlan, sorry to hear that you feel you got the run around when contacting us. As many of the folks in the SmugMug forums know, you guys are important to us and if you ever feel that you can't get the straight scoop just drop me a line.

    I'm not going to try and defend our products and service here, except to say that we feel we have a fantastic value proposition. And, as David said earlier, the way to see if our products fit into your offering is to try us out.

    Best,

    --bw

    Bruce,

    Thanks for the respose, but it wasn't me that contacted you. That was Gus. I'm just trying to see what others' experience is with you folks. As I said, I am looking for a high quality, bookstore type printing operation which I plan to shop around to bookstores and perhaps as a "portfoilo" and pitch for other publishers, and therefore am still doing research. But I have downloaded your Booksmart software to give it a test drive.

    I just ordered a book for a senior this week. It's coming from Bay Photo. I have nothing but great work and service from them on my prints, so I am hoping it will hold up on this press product.

    Love to hear what you think when you get it.
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited February 29, 2008
    bruceblurb wrote:
    sorry to hear that you feel you got the run around when contacting us.
    Bruce... im here to tell you that i dont just 'feel' i got the run around.

    I 'know' i got the run around.

    I have kept every tiny piece of correspondence & will never pass comments like i did without being able to back them up 100%. You actually had me until you removed my post from your forum & then made an excuse that you were tidying up the forum. Ive been a mod here for a long time...ive a fair idea about the mechanics of a forum.
  • xrisxris Registered Users Posts: 546 Major grins
    edited February 29, 2008
    I ordered my books during the SmugMug promo. Service was very fast -- and I'm in Canada. (I liked the software too!)

    1) I did have a problem contacting Blurb. After I ordered, I noticed I wasn't getting any order updates. I didn't get any customer service responses either so, thinking it was an e-mail problem, I forwarded a new response address. In the end I provided a total of three addresses -- then the books showed.

    2) At first I was thrilled. Then I noticed a number of what are called 'fountain runs' in all four books. (Traces left by printing fluids being squeezed off the paper by the rollers.

    3) This communication was answered very promptly, saying a return envelope was being forwarded.

    4) When the envelope didn't arrive I inquired again. Blurb apologized for the mix-up and responded that my my reprints had already been ordered.

    5) The reprints arrived only a few days later.

    6) Reprints were stunning! Soft covers are nice and glossy. (First ones were flat.) The blacks are very black and the colour densities are very good.

    A couple of days ago I got a Blurb promo e-mail. Three actually. One to each of the three addresses I provided above!

    All-in-all, there were problems. But it was a first order, out of country, and at a very busy time of year heading into the Xmas rush. Most important, the problems were handled very quickly and very professionally.

    I'll be ordering more, for sure. But I do suggest you experiment before biting the bullet.
    thumb.gif
    X www.thepicturetaker.ca
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited March 1, 2008
    I was impressed with the quality on the ones I ordered, FWIW.
    Moderator Emeritus
    Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
  • JimWJimW Registered Users Posts: 333 Major grins
    edited March 1, 2008
    Mick,

    <<< are they really high-end, bookstore quality books.>>>

    No. But they only cost a fraction of what you'd pay for high quality printing.


    May I suggest paying close attention to how Bruce from Blurb characterizes his company’s product.

    <<< except to say that we feel we have a fantastic value proposition.>>>

    Bruce does not say that his company offers high quality printing, just good value, which is a function of their low price.

    Let’s identify six areas of concern when you’re buying printing;
    paper, binding, delivery, price, customer service and print quality.

    In my opinion, Blurb offers good paper, good binding, fast delivery (usually) and an extraordinarily low price. They do not offer good print quality nor can they offer much in the way of good customer service.

    A company like Blurb or Shutterfly etc. is not well set up for customer service. It just isn’t possible at their price point. They have way too many customers to provide good customer service.

    Which leaves us with print quality. They print on HP Indigo presses (Bruce can correct me if they’ve upgraded their presses recently, but it still won’t make much difference.) These presses are well known in the industry. The inks do not compare well to inkjet, or to “regular” 4 color offset litho presses. They are very low quality inks which are not too reflective. This is understandable, given the prices they charge. If you paid thousands more for your book to be printed on commercial presses, frankly the inks would only be marginally better, unless you went to a high quality printer, where the price for your books would be absurdly high.

    Fair is fair. You get what you pay for. Notice that Bruce says his company offers a good value, and it’s just impossible to argue with that. You are not paying for good print quality, and you are not getting it. Whether or not you are satisfied with their print quality is up to you, and as this thread shows different people have different quality needs. In the industry, the print quality of these presses is considered very low. But this is irrelevant if you are someone who considers their quality to be just fine for your tastes.

    Hope this helps,

    Jim

    I don't want the cheese, I just want to get out of the trap.


    http://www.jimwhitakerphotography.com/
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited March 1, 2008
    JimW wrote:
    ... if you are someone who considers their quality to be just fine for your tastes. Hope this helps, Jim

    Yes it does help. :D
    bowdown.gif
    I'll be more careful when I look for a really good book of photography.eek7.gif
    As I said before some where: you look and you don't see.

