Doug Curren

Print Buying Tips

Thursday, 13 August 2009 22:09 |

Co-Authored by Kimball Stadler

Kimball was asked by a potential customer to explain a few things about printing in easy to understand "everyday terms". Here's how she responded.

I have recapped a few ideas below to help you understand the "printing lingo" from an outsiders viewpoint. So many times we talk to companies that feel they are paying a high price for services but given no explanation as to why these charges are incurred so thank you for the chance to explain. I hope it will save you time and money as you price this job in the local area.

1. Beware of on-line companies. They have very cheap prices, but no guarantees on the quality of printing and finishing and if they are out of your area ask about shipping charges and be careful. Ask them to explain the conditions of doing business and ask them for their version of "Printing Industry Trade Customs". See www.printing-press.org for more information.

2. Cut down costs by providing your artwork files in printing industry supported formats like .pdf and .eps. To be sure call and ask. If files need to be created set a budget and ask to be notified if the budget will be exceeded. Ask questions like "are there extra charges like the purchase of stock photos"? Best to know now then when you pick up your order and be held hostage.

3. For ultimate savings, run as many items as you can at the same time (business cards, envelopes, invoices, letterhead) in your color(s) because all printers charge an "ink wash charge". That charge may be $25.00 or more per color for each item. BUT, when you run multiple items together, the ink wash charge is spread out over all the items - not for each.

4. How long will you have to wait for the job? What if they miss deadlines on important projects? How will you know that? All of those questions build up when your image and reputation are important to you. So ask questions.

These things don't happen here at Copans because we communicate and educate our clients. While we may not always be the lowest on pricing, we will be the highest in service, printing quality and the added value of ideas and strategies on how to grow your business and get your name out there. We believe these core values separates us for the competition.

I hope this helps and again, thank you for the opportunity.

Kimball Stadler
Account Representative
Copans Printing & Graphics

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Briana Bragg - Helping to Answer my Question

|71.57.181.xxx |2009-10-12 14:25:09

I have heard so many people lately say, oh yeah I got my cards printed online,
but I have been very fearful of sending my money across the Internet just to
hope I get quality cards that represent the brand I am trying to create and
instill in the minds of my prospects.
It seems printing items can get a bit
costly, but as with anything it proves to be worth the money as long as the
quality is there. These are good tips on how to get the quality for the best
price. Asking questions is important too, and what impresses me most is the
follow through. I have searched many printers in the past 6 months, but only a
handful actually showed interest in obtaining my business and making me
happy.
Thanks for the post and the tips!

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doug@dougcurren.com

|SAdministrator |2009-10-21 15:02:46

Thanks Briana.

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