How to save money on printing!

Most people take the hard route to get their marketing ideas and printing needs actually processed into a finished product. What could be a simple, start to finish project, is made into a maize of misinformation and mistakes.

One of the biggest problems we come across is the end user trying to be their own graphic designer when they don't have the proper graphic programs, the knowledge on how to go from idea to printed piece and a lack of communication with the printer. What I am trying to do with this article is give you some basic steps that will save you a lot of time, money and frustration.

1. Block out your idea. Take the time to do a very basic layout of your thoughts on what you want your marketing piece to be and to say and what kind of instrument are you going to use. Do you want a brochure, a flyer, a postcard? Make that decision and you have a good start going for you.

2. What do you want this to do. Who do you want to send these to? Do you want to use your existing customer list or do you want to mail to new prospects in your area or, for example, do you want brochures to hand out at a trade show or with each sale?

3. If you don't have a graphic designer you have worked with, call a printer you have confidence in and ask them if they can recommend someone or if they have designers in house. They have a lot of knowledge that can save you a lot of money in the long run.

4. Get a quote from the printer and ask for pricing in multiple quantities. Ask them to offer their suggestions for the best way to save you money and still get the look you are after. Don't be afraid to ask for a discounted price. Ask if they have any special pricing availabe. Most printers are willing to help y0u and will give you a discount off retail pricing.

5. Proof read everything word by word and line by line and then have someone else in your company do the same. More money is wasted on reprinting for mistakes in spelling and concept than there needs to be. DO NOT rely on the printer or designer to proof read for you. It is your project and you need to make sure it is right and it is what you want.

6. Don't be afraid to ask for a press check. It is a last chance time to catch anything that is not right before the piece is printed and will also allow you to see that the quality is what you want it to be.

7. Be sure to give the printer all the information necessary for them to finish the job and get it delivered for you or to you. If it is a piece that is to be mailed, your printer can handle that for you and make sure it gets done correctly.

If you follow these basic steps your printing experience will be a lot less stressful and you will receive the end product you are looking for at a reasonable cost.

If have questions or need some guidance, you can reach us at 925-798-3212