    This may be happening with me ... I mean, it is happening with me.

    I just look to the books which I think are supposed to be good and I don't see their lack of quality...

    :Dbowdown.gif
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • jonh68jonh68 Registered Users Posts: 2,711 Major grins
    edited March 1, 2008
    I have ordered three books from blurb. I have been happy with all three. They are not high end, but for a 160 page 8X10 book for around 40 dollars, I think it's excellent.
  • HarlanBearHarlanBear Registered Users Posts: 290 Major grins
    edited March 1, 2008
    JimW wrote:
    Mick,

    <<< are they really high-end, bookstore quality books.>>>

    No. But they only cost a fraction of what you'd pay for high quality printing.


    May I suggest paying close attention to how Bruce from Blurb characterizes his company’s product.

    <<< except to say that we feel we have a fantastic value proposition.>>>

    Bruce does not say that his company offers high quality printing, just good value, which is a function of their low price.

    Jim,

    Yes it does help quite a bit. I think for family & friends kind of this Blurb would work fine. But it looks like it would not work so well for my end product ideas. Though it may work as a presentation to a publisher, if I could get one to look at my stuff. And considering the the costs it may be an okay idea to get one as a mock-up (rough draft, if you will) kind of project. I'll have to do some more research and check with people I know who are in the print business to one degree or another.

    Thanks for the information. Very informative and thought provoking.

    And thanks to everyone who has taken the time to help me with this.
  • ShudderzShudderz Registered Users Posts: 346 Major grins
    edited March 2, 2008
    I just ordered a book for a senior this week. It's coming from Bay Photo. I have nothing but great work and service from them on my prints, so I am hoping it will hold up on this press product.


    I use Bay Photo as well and would love to hear how this book turns out!
    Heather
    www.heatherdunnphotography.com
    My Blog My Facebook Page
    GIVING BACK - How will you give?
    "I look at life outside of the lens and capture the world through it." -Thomas Robinson
  • PamelaPamela Registered Users Posts: 453 Major grins
    edited March 4, 2008
    Recently I received my first engagement book.
    Im very happy with the results, the colors were right on.

    You can see the book here
    www.exposed-images.smugmug.com/gallery/4299736_BhWHC



    Pamela
    Thankyou

    Pamela

    www.exposedimages.net
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited March 7, 2008
    Disapointment
    It's the second book from Blurb.

    The first one is small and just to see how the books looked and feeling.
    The second one is a more serious one.
    Others will come under my annual project concerning bull fights and bull fighters pictures, which are to be public and available to the World and for those who are interested in this activity.

    The 1.st book has the background in black.
    The photos turned out to be dark, too dark, too dense.
    Excuse: may be it was the black which could have ... etc etc etc.

    Then I moved to gray.
    I received the book today and the photos are dark and dense and before or worst.
    What am I supposed to do ?

    I am guiving Blub guys this link in order they might give anwsers here to evreyone and not only to me.

    I need to fine tune this thing ! I need to trust Blurb. I don't want to move from printer to printer.

    I need this and need it badly. I have a plan for shooting an engagment and wedding and things must be tunned up.

    My books were printed in Switzerland. Are you, Blurb, changing my last book for another one ?

    Thank you.
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • bruceblurbbruceblurb Registered Users Posts: 48 Big grins
    edited March 7, 2008
    Hi Antonio. I took at look at your account and saw that your two orders were of different sized books, square and standard. These two products are printed on different presses with different technologies. So there will always be some difference between the two but without seeing your books it's difficult for me to say if either is actually out of the standard deviation for the on-demand printing process.

    Also, there are some basic tips for adjusting images for Blurb books on our blog here http://blurberatiblog.com/index.php/2007/03/16/tips-on-how-to-synchronize-your-color/. This may help you get closer to your expected output.

    Hope this helps!

    Best,

    --bw
    It's the second book from Blurb.

    The first one is small and just to see how the books looked and feeling.
    The second one is a more serious one.
    Others will come under my annual project concerning bull fights and bull fighters pictures, which are to be public and available to the World and for those who are interested in this activity.

    The 1.st book has the background in black.
    The photos turned out to be dark, too dark, too dense.
    Excuse: may be it was the black which could have ... etc etc etc.

    Then I moved to gray.
    I received the book today and the photos are dark and dense and before or worst.
    What am I supposed to do ?

    I am guiving Blub guys this link in order they might give anwsers here to evreyone and not only to me.

    I need to fine tune this thing ! I need to trust Blurb. I don't want to move from printer to printer.

    I need this and need it badly. I have a plan for shooting an engagment and wedding and things must be tunned up.

    My books were printed in Switzerland. Are you, Blurb, changing my last book for another one ?

    Thank you.
  • mercphotomercphoto Registered Users Posts: 4,550 Major grins
    edited March 7, 2008
    I've done two books through Blurb now. One I was reasonably happy with, the other not so much. A few have hit the nail on the head here. Their price is great, the product is above average. Its a great value. But if you are wanting top-notch photo reproduction you can't get it at this price. Now you're bumping into Asuka Book territory, and the price jump is pretty decent. Roughly $100 for a 20-page 10x10 inch book, give or take.

