The first print consultants lived in ancient times when printing happened on stone. Then printing appeared in flowing handwriting on papyrus paper. However, it was not that long ago when the first dedicated online printing company came to the market.

Today new entrepreneurs and business people want to know how to get started in a business they know little about. They need advice about printing and about growing a printing company. Printing industry consultants are on the market dedicated solely to helping new printing companies become successful. Consider the following when thinking about getting help from one of these companies:

1. Look to the best in the printing business for a printing industry consultant.

2. Find a print consulting service for your consulting needs.

3. Get training and take classes in printing software and tools.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look to pros for printing industry consulting

Some companies just know the business. You can ask them whatever is on your mind about printing and they will have the answer. Experts in the business are the experts in giving advice. Just ask.

I recommend: PrintingForLess.com checks your files for about 50 different issues to see how each will affect the quality of the print. This company will review your needs and questions and get back to you with answers within a two-day turnaround. Fill out the handy form on their website. They will give you the tips you need to prepare your digital files for the best printing job possible. The people at 48HourPrint.com also offer all kinds of printing options.

Find the print consultant you need to run your business more efficiently

Printing business consultants are there to help you in every aspect of your business, from profitability to improved efficiencies, marketing, cost accounting and even expert witnesses.

I recommend: Talk to the people at American Print Management for advice in running your printing business for greater profitability, cost reduction and improved efficiencies. This company prefers working with commercial, direct mail and print marketing. They strive to give you deep industry knowledge. Profectus specializes in consulting for printing businesses. They assist in building lean printing offices and streamlined practices. They'll help you with accounting, budgeting for hourly cost rates as well as sales and marketing.

Get the training you need with a print consultant

Learn some of the techniques used on the job in both small and commercial printing businesses. These companies will also answer questions about binding, UV process printing and offset printing.

I recommend: Eagle Web Press offers classes in Adobe Photoshop, Quark, Pagemaker and Indesign to improve your printing skills. Request a quote online from this company for the many printing services they offer. The Segerdahl Group also offers training, and does big commercial printing jobs as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Printing companies are a lot like so many other companies. The ones that are good at what they do are usually the best at consulting. Some companies specialize in printing consulting only, but do not actually do the work. Check the experience and background of the consultants of these companies. Also, watch the hype of websites. Look beyond full-page graphics, photos and loud music to the words, offers, testimonials and substance of the company to make your decision before hiring a printing industry consultant.