Whether it be for business cards, brochures or your next large scale marketing campaign every business, regardless of its size or industry sector needs a commercial printer. But how do you go about finding the right printer for you and your business? A quick internet search will reveal a plethora of results and options from large print houses in London to cheap and cheerful on-line printers. So how do you decide which one is right for your business?
There are lots of variables to think about when choosing a commercial printer, here is the Bowden and Sons guide to finding the right commercial printer for your business.
- Quality and Service – printing presses are very sophisticated these days and produce great results, as with many things the skills of the printer/operator can make all the difference. An established, time served printers will know their trade inside out. The aim is to build a long term, lasting relationship with your printer, excellent customer service is a must. Think about how quickly your initial enquiry was handled, was the reply professional and courteous?
- If possible book an appointment to visit the printer’s premises. This way you will be able to see the machines and meet the team. Ask lots of questions; how much experience do they have, how long have they been operating, what kind of customers do they work with, do they do print finishing. Consider whether the premises are clean and tidy? If the printer cares about his premises and how your enquiry is dealt with the chances are they will care about your print.
- Location – do you need your commercial printer to be nearby? Is it important to you to be able to go to their premises, talk about print jobs, see the proofs, and put a face to a name? There are benefits to be had from using a local printer, consider what is right for your business.
- Turnaround times – find out about average print times for standard items to get an idea of how long things take. If you have a good relationship with your printer most will do their best to accommodate any urgent jobs.
- Delivery options – can the print company offer delivery under plain cover? Is delivery an extra cost? Can you collect things from the printer’s premises if you prefer? Check out the options and make sure they are flexible enough to meet the needs of your business.
- Look into the types of print capabilities that the printers has. There will be superior colour matching and consistency from the printer who can offer litho, digital and wide format printing. You are unlikely to get this if you have to get different elements from different suppliers.
- Do the printers have an in house design/creative studio? Even if you are a design agency or if you have your own in-house designers. Having creative skills that you can tap into could be useful if staff are sick or for last minute and/or minor amendments. Having this resource at the printers could save valuable time when you are on a particularly tight deadline.
- Advice, your printer should be knowledgeable in all aspects of printing, the best types of inks and materials to use and print finishing techniques that will enhance your print. A good commercial printer will be happy to work with you from the start of the project.
- If you like what you see and hear give the printer a try, start with a small print job. If you are happy with the results and the service, you can now look forward to a great working relationship with your printer and account manager.
For more information about the services Bowden and Sons can offer call us today on 0115 9443377 or email hello@excel-printing.co.uk