    If I want a decent book I'd use blurb again. But if I want a spectacular book I'll fork over the $$$ for Asuka.
    Bill Jurasz - Mercury Photography - Cedar Park, TX
    A former sports shooter
    Follow me at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/bjurasz/
    My Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mercphoto?ref=hdr_shop_menu
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited March 7, 2008
    bruceblurb wrote:
    Hi Antonio. I took at look at your account and saw that your two orders were of different sized books, square and standard. These two products are printed on different presses with different technologies. So there will always be some difference between the two but without seeing your books it's difficult for me to say if either is actually out of the standard deviation for the on-demand printing process.
    Also, there are some basic tips for adjusting images for Blurb books on our blog here http://blurberatiblog.com/index.php/2007/03/16/tips-on-how-to-synchronize-your-color/. This may help you get closer to your expected output.
    Hope this helps! Best,--bw

    It helped yes. Thank you.bowdown.gif

    I am sorry but I may have to move as I want more quality, even at a slightly highter price.

    I saw books in Portugal printed from Hofmann and I did not like them at all.
    Blurb books are better but not enought as I don't want to sell books with my pictures showing them not so good as they really are.

    Assuming they are good of course. :D

    :cry:cry
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited March 7, 2008
    mercphoto wrote:
    I've done two books through Blurb now. One I was reasonably happy with, the other not so much. A few have hit the nail on the head here. Their price is great, the product is above average. Its a great value. But if you are wanting top-notch photo reproduction you can't get it at this price. Now you're bumping into Asuka Book territory, and the price jump is pretty decent. Roughly $100 for a 20-page 10x10 inch book, give or take.

    If I want a decent book I'd use blurb again. But if I want a spectacular book I'll fork over the $$$ for Asuka.

    Thank you for the tip. :Dbowdown.gif

    I thought I could use Blurb but I was wronge.:cry

    I will go and have a look at Asuka.

    However, I may use Blurb in a not so important book as the one I want to make about bull fighting.

    Thank you so much.bowdown.gif
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • DavidTODavidTO Registered Users, Retired Mod Posts: 19,160 Major grins
    edited March 7, 2008
    mercphoto wrote:
    I've done two books through Blurb now. One I was reasonably happy with, the other not so much. A few have hit the nail on the head here. Their price is great, the product is above average. Its a great value. But if you are wanting top-notch photo reproduction you can't get it at this price. Now you're bumping into Asuka Book territory, and the price jump is pretty decent. Roughly $100 for a 20-page 10x10 inch book, give or take.

    If I want a decent book I'd use blurb again. But if I want a spectacular book I'll fork over the $$$ for Asuka.


    15524779-Ti.gif It's a good product at a great price.
    Moderator Emeritus
    Dgrin FAQ | Me | Workshops
  • CuongCuong Registered Users Posts: 1,508 Major grins
    edited March 7, 2008
    I've used My Publisher and I like the paper and print quality. It's pricier than Blurb's, but you can get discounted pricing with Costco membership. I haven't used Blurb's so I can't really compare. I think I'll try Blurb for a project I have in mind just to see the differences.

    Cuong
    "She Was a Little Taste of Heaven – And a One-Way Ticket to Hell!" - Max Phillips
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited March 7, 2008
    I wonder we ( European Comunity cityzans ) must pay Custom Taxes on books coming from the States ...ne_nau.gif
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • gusgus Registered Users Posts: 16,209 Major grins
    edited March 7, 2008
    I wonder we ( European Comunity cityzans ) must pay Custom Taxes on books coming from the States ...ne_nau.gif
    Check your countries customs web site..it should explain it. A lot of countries have a cut off $ value ie here in australia...if the product is under $1000 then no tax but after that amount it attracts a 10% goods & services tax.
  • Antonio CorreiaAntonio Correia Registered Users Posts: 6,241 Major grins
    edited March 7, 2008
    gus wrote:
    Check your countries customs web site..it should explain it. A lot of countries have a cut off $ value ie here in australia...if the product is under $1000 then no tax but after that amount it attracts a 10% goods & services tax.

    :Dbowdown.gifthumb
    All the best ! ... António Correia - Facebook
  • HarlanBearHarlanBear Registered Users Posts: 290 Major grins
    edited April 3, 2008
    As the OP of this thread I was contacted by Bruceblurb and give a coupon for a free 8 x 10 book of my photos for a test run. I used not only my photos (shot in RAW and adjusted in PSCS3) but also my wife's jpeg images from a Canon P&S. And I must say the quality of the book was very good.thumb.gif

    I am not sure that it will fill my original desire to print a high-quality art photo book, that I leave somewhat to my more learned book publishing friends, but it is as good if not better than many photo bokks I've seen in regular retail book stores. And their turn-around from upload to deliver was very impressive - like 3-4 days.

    So hats off to Blurb. For the money I don't think you can beat it. And, as I said, it did meet and beat my expectations. So thanks to Bruceblub, too.bowdown.gif
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