With that in mind, below are five factors to consider when searching for the right company to assist with your upcoming print project.
1) Level of Customer Service
Sadly, the printing industry has been gradually steering away from personalized support. It seems many printers, especially those found online, have adopted an automated, self-service business model in an attempt to cut costs.
This is unfortunate because modern print projects can be quite technical and involved. Hence, most clients actually need more help and advice, not less.
So, for the best possible outcome, always choose a printer that offers personal attention. After all, you want your questions and concerns addressed in a prompt and professional manner, and you want to receive timely communication throughout every phase of your project.
Only a printer that has a sincere interest in your success can offer the level of service you expect and deserve.
2) Length of Time in Business
Because the printing industry is highly competitive and constantly evolving, longevity has proven to be a good indicator of credibility.
If a printing business has been successful for decades, you can be confident it has the knowledge and expertise to manage your projects effectively. That's because the longer a printing company has been around, the greater the likelihood they have experience with your exact type of project and industry.
Conversely, an unreliable and inefficient printing company generally doesn't stay in business very long.
Needless to say, length of time in business is a very important consideration when looking to develop an enduring business relationship with a commercial printer.
3) Value for the Dollar
Everyone wants quality printing for an affordable price. In fact, price is always an important consideration when making any purchase. In addition to a fair price, a professional printer can offer additional value in a variety of ways.
For example, providing a dedicated support person who monitors and manages your print job from start to finish can add tremendous value to a project because it reduces the risk of mistakes and delays.
Other traits that add value include being easy to work with, patiently listening to your needs, being readily available for questions, providing thorough and accurate quotes, delivering timely, and offering a guarantee.
A printer can also add value to a client's purchase experience by offering a wide variety of extra services, such as laminating, folding, die-cutting, embossing, variable data printing, sequential numbering, or mailing services.
The best printing companies know that value-oriented clients are not just looking for affordability, they are also seeking a convenient and straightforward solution.
4) Range of Capabilities
If a printing company has minimal presses and equipment, there will be significant limitations on the scope of projects it can produce. On the other hand, a printing company that has a vast array of equipment will be able to offer a much wider selection of printing options.
Naturally, you'll want to work with a printer that has the equipment and expertise necessary to service your current requirements, as well as any anticipated needs you may envision for the future.
In addition to production equipment, other things to consider include the range of paper choices, coating selections, binding styles and finishing operations a printer has to offer.
Ultimately, one of the best qualities to look for when choosing a printing company is versatility. By offering a multitude of products and services, a printing company provides clients with more choices. The more choices available, the better the opportunity to achieve the outcome you desire.
5) Willingness to Offer Guidance and Suggestions
If a printing company isn't willing or able to provide recommendations or advice, chances are it probably isn't the most suitable choice for you. Ideally, you will want to work with a printer that is eager to offer valuable suggestions and guidance.
Once you and the printer have a mutual understanding of your project's specifications and timeline, a client-focused printer will ask follow-up questions about the intended use and goals of the project.
This will enable the printer to offer additional ideas and solutions that could help you achieve your objectives more efficiently. For example, if a print partner is truly dedicated to your success, he/she will make thoughtful suggestions on various ways you can save money and/or improve the appearance and function of your print materials.
In most cases, the willingness to ask good questions and offer meaningful suggestions is what separates a superior printer from a mediocre one.
Formax has been in the printing business for over 35 years. In addition to offering excellent pricing and value on all types of custom printing, we provide personalized assistance to ensure you get the necessary advice and guidance for your specific project.
We'd be happy to quote on your next print project or answer any questions you may have about print-related topics. Just give us a call at 866-367-6221 or click here to submit our easy quote request form. As always, we look forward to assisting you!
Take care! Rick
