There are many important factors that should be considered before making the decision on a printing company for your project. People sometimes focus on price alone and then are sorely disappointed when their project has missed an important deadline or the quality of the paper is subpar. Just like most industries, you truly get what you pay for. Saving a few dollars on the overall cost will not matter if no one receives your mailing on time and the attendance is low at a trade show you are hosting. We have compiled the top 3 factors to consider when choosing a printer.
There are a lot of printing companies out there. One of the best ways to distinguish where to start your search is how long have they been around. Printers that have a long-standing history in the industry aren't easy to come by. Look for companies that have been in business for 30 years or more. Companies that have longevity in the industry usually are more positively reputable and financially sound. Many times these companies have employees who have a lot of experience and can help guide and troubleshoot your projects. Research the owner(s) or parent company before making a decision.
Research the printing company and investigate their range of services. We would recommend choosing a company that offers a full spectrum of services. It will save you precious time working with a company that offers design services all throughout the printing process and on to delivery, fulfillment, or mailing. What kind of printing presses do they have? Are the presses new with the best print technology? What kind of finishing services can they provide
The quality of work printed is perhaps the most integral part of choosing a printer. Research a printer who strives for quality. More importantly - consistent quality. Ask to see live printed samples of their work. Has the company won any awards? Ask for client referrals or testimonials. You could ask to watch them print a current job they have in-house. A quality printer will be happy to show off their work to you. Is the company G7 Master Printer Certified? A G7 Certified printer is a globally recognized certification that is awarded to printers who are able to demonstrate that their print is consistent across different printing platforms. This helps to maintain the integrity of their customers' brand. This certification is not easily obtained and is a tool to help print buyers know that the printer has made a serious commitment to ensuring quality.
There are other important factors that we have not touched on in this article. If you are an experienced print buyer feel free to contact me at bzbozen@4hatteras.com and let me know what considerations you take into account before choosing a commercial printer.