Photo prints advice

[tenohfive]

I've used Photobox a few times for prints and have generally been pretty happy, but I've just ordered a load of Premium 6x4 prints and almost all of them look flat and a little undersharpened - like they need a good hit of contrast and sharpening.

The issue could be at my end - I don't have much printed - but they were all edited on a 27" Benq monitor (bought for it's editing strengths) and recently calibrated with a Spyder5Express. Not the perfect solution but better than other stuff I've sent for printing which turned out okay.

My first reaction was to process copies of the prints to compensate for how they've come out and re-order from Photobox but I'm now wondering if I should try a more upmarket printer (I was looking at Loxley after seeing them come up regularly recommended on here)?

How would I check if the issue is at my end other than just ordering from Loxley or similar?

[GetCarter]

I've had two issues with photobox, I have complained and both times they have just reprinted without proof of poor quality. (Most of the time they have been fine). Zenfolio are better quality, but more cash,

(I note the two are merging later this year).

[andy-xr]

I know they get good reviews from others on here, but I've never had anything I've been happy with from Photobox. Even after a reprint and a load of jiggling about they never came out quite as sharp or exposed, and it's something that's unique to them. They are cheap though, so I've got a template in Lightroom that upps the exposure and contrast on everything, apply/export/upload and a few days later throw the box of photos into the old suitcase we use for collecting prints

DS colour Labs are where I'd go to if I wanted higher quality prints

[Beggarall]

I have used Photobox a lot - books, posters,collages and prints - mostly they have been OK but it does seem a bit "mass production" and with the various offers quite cheap. I wouldn't go to them for display prints but I have found their customer service excellent and they have reprinted quickly and for free. Worth having a chat with them.