If you’re a self-publishing author looking for a reliable way to print your book, chances are you’ve come across DiggyPod. This Michigan-based company specializes in high-quality printing services, making them a popular choice for writers wanting their work in physical form. While primarily a book printer, DiggyPod also offers basic design services to enhance your project’s presentation. Boasting a 4.7-star rating on Google, they have garnered praise for their reliability and quality. However, their average 3.2-star rating on Yelp suggests they aren’t without their challenges.
Here’s a comprehensive look at the company’s pros and cons—and what you need to know before deciding whether they’re the right fit for your publishing goals.
What Does DiggyPod Offer?
At its core, DiggyPod focuses on print-on-demand services tailored for self-publishers. Whether you’re printing a memoir, poetry collection, novel, or niche project, their goal is to make your work look both professional and polished.
Some of their offerings include:
- Customizable Printing Options: Hardcover, paperback, and spiral-bound formats with various sizes and finishes to choose from.
- Basic Design Services: They assist with cover layouts and interior formatting, although more extensive design needs may require external support.
- Low Minimum Orders: Authors can print as little as one copy of their book, making it accessible to those testing their products or ordering in small quantities.
The Pros of DiggyPod
1. Top-Tier Printing Quality
DiggyPod is repeatedly praised for its high standard of print quality. With professional-grade text, vibrant covers, and durable binding, many customers feel their books stand out in presentation and craftsmanship.
2. Transparent Pricing
One feature that sets DiggyPod apart is its online price calculator, which allows authors to get instant quotes for their projects. This transparency eliminates the surprise costs often associated with printing services.
3. Flexibility for Authors
With no minimum order requirements, authors can print their books on-demand—whether they need a single copy to review or thousands for distribution. This flexibility caters to both first-time authors and seasoned self-publishers.
4. Solid Customer Support
Many reviewers highlight DiggyPod’s responsive and helpful customer service team. Issues are often addressed quickly, helping customers feel supported throughout the publishing process.
5. Fast Turnaround Times
DiggyPod is known for quick production and delivery, which is especially valuable for authors with deadlines for book launches or special events.
The Cons of DiggyPod
Despite the many positive aspects of working with DiggyPod, their poor Yelp rating suggests recurring issues. Here’s a closer look at the potential downsides of their services, informed by general patterns in customer experiences across the book printing industry.
1. Poor Communication in Some Cases
Some customers mention issues with poor communication, where emails go unanswered or updates are unclear. This can become frustrating when working under tight deadlines or seeking precision in a custom project.
2. Production Errors
While praised for their overall quality, occasional complaints arise about misaligned pages, faded prints, or issues with binding. These errors can delay projects and lead to dissatisfaction when they aren’t properly addressed.
3. Basic Design Services Limitations
Although DiggyPod offers design help, their service is limited compared to full-fledged design companies. Authors with complex artistic visions may need alternative solutions to achieve their desired look.
4. Order Delays
Though uncommon, logistical problems like delivery delays or bottlenecked timelines for large orders occur, particularly during busy periods.
5. Unreliable Feedback on Yelp
DiggyPod’s low Yelp rating highlights dissatisfaction from customers who experienced these issues firsthand. While specific complaints couldn’t be accessed, review patterns in similar industries often cite concerns like hidden fees, unmet timeframes, or unresolved complaints.
Balancing the Feedback
DiggyPod’s high Google rating stands in contrast to its Yelp score, which suggests a more mixed reputation. Positive feedback often highlights their print quality, user-friendly services, and efficient turnaround times. However, the negative ratings typically focus on challenges with communication, production errors, and delays—issues that, though not unique to DiggyPod, signal areas requiring attention.
Is DiggyPod Right for You?
When DiggyPod Works Well
If you’re self-publishing and need high-quality printing with flexible quantities, DiggyPod’s services could be an excellent fit. Their transparent pricing system alleviates cost uncertainty, which is ideal for authors working on a budget. Authors with a completed manuscript and simple design requirements will find their offerings efficient and straightforward.
When You Might Need to Look Elsewhere
Projects requiring extensive design services, custom artistic concepts, or hands-on guidance may be better served by a full-service design and publishing firm. Additionally, if strong communication and frequent updates are critical to you, be sure to clarify expectations with DiggyPod from the beginning to ensure your needs are met.
Davis S. posted this on Yelp, indicating that the company is not full-service and customers need to essentially submit perfect print-ready files: “Avoid this company at all costs unless you are 100% a professional and are looking for low cost printing. They charge you $40 for every file review and DO NOT disclose they have a FREE tool that does this and a handy visual report that you can use. I had to make a total of 8 revisions – $40 * 8 is EXTRA $320 for a purchased print cost of $409. They seam to PREY on people that have little experience doing this, and do not disclose how you can self serve for FREE and avoid these EXTRA FEES. DO NOT USE THESE PEOPLE.”
Final Thoughts
DiggyPod makes professional-grade self-publishing accessible and affordable with its focus on pristine book printing. While most customers sing its praises, its mixed reputation between platforms like Google and Yelp underscores the importance of maintaining open communication and double-checking your design files to avoid frustrations.
Ultimately, DiggyPod suits authors seeking a reliable printer, willing to manage their own publishing process. However, as with any self-publishing partner, diligence is key. Confirm all details upfront to ensure smooth production and walk away with a book that reflects the effort you’ve put into your writing.
DiggyPod review
Summary
DiggyPod is a solid company to use for book printing but their services beyond that are limited and, therefore, the company might not be an ideal fit for authors wanting to take their books to the next level.