Going to print and ordering large quantities can be nerve-wracking, especially for the average Joe with no prior printing knowledge or experience. Whether you’re promoting your business, and products, or are simply printing items for a personal project, there are various points to consider. A lapse in checking your details, making sure you’ve selected the correct grammage or simply double-checking that you’ve ordered the correct size could mean delays in both production, and delivery.
Without getting too technical, let’s take a look at the top 10 things to consider before going to print.
Shopping for Quotes
A major factor when printing large quantities, or any quantity for that matter, is cost. It is absolutely vital to scan the market for the best price – make phone calls, send emails and visit your local printing shops to find the price that suits your budget. We at Printulu can provide instant quotations online, using our quotation module present on each product page. This calculates your spending in real-time, informing you of the price, instantly. For special quotations, such as custom cuts and the like, you may experience a longer waiting time as these quotations will need to be calculated by our resident quote estimator.
It is always a good idea to look for the perfect balance between quality and price.
Paper Quality
Whilst keeping spending low is an important factor to consider, it is equally as important to remember that the quality of the product you distribute will reflect on the way your customers perceive your business. Choosing the right paper for the job can make a major difference in the way your customers view you. If your business card or the cover of your booklets/notepad feels and looks cheap, your customers may think the same about the service you provide. Remember, your messaging material is a promise to your client, and in this regard, it’s best to appear of the highest quality.
For more information on paper grammage, and when best to use them, read our recent paper grammage blog post on the topic.
Deadlines
We all have expectations to meet and manage. Knowing when you’ll require your PVC banners and signage for that next event can seriously impact the cost and urgency of the job. If you are a reseller, the last thing you want is to hand over your client’s invitations and placemats a day late. Delivery times and costs should all be factored into your budget, as well as communicated with your printer, to ensure that you receive the goods in a punctual and timely manner.
It is for this precise reason that Printulu offers 3 different delivery options, to suit your pocket and needs. For additional information on our delivery services, read more here.
Purpose & Function
An important and often overlooked factor when printing is where the finished product will land. Will the flyers sit in reception? Will they be handed out at intersections? Is your poster for an upcoming event, or is it a more permanent decorative piece? These factors can impact the finish and quality of the paper you’re considering. This can also impact the design of your artwork – taking into account your target audience and their needs have a huge effect on the way your collateral should look.
For hints and tricks on your next design, take a look at our recent blog post on the subject here.
Double & Triple Check
The smallest mistake on your business card, pamphlet, or letterhead can mean a huge difference in the way your customers perceive you. Worse than this, if the date on your event flyer is incorrect, or your contact number is missing a digit, you could potentially lose a large section of your client base. Not only is this due to the fact that these mistakes are highly annoying, but your clients will unconsciously associate your brand with a lack of detail orientation.
Always check and recheck your artwork before supplying it to your printer, and try to get a 3rd party to check it for you as well.
Proofs
Requesting a proof of your final product can spell the difference between disaster and delight. The visual appearance of your collateral must be pristine, in order to instil a sense of confidence in your target audience. By ordering a proof, you will be able to see exactly how the rest of your order will turn out – allowing you time to make any necessary changes. At Printulu we advise that you add a duplicate order of your line item with a quantity of 1. Then add the artwork for this line item only. Once you have received the physical product, you can upload the artwork to the main order.
It should be noted that the ordering of proofs can mean delays in production and delivery. Consider your deadlines, and choose the option that works best for you. For more insight into our proof options, read more here.
Knowing your Colour Profiles
We have become rather repetitive in mentioning CMYK, but for good reason. CMYK is the colour profile used in print and consists of Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black. RGB on the other hand is the colour profile used on screen. This consists of Red, Green, and Blue. Artworks with an RGB colour space do not translate well once printed, and there can be huge colour variations as a result. Supplying artwork using the correct colour profile is an absolute necessity if you want to ensure your printed collateral comes out the way you envisioned.
For additional facts regarding CMYK and other colour profiles, read our blog article here.
Refining your Message
When writing for print, you have very little space and a whole lot to say. You need to be direct and inspiring while capturing attention and conveying your message. This isn’t easy, especially with space and time limitations. Firstly, it’s always good to start by understanding exactly who you are talking to. Write for the reader, not for yourself. Try including at least 1 USP that you provide, and do your best to make your call to action clear from the get-go. This makes it clear to the reader what they stand to gain, as well as what they need to do in order to achieve this.
If you are struggling with writing copy for your next flyer or poster, have a look at our recent blog article on the subject, here.
File Format
The way you supply your artwork can affect how it appears once produced. For instance .PNG and .GIF files are typically used on screen and as such use an RGB colour profile. As mentioned above, RGB files should not be used in print, as colour variations can occur. What’s more, .PNG files have a tendency to blur once printed – leaving your final product looking cheap. This is why print-ready PDFs are the way to go. If print-ready, your PDF’s text will be converted to paths, the colour profile will be correct, and you will have all the necessary marks and bleeds. This will make life that much easier for the production team. Alleviating your own stress, knowing that the file you have supplied is suitable for the job you need to be done.
To find out more about bleed and print-ready artwork, read more here.
Talk to your Printer
One way to ensure that you are on the right track for your next large print run is to simply talk to your printer. No one will know better than they do, what they are capable of producing, and by when. By fostering an open and honest relationship with your printer of choice, you open the door to effortless communication. Thus you can liaise with them whenever you feel a problem may arise. Printulu‘s customer care line is online Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm.
So, next time you think about printing, consider the above steps to minimise your stress, and maximise your budget. As always, all the above-mentioned products are available online at printulu.co.za. If you have any questions, queries or concerns, don’t hesitate to drop us a mail at [email protected], or contact us at (010) 593 0558 and a friendly customer care agent will be more than happy to assist.
Related Articles:
- What are printing proofs and when best to use them?
- Which delivery option is best for you?
- Print Ready Artwork – An Easy Checklist
