Building a successful business requires a solid marketing strategy, and a vital component of that strategy needs to be effective offline marketing. To create a lasting impression in this critical area, it is essential to partner with a reliable commercial printing company. This ensures that all your marketing materials are consistent and of high quality and effectively convey the right image for your company.
But how do you select a commercial printing company? While there are plenty of reputable printers to consider, not all of them will be able to meet your ever-evolving printing needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
9 Tips for Choosing the Right Commercial Printing Company
1. Quality and consistency of printed materials
It is best to check the quality and consistency of the printed materials provided by the commercial printer you are considering using. For instance, you do not want to receive a perfect business card order one month and then notice that your color logo is a few shades darker on a subsequent brochure order using the exact same Pantone color. You can do this by placing small orders to see if the overall design and print quality meet your standards.
2. Variety in service offerings
Your commercial printing company should do it all—no matter how large or how small. This is important, especially if you need a range of printed materials for your business, including but not limited to the following:
- Direct mail pieces
- Business cards
- Presentation folders
- Promotional products
- Large format printing
- Signage
- Brochures and flyers
- Posters and banners
- CD/DVD production
- POP displays
- Custom packaging
- Catalogs
3. Turnaround times
How quickly can the commercial printing company fulfill your printing orders? Do not make the mistake of sacrificing quality by going with a printer that over-promises when it comes to deadlines. A good commercial printer will give you realistic estimates of when your print order will be ready. Many will also help you understand what is involved in the process you are contracting them to perform. Having this basic knowledge can help you plan your next printing job and avoid last-minute rush orders, which can cost more money.
4. Flexibility
While it is ideal to plan out your printing needs in advance, there are plenty of situations where you might need large format printing for signage done in a pinch. Other times, you have a last-minute sales presentation and need an extra print order of the handouts for your business. You must save money and time wherever possible in these and many other situations. The right commercial printing company has the equipment, expertise, materials, technical know-how, and flexibility to work within your time constraints.
5. Niche specialization
Commercial printing is becoming increasingly competitive, leading many service providers to specialize in specific niches to stand out from the competition. Going with a commercial printer with a proven track record in their industry makes sense for some businesses. For others, selecting a commercial printer with a broad portfolio and a more comprehensive range of experience and capabilities is the better option. Keep in mind that printers who specialize in certain industries and printing methods are typically not less expensive than full-service printers.
6. Rates
What you are paying for commercial printing services should also be considered. Some commercial printing companies offer discounted rates on large orders and to clients with ongoing needs. You should choose the commercial printer that offers the best deal for your needs. But remember that when it comes to commercial printing, as with most other things in life, you usually get what you pay for.
7. Customer experience
When selecting a commercial printing company, consider how long a given service provider has been in business. After all, companies that do not provide good services and products do not typically remain in business for long.
It is also a good idea to get references and read online reviews. In addition to reviews and testimonials provided on the company’s website, check your local Better Business Bureau and online review sites like Yelp and Google. They can offer a wealth of insight into how reliable and professional the commercial printing company is.
When it comes to online review sites, however, keep in mind that how a company responds to its client’s feedback is often more telling than the reviews themselves. Every business can expect to get negative reviews from time to time—as people are often more motivated to complain than give praise. How a company deals with negative online reviews can tell you a lot.
8. Location
How accessible is the commercial printing company you are considering? Is their storefront a few blocks down the road or in another city or state? Online printing solutions often make it nearly impossible to make changes midstream or fix issues that arise during or after an order is made. Most of the what-ifs are eliminated from the start if your printer is nearby, and if there is an error (misspellings, RGB color where it should be CMYK, etc.) or a change that must be made now, it is much easier to contact your local printer. Hiring a local printing supplier can have many benefits, including but not limited to:
- Face-to-face relationships
- Shorter delivery times
- The ability to pick up your order
- Questions can be addressed faster
- Errors can be fixed faster
9. Customization
Depending on your specific needs, it is a good feature to be able to customize and modify your print marketing solutions however you want. This includes custom die-cuts, different foil and embossing techniques, custom packaging for your products, various printing options to meet your unique needs, and more.
Look No Further for a Fort Worth Commercial Printing Company
Is your business ready to choose a commercial printing company that offers all the bells and whistles, including being a reliable source for what works best in today’s ever-evolving marketing world? Working with a quality and local commercial printer ensures that whatever business card style or design will help you put your best foot forward and give clients every reason to do business with you today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
Brumley Printing has been helping Fort Worth businesses with their printing and marketing needs for over 30 years. We provide quality services at competitive prices and offer unprecedented service and guidance to every client. To get started, call us at (817) 336-5551 or contact us.