Why generic POD fails artists
Most print-on-demand platforms optimize for volume and convenience, not quality. They aggregate hundreds of suppliers without vetting, pass quality responsibility to artists, and leave you to manage inconsistent results when things go wrong.
The result: wasted money on test prints, disappointed buyers, and damage to your reputation. A 2024 analysis of major POD platforms showed review scores as low as 1.3 out of 5 stars for marketplace models, with artists citing inconsistent quality and poor accountability as top complaints.
Nelori was built to solve this. Every printer in our network meets strict standards for equipment, materials, color accuracy, and craft. We vet partners before approval and monitor performance continuously. When quality issues arise, we handle resolution directly.
Our Vetting Process
Before a print shop joins the Nelori network, they undergo a multi-stage evaluation covering equipment, materials, processes, and sample quality. Here's what we require.
✓ Equipment Standards
All network printers must operate professional-grade large-format equipment capable of delivering archival-quality output.
- Printer requirements: Professional large-format inkjet systems from manufacturers like Canon imagePROGRAF, Epson SureColor, or HP DesignJet Z-series
- ICC profile support: Calibrated color management with custom profiles for each paper type
- Resolution capability: Minimum 2400 DPI output for fine art and photography
- Ink systems: Pigment-based archival inks (not dye-based) with proven lightfastness ratings
We review equipment specifications, calibration practices, and maintenance schedules during the application process.
✓ Material Standards
Papers, canvases, and substrates must meet archival quality standards suitable for gallery presentation and long-term preservation.
- Paper certification: Acid-free, lignin-free substrates rated for 100+ year longevity
- Approved manufacturers: Hahnemühle, Canson, Epson, Moab, and other fine art paper specialists
- Finish variety: Matte, luster, baryta, cotton rag, and canvas options
- Weight and thickness: Minimum 190 gsm for photo papers, 300+ gsm for fine art cotton papers
We require printers to stock a curated range of substrates suitable for different image types and artist preferences.
✓ Color Management
Accurate, repeatable color is non-negotiable. We verify that printers follow ICC-profiled workflows and maintain calibration discipline.
- ICC profiles: Custom profiles for each printer-paper combination, regularly updated
- Calibration frequency: Regular spectrophotometer verification and adjustments
- Soft proofing: Ability to provide accurate previews before printing
- Color space handling: Proper conversion between RGB source files and CMYK/extended gamut output
Color accuracy is tested during sample evaluation and monitored through ongoing quality checks.
✓ Experience & Craft
Art printing requires more than technical capability. We look for demonstrated expertise in fine art and photography output.
- Industry experience: Minimum 3 years serving photographers, artists, or galleries
- Understanding of tonality: Ability to assess and preserve tonal range in fine art images
- Attention to detail: Quality control processes including visual inspection of every print
- Professional communication: Clear, timely updates and collaborative problem-solving
✓ Sample Testing
Printers submit sample prints across multiple paper types for evaluation before network approval.
- Test images: Standardized files covering tonal range, color accuracy, and detail preservation
- Paper variety: Samples on matte, baryta, and cotton substrates
- Evaluation criteria: Color fidelity, sharpness, contrast, absence of banding or artifacts
- Consistency check: Repeat prints to verify process repeatability
✓ Operational Reliability
Consistent turnaround times and professional fulfillment practices matter as much as print quality.
- Production capacity: Ability to handle order volume without quality degradation
- Turnaround commitments: Reliable 2-5 day production timeline
- Packaging standards: Rigid mailers, protective tubes, or portfolio boxes
- Shipping practices: Tracking on all orders, proper carrier selection
Continuous Quality Monitoring
Approval is just the beginning. We track printer performance across every order to ensure standards remain consistent.
Performance Metrics
Each network printer is evaluated continuously on:
- Quality score: Derived from customer feedback, reprint rates, and visual inspection
- Turnaround reliability: On-time production rate and communication responsiveness
- Material consistency: Adherence to specified papers and proper handling
- Error rate: Frequency of reprints due to production issues
Issue Resolution
When quality concerns arise, we manage the resolution process directly with the printer. Artists and buyers don't navigate supplier excuses or logistics. If a print doesn't meet our standards, we coordinate the reprint or refund transparently.
Network Evolution
Our network grows intentionally, not rapidly. We add printers based on geographic need and verified quality, not scale targets. If a partner's performance degrades, we address it directly or remove them from the network. Quality over volume, every time.
Our Quality Guarantee
We stand behind every print. If a print doesn't meet our quality standards or arrives damaged, contact us within 30 days and we'll arrange a reprint or full refund. No questions asked.
What's covered:
- Color accuracy issues (significant deviation from file)
- Print defects (banding, streaking, artifacts)
- Material defects (paper damage, improper finish)
- Shipping damage (bent corners, creases, water damage)
- Incorrect specifications (wrong size, wrong paper)
You handle the sale, we handle the quality. Your reputation matters to us.
Why This Matters
Generic POD platforms abdicate quality responsibility. When a print fails, you're left managing supplier disputes, coordinating reprints, and apologizing to your buyers. That's backwards.
Nelori owns the accountability. We vet the printers, we set the standards, we monitor performance, and we resolve issues. You focus on creating and selling. We ensure the prints live up to your work.
Want to see our network application process? Visit our Printer Network page.