does anyone have one of those cafe press "shops"?

Poststructural Pub
1

Happy new year everyone!

I’ve been looking at the cafe press site and wondering about the shops they have. I know Dale has one cos I bought a t shirt once. (lovely tee btw)

Well I’m wondering, how is it there? Is it really free? Am thinking of putting up a book for sale and can’t believe there aren’t any fees there. And they would print a book on demand for whatever price you want to sell it for, as long as its over $10. Anyone done this? Are there any strings attached, etc etc. I find it hard to believe.

Hoping for some feedback. Gee. I have been looking for printers for quite a while and just came across it. thanks in advance to anyone who can steer me on this!

2

I’ve been thinking of the same thing, you’ll have to let us all know about your experience with it!

3

Well, no, it’s not exactly free. There’s no set up costs or anything, but when you set prices for your items, they tell you what their take will be and then you mark it up to your heart’s delight.

I will say that I have found their customer service quite good.

Dale

4

Oh…and I don’t have any experience with their book publishing angle. I’ll have to have a look at that.

Dale

5

Ok, I had a look at their book publishing deal. The good news: No up-front money, which is amazing. The bad news: High prices. It would be a good way to go, I suppose, if you wanted nice looking books but under 100 copies. Especially good deal for under 50 copies. Even better for under 25. But, if you had a book you wanted to print 200 copies or more, you can get much better prices if you shop around.

6

I have used XLibris.
I’m not sure what their current rates are, but for a set-up fee of several hundred dollars, they provide print-on-demand. The book cost is fixed as far as I know. (My crazy book which I don’t recommend is available, eg, on Amazon, for $21.99, with a lower price if purchased directly from xlibris.)
There may be better deals, and I may soon be in the market for one.

7

Thanks Dale and Emm. So - you really don’t have to pay them to get it done (unbelievable isn’t it? I thought I must have read it wrong!). But oh that $10 thing was just an example. oh.. I see those book prices now too. Oh well.

Emm I was just looking at xlibris today. Bit pricey but cheaper than some I’ve seen. I’ll let you know if I find anything good!