Looking for a printing company in 2020 is surprisingly easier than ever. There is a multitude of options online to help outsource your expensive in-house printing processes.
Before you make your decision, however, it pays to be aware of some things to look for in a printing company.
Excellent Customer Service
The most important thing to look for in a printing company is excellent customer service. Your printers should be detail-oriented, time-sensitive and responsible.
That means they actually answer the phone during business hours. 100% of the time. Printing businesses need to have quick response times and consistent reliability so you don’t have to worry about whether or not your ads or business cards are arriving on time.
Your printing company should also offer proof of product without hesitation. If they have the right products, then it should be no problem for you to get proof before purchasing the full transaction amount.
At the end of the day, excellent customer service just makes everything easier, more efficient and less stressful for your business. Make sure your printing company has quality, personalized customer service and when problems arise(as they always do) you will be thankful you took the time to vet your new business partner.
They Give You The BOTD
Can I get the benefit of the doubt?
We’ve all been there in relationships or at jobs. Sometimes we need to know that when we make mistakes, others can recognize our intentions were true. How does that apply to print companies?
Having a printing company that is willing to give you the benefit of the doubt when it comes to mistakes in your work can be a lifesaver.
Your printer should be willing to proofread prior to printing in order to make sure everything’s good to go. Unfortunately, many fly by night printing companies will print the materials with mistakes knowing they can charge you twice for the reprint.
Your printing company should have the integrity to give you the benefit of the doubt. If they don’t, maybe it’s time to find a more personalized service.
On-Demand Printing
On-demand printing is a vital service for businesses in 2019. The idea is simple, a printing company keeps your digital files in their servers and at any time—on demand—they can send you reprints or slight variations of your digital files.
Your on-demand printing services should have zero cancelation fees, same-day shipping, and unlimited order changes.
These services can eliminate the need for backorders and save your company time and money. The ideal client for on-demand printing has a need for flyers, brochures, postcards, business cards, and other short-run printed materials—think realtors, marketers, and executives.
Most printing companies offer some form of on-demand printing, so it pays to shop around until you find one that can guarantee their services.
They Beat the Cost of In-House Printing
In the past, many businesses required in-house printing departments to handle the sheer quantity of printing projects. These days the majority of companies, even the larger ones, have moved to using print fulfillment companies because of the expense of printing in house.
In house-printing can be an expensive proposition, although many companies don’t fully recognize the often hidden costs.
In house-printing costs include:
- Equipment costs
- Opportunity costs
- Labor costs
- Cost of renting the space
Your printing company should be able to beat the cost of in-house printing and if they can’t, it’s time to find a new option.
Printing companies offer reduced costs and improved quality over in-house printing. They also offer more printing and design options to help your company look its best in 2020.
Don’t be afraid to outsource to improve your bottom line going forward.
Green Practices
If your printing company doesn’t have green practices in 2020, then it may be to find a new supplier.
Printing companies haven’t avoided the go green trend entirely. In fact, printing companies with green practices are becoming increasingly common.
These companies use sustainable practices that reduce the production of ozone, protecting the environment. Many also employ non-chlorine based bleaches and at least 50% recycled paper to reduce their carbon footprint.
Another example of the green trend is the use of digital printing presses that require less power, fewer chemicals and have biodegradable toner.
Going green is important for every business, even printing companies. Reducing waste and streamlining operations is great for the environment, but also the bottom line.
So if you’re looking for a printing company in 2019, it pays to shop around and find one who has excellent customer service, will give you the BOTD, offers on-demand printing, is going green, and can beat the cost of in-house printing.
Featured photo credit: Depositphotos
