1. Do you showcase an online portfolio or provide samples?
2. What services do you offer? What tools do you provide to facilitate the process?
3. What is the turnaround time?
4. What is the price for this project?

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

Request full-service printers to provide printed samples of their work

Reputable full-service printers will send you free samples that reflect the type of printed material you are requesting. Many magazine printers, full service book printers and newsprint printing services also provide online portfolios.

I recommend: At PrintingForLess.com, fill out a sample request to get samples printed on a variety of papers. Professional Printing Center offers an impressive online portfolio sorted by industry.

Ask full-service printers for a comprehensive listing of their services and capabilities

Printers service companies offer a wide range of capabilities, but most specialize in a particular type of printing service. Some printers focus on short run full color digital postcards or business cards, while other specialize in pad printing services for plastic, glass and metal items. Ask if the printer offers one-stop services like graphic design, templates or mail services.

I recommend: Search ThePrintGuide to find the industry’s leading full-service printers. If you don’t have design experience, PsPrint offers more than 150 templates in a variety of software programs, free customized pre-designed templates for postcards and business cards and graphic design services. Use PrintingForLess.com’s mail services to deliver your mailing faster and cheaper.

Determine if the full-service printer can meet deadlines for your proposed printed project

Turnaround time can be a misleading term in the printing industry. For most printers, turnaround time is a production term that does not include shipping.

I recommend: If it is important to have your printed materials by a specific date, communicate that expectation with full-service printers, magazine printers or newsprint printing services. PsPrint offers a refund for rush charges if the company fails to meet a turnaround commitment. Most full-service printers take no responsibility for shipping delays, so be sure to request a trusted shipping partner, like UPS, that offers tracking services.

Secure a competitive price by comparison shopping full service printing companies

When comparing prices between full-service printers, read the fine print. Ask each printer to provide you with a written quote. Ask about additional costs for technical reviews, proofs or corrections.

I recommend: PrintingForLess.com offers a free technical review for all commercial printing files. Many printers offer a free digital proof of your print job. Hard copy proofs add time and cost to production, increasing your costs. Corrections can be expensive, so check your files before submitting. See a term sheet from Buyer Printing for typical charges for type changes and design changes.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Build good relationships with several full-service printers. Not all full-service printers are best suited for every print job, so bid out your print jobs on a regular basis to get the best value.