Resources for Full-Service Printers

Professionally printed, graphically appealing print materials are important for every company. They create a great impression for a prospective customer and reinforce your company’s brand image. But finding the right printer can be challenging.

As a consumer, your objective is to get the best quality print job for the lowest price. This means researching a variety of full-service printers, including commercial printing brokers, magazine printers, newsprint printing services or even pad printing services depending on your company’s needs.

Before you design your marketing materials, interview potential full-service printers. Be sure to ask the following questions:

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.