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Customer reviews: Lulu Direct

Reviews (78)

Overall rating
2.7

What Merchants Think

Merchants have mixed feelings about "Lulu Direct." While some praise its ability to facilitate print-on-demand services and note its potential as a useful tool, others highlight significant integration issues with platforms like Shopify and the app's inconsistent performance. Many users appreciate Lulu's customer support, though there are remarks about delays and inefficiencies in shipping and order processing features.

Key Strengths

  • High-quality printing that surpasses competitors like Amazon.
  • Automated order processing, reducing manual tasks for merchants.
  • Excellent and responsive customer service addressing user concerns.
  • Effective for small-scale book sales and hands-free order fulfillment.

Common Concerns

  • Frequent issues with integrating the app with Shopify, complicating order management.
  • Delays and inconsistencies in shipping, including a lack of tracking information.
  • Outdated instructional materials, causing confusion during setup.
  • Expensive fulfillment charges compared to using Lulu's website directly.
  • Lack of real-time error logging and notification, affecting customer service.
  • Inadequate handling of international shipping options and their tracking.

Final Thoughts

Overall, "Lulu Direct" shows promise as a versatile tool for self-publishing merchants, thanks to its high-quality print production and automated features. However, it currently suffers from integration issues with Shopify, inconsistent shipping logistics, and outdated documentation, making it challenging for some users. While its dedicated customer service and ongoing updates demonstrate a commitment to improvement, current users may face administrative hurdles and should be prepared for potential workarounds.

RosaLee's Notables

Apr 03, 2024  on Shopify

I am noticing a very inconsistent product when ordering. I ordered 3 copies of a book entitled "Life's A Journey" that should have been printed in an 8 1/2" x 8 1/2" book format. I received 3 books in 8 1/2" x 11" format. As I didn't need them immediately I didn't open the package until to longer after the order. Then I ordered a 2nd book entitled The Wonderfully Wacky World of those Crazy Critters Around Us!". Again 8 1/2" x 8 1/2", color book. It came in the correct size but was in B/W. LuLu's put in a request to reprint it with expedited shipping. Shipping was delayed, it arrived in color, whoever, the shipper had managed to mangle the book. I am now attempting to secure an updated version of the 2nd book; however, the system isn't allowing me to connect it to the right item. Therefore, I can't get it in their system so I can request a printed copy to see what I might get this time. More than a bit annoyed at the lack of quality. I can see how my customers would feel if getting charged for a product that didn't arrive as specified and requested.

MySisterIsASurvivor

Sep 06, 2023  on Shopify

Working with LuLu and creating books directly on their website is easy and the quality of the books is superb. I gave the app 2 stars because it is more expensive to go through the app with a fulfillment charge on top of that. Better off going directly through LuLu website, it is free as well. I also found that I can't connect my LuLu books already made online into shopify without having to redo the entire process of creating a book through the app.

Commandinglife

Mar 25, 2020  on Shopify

ANOTHER UPDATE: Poor communication, especially with price increases, delays etc. I wish they would communicate with us about pending price increases as they affect our bottom line. UPDATE: Rating updated from 3 to 4. The company is committed to making things work, and it is seen. Customer service is 10 stars! Top notch. They are very responsive and kind and work very hard to resolve issues. Things have improved since my last review. Give them a try. I believe in this app and will keep using. Old review Not sure how to review this app. On one hand, I am happy to have the app, but it is so new they are STILL working out bugs. Very frustrating. Lulu is a dream come true. You are able to print books on demand and ship them all over the world! But that is where my love affair stopped. The app is new and there are constantly kinks. The support team is responsive on half of the issues and none responsive on the other half. So I am somewhere in the middle of loving this app and hating the growing pains. PROS You can get your book printed on demand and shipped all over the world. CONS My first order was messed up, thank goodness I was the guinea pig on the order. I always do a test order to see what the customer sees. Still waiting on a response for a REAL reason why my book was printed incorrectly and everyone else was not. If you are selling a few books this app is great. If you are selling a few hundred books, be prepared to spend hours manually fulfill all those orders yourself. Very time-consuming. I am so happy for this app, that I am willing to overlook this. But the app within Shopify is very difficult to maneuver back and forth for order fulfillment. You will need patience. International shipping is not tracked. I hope they resolve this issue soon as of right now there is no way to provide proof of delivery. (as sellers we need this protection) Cheapest shipping option internationally says 'priority', but priority shipping has no tracking info. The next best options will cost twice as much as your book. Again, happy to have the app, so will keep overlooking these issues and pray Lulu works it out. I will wait patiently until they work the kinks out. When they do I will update my review.

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