At Essential Print Services, new clients often come to us feeling frustrated by previous print suppliers because the end result has fallen short of expectations. Whether it is missed deadlines, poor quality, or unnecessary costs, the issue is rarely just the final product. More often, it comes down to how the process is managed.
Here are five practical ways to help you get the most value, quality, and impact from your print supplier.
1. Start with Clear Communication
Clear communication is the foundation of any successful print project. Providing complete and accurate information from the outset helps avoid delays, misunderstandings, and costly revisions. This includes supplying final artwork, correct file formats, brand guidelines, quantities, and required deadlines. Without this clarity, even simple jobs can become unnecessarily complex.
Key takeaway: A well-prepared brief ensures your print supplier can deliver exactly what you need, on time and within budget.
2. Take Advantage of Expert Advice
A professional print supplier offers far more than production services. They bring knowledge of materials, finishes, and techniques that can significantly enhance your final product. For example, a small change in paper stock or finish can elevate the perceived quality of your brand, often for only a minimal increase in cost. Equally, the right advice can prevent unnecessary spend on finishes or quantities that do not add value.
Key takeaway: Treat your print supplier as a consultant. Their expertise can improve both quality and cost efficiency.
3. Plan Ahead for Better Results
Print production involves several stages, including proofing, setup, production, finishing, and delivery. Allowing sufficient time for each stage ensures a smoother process and a higher-quality outcome. Last-minute orders can limit your options or increase costs due to rushed production. Planning print requirements in advance, particularly around campaigns or events, also creates opportunities to consolidate multiple items into one order. This approach can reduce costs, improve consistency, and streamline delivery.
Key takeaway: Forward planning leads to better quality, lower costs, and less stress.
4. Always Review Proofs Carefully
Proofing is a critical step that should never be overlooked. Even with modern technology, errors can still occur, whether in image quality, layout, or key details such as contact information. Careful review of proofs helps identify and correct issues before printing begins. For best results, it is recommended to zoom into your proof at approximately 150% when reviewing on screen. This gives a clearer indication of how images and text will appear in print.
Key takeaway: Taking time to properly check proofs can prevent costly reprints and protect your brand reputation.
5. Build a Strong Supplier Relationship
The most successful print outcomes are built on strong, ongoing relationships. Working consistently with the same supplier allows for better understanding, improved efficiency, and greater flexibility. Over time, this relationship can lead to added benefits such as quicker turnaround times, better pricing, and a more personalised service. At Essential Print Services, long-term client partnerships are a key part of delivering reliable, high-quality results.
Key takeaway: A trusted print partner becomes an extension of your business, not just a supplier.
Final Thoughts
Effective print is not simply about producing materials. It is about making informed decisions, planning strategically, and working collaboratively with the right partner. To summarise, the five ways to get more from your print supplier are:
- Communicate clearly from the start
- Use expert advice to your advantage
- Plan ahead wherever possible
- Check proofs thoroughly
- Build a long-term relationship
By following these principles, businesses can achieve print that is not only visually impressive but also cost effective and aligned with their brand goals.
Need Help with Your Print?
If you are unsure where to start or would like to improve your current print materials, Essential Print Services offers a free print audit. This includes a review of your existing collateral and practical recommendations to enhance quality, reduce waste, and maximise impact. Get in touch to find out more about how we can support your next print project.
