Printing like many industries has seen the onset of chain businesses to meet the needs of the consumer and businesses. As technology has gotten better it has lowered the barrier of entry in skills that a printer must possess to produce a larger % of print jobs.

Printing was a skill learned and it took years to train to be able to produce fine work. This is certainly still the case for most jobs but printing has segmented into different markets that are filled by different companies.

The chain printer is more of a convenience printer. They turn quick jobs and are usually available to service longer hours and weekends. Walk in business is not only welcomed but expected and staffed for that. The workers are usually not nearly as skilled but can get something out quick and in your hands fast. They have usually only been in the printing business for a short time.

Lower quantities are what the chain printer is in existence for. A customer will pay more on average for this convenience factor and get inferior quality but the chain printer certainly serves a purpose.

The commercial printer is more designed around custom jobs. The commercial printer will have some of the same equipment as the chain printer but will also have equipment made for larger quantity jobs and usually will produce more difficult higher quality jobs.

There are certainly exceptions to these rules. There are commercial printers that don