Nowadays, the printing industry is not the same as it used to be. It is no longer low-tech but advanced. Printing professionals can enjoy working in a cleaner digital environment while clients get a better outcome. Yet, it is not easy to choose a printing company. We have enlisted 15 factors to consider when choosing a printing company.
Remember that your goal is to find a printing company that aligns with your goals and needs.
Let’s dive in!
15 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Printing Company
1. Cutting-edge design
When choosing a printing company, it is essential to check if it uses first-class technology to mix colors. As a printing business, we know the importance of having the right color at the design stage. For example, if you print marketing material, a trained designer will know what colors to use to make the material attractive to potential customers.
2. Use of calligraphy and typography
If your project involves printing marketing material, it is a good feature if the company uses calligraphy and typography. Calligraphy gives a material a personal touch, and it makes your materials stand out. If you decide to use calligraphy, choosing an image that will represent your company authentically is essential.
3. Printing quality
When you print materials of any kind, the highest printing quality is easily noticed. Your business resources must satisfy present and future clients. Print quality is paramount when printing materials like brochures, business cards, or promotional materials.
Moreover, from our experience printing sports bags, backpacks, calculators, clothes, beach balls, frisbees, etc., we know that if it is not printed with the highest quality, the printed text or image will be easily removed.
Your chosen printing company should have quality printing equipment and a printing process. Therefore, choosing a printing company with a proven track record is best. You can ask for samples to help you choose which company meets your needs.
4. Printing knowledge
Having a good knowledge of the printing industry is beneficial for both customers and the business itself. Knowing how the printing industry evolves and enriching a company's expertise and capabilities makes a company attract more clients.
5. Good customer service
The level of customer service that the printing company provides is important. If you have communicated with different printing companies' customer services, ask yourself if they have responded to your inquiries and offered personalized suggestions and solutions for your needs.
Choose a printing company that pays attention. Your concerns and questions should be addressed in a professional and personal manner. Timely communication throughout the project is crucial to prevent mistakes.
6. Type of services offered
Remember that the printing company's variety of products says a lot about their business. If a printing company offers various services, you can feel more comfortable that they will get you covered.
It will be easier for you if one company handles all your needs. You will save time and effort. Therefore, consider if the company offers design services or just printing. It is a plus if the company customizes, so you can trust them if you change something during the process.
Moreover, among the additional services that distinguish one company from another are printing large formats, mailing, ad specialties, etc.
7. Response time
Response time is what differentiates a regular and a professional printing company. The company’s response time is important, especially if you have materials that need to be printed on very short notice. So, it is an advantage if a company offers express service.
8. Quick and efficient delivery
Timing is crucial when it comes to printing projects, especially if you have strict deadlines. Ask about the printing company’s turnaround time for your specific project. Choosing a company that can deliver within your desired time frame without compromising quality is essential.
9. Ink and paper stock options
Choose a company that follows trends, remains current, and offers trendy printing options. Digital printing and technology, such as digital computer-to-plate technology and internet access with online capability for file transfers, are current trends and needs in the print industry.
Many printers provide green options for eco-friendly, sustainable businesses, such as recycled paper and soy-based inks.
10. Privacy and confidentiality
Privacy and confidentiality become essential considerations if your printing project involves sensitive or confidential information. So, your chosen company must protect your sensitive data during printing and after the project is complete.
11. Proofing process
Pay attention to the printing company’s proofing process. A reliable company will provide digital or physical proofs before printing the entire quantity. This process allows you to review and make necessary changes or corrections, ensuring that the final product meets your expectations.
12. Environmental considerations
Today’s world is environmentally conscious. Therefore, it is essential to choose a printing company that demonstrates eco-friendly practices. Inquire about their sustainability efforts, like using recycled paper and soy-based inks. This helps reduce your carbon footprint.
13. Location and shipping
The location of the printing company is another factor worth considering. This is especially important if you want face-to-face meetings or need quick access to your materials. If the printing company is far from your location, inquire about their shipping options and costs to ensure the timely delivery of your printed materials.
14. Value for money
Price is undoubtedly a crucial factor when choosing a printing company. Although we know that every client likes to get quality printing for an affordable price, we want to point out that several things add value.
Consider if the company is easy to work with and if they deliver on time and offer guarantees. Other things that add value are the variety of services provided. For instance, these services include folding, die-cutting, laminating, and variable data printing.
Finally, you should know how to balance quality and cost as a client. If you ask for quotes from different companies, make sure they are transparent and explain what services are covered for that price.
15. Reviews and testimonials
Finally, conducting research and reading reviews might help you find the printing company you need. You can review sites, social media platforms, and industry-specific forums. Those can provide valuable insights into the experiences of previous clients. Taking note of both positive and negative aspects is essential to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
We believe that this list of factors to consider when choosing a printing company will help you make an informed decision.
You can find a reliable printing company that meets your specific needs. Check a company's experience, print quality, services, turnaround time, cost, customer service, environmental considerations, and extra offerings.
Remember to focus on quality and reliability while keeping your budget in mind.
Steve Bates
Steve is the president of CityPress and brings a wealth of knowledge from the printing industry to readers, helping them make more informed decisions in an ever changing printing space.