If you’re looking to establish a long term relationship with a commercial printer, here are a few things to consider when making your choice:
Customer Service
In the past few years, many companies have built automated web portals to easily facilitate online ordering of products. These types of self-service business models are designed to function with minimal interaction between the customer and the company selling the product or service. Many of these web portals actually make it difficult or nigh near impossible to contact and/or talk to an actual human being. For standardized products with minimal options for customization, this approach can keep costs associated with providing customer service to a minimum. However, even simple printing projects can often involve complex technical issues a client may not understand to the depth required to be able to make an appropriate choice or decision.
Thus, look to see if the commercial printer you’re considering offers personal customer support. Is there someone to answer questions, offer suggestions, walk you through the process? Your printing experience will be much better when you’re able to interact with a service-oriented business.
Consultation
An ideal commercial printing company partner is one that is willing, ready and able to provide guidance, suggestions, and recommendation as to the best way to move forward with your printing project. Does the company make it easy to contact them, can you dial a phone number to talk? Are they eager and willing to help? Do they provide follow-up or stay in communication as a project progresses? Your best printing partner is someone dedicated to your success and is more than willing to help you achieve your goals.
How Long in Business?
Because commercial printing is an extremely competitive ever-changing industry, a company that has been in business for more than a couple of decades is generally an indication they have the knowledge, experience, and expertise to manage and bring a wide variety of projects to fruition for different industries and clientele.
Services Offered
Look to see what type of equipment a commercial printer has on premises and the types of projects they typically produce. Do they have more than one press? Do they have multicolor presses (e.g., 6, 8, 10) with the ability to print CMYK plus spot colors or varnishes? What’s the maximum size of paper sheet their press can handle? Do they offer in-house binding and finishing services? What are their delivery and shipping policies?
Generally, the more services and capabilities provided in-house by a commercial printer will translate into more affordable pricing and the ability to deliver projects in a timely manner.
Pricing
There are those who will always opt to choose the lowest price offered for any product or service. For others, there is a recognition the lowest price may indicate a lesser quality of the finished product, a reduction in or lack of services, or a too-good-to-be-true bargain that disappears when hidden surcharges appear at the completion of the project. A good rule of thumb: find a company that caters to your particular wants and needs while providing personal attention and support.
Prime Business Solutions wants to be your printing partner! Give us a call at 330-597-8560. We’re happy to help you get the most from your print projects!
Photo by Marco Djallo
