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Guide to Getting Your Business Materials Printed

Know when to do it yourself or take it to a print shop

By Jenni Simcoe, Writer


Do it yourself? Go to a print shop? Print on demand? The vast array of printing options can leave you feeling paralyzed. You need to make the right choice because your business cards, letterhead, catalogs, brochures and direct mail pieces are a lifeline to customers. When printed successfully, they can:
  1. Enhance your company's brand and identity.
  2. Help you market to new customers.
  3. Enable you to communicate with existing customers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done


Do it in-house

If a print job is really small, say a few media kits to send out for a public relations effort, you may be able to handle it in-house. To make in-house print jobs look professional, upgrade to a color printer that's speedy and efficient. And don't forget to use high-quality paper.
I recommend: Check out a few of the top professional grade printers from HP, Canon and Epson. For your paper needs, go to Office Depot.

Print on demand

The next step up from printing your materials yourself is to use a quick-print/copy shop. This option is best if you have to have materials printed in large volumes at the last minute and the materials are limited to black and white. You don't even have to leave the office to send a job to a quick-print shop. Just send the documents online and pick up the finished product at a location near you.
I recommend: FedEx Kinko's, OfficeMax, Office Depot and Staples all offer online on-demand printing.

Find a professional printer

If you're in the market for a glossy, four-color brochure or die-cut business cards, it's best to go to a professional printer that uses printing presses rather than copying machines. Put large or complex jobs out to bid with a few printers to see which one can complete the job on time and within your budget.
I recommend: Learn how to choose the right printer for your job at ThePrintGuide.com. Locate a printer that specializes in the category of printing you need with PrintAccess.com's national directory. If you need help designing your materials, search Print Access for printers that offer graphic design services or check out DesignFirms.org to find a designer for your project.

Be prepared

If you have an in-house designer or have decided to do it yourself, get up to speed on the process. You'll save time and reduce the hassle factor if you know what's expected of you.
I recommend: Get a heads-up on printing lingo at PrintUSA.com and UniversalPrinting.com. After you've got the terminology down, bone up on how to prepare files for print with this pre-flight checklist at About.com.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

  • Whether you're sending a print-job to an on-demand printer or a professional press, make sure all fonts and artwork are included.
  • Ask your printer what specifications they require for halftone screens, grayscale and what dpi photos need to be.
  • When ordering a print-job from a professional printer, ask for a pre-press proof to have a final edit before the job goes to press and a press-proof before the job is printed.
  • If you send a print-job to an on-demand printer and you don't get an email confirmation, follow-up immediately to make sure your order went through rather than finding out when the job is due.
  • Develop a relationship with your printer. As a repeat customer, you may be able to negotiate reduced rates and you're more likely to get assistance with design, ink and paper choices.

The official source of Getting Your Business Materials Printed is
the Business Printing Services page at Business.com

Konica Minolta Full-Service Printers
Print, Copy, Scan & Fax. Konica Minolta multifunction printers for home office and commercial use. Request a quote.
Color MFP | Black & White MFP | Production Print | Printers
www.kmbs.konicaminolta.us
Start Publishing Your Book Today
Publish Your Book With CreateSpace. Keep Control Of Your Work & Start Earning Royalties. Request A Free Consultation.
Free Consultation | Get Started
www.CreateSpace.com
Carbonless Forms
Live quotes and online ordering. 2, 3 & 4 parts. One to 4 color process. Ships within 72 hours. Rush service available.
www.carbonlessusa.com
Invoice Connection - Invoice, Bill, Statement Printing
We print, mail, email, and fax your bills, invoices and statements. You send us your invoice data file and we handle the rest.
Video Tour | How it Works
www.InvoiceConnection.com

Recommended Solution Providers

HP: Smart Printing Services
Your hassle-free place for simple, comprehensive printing & copying solutions.

Xerox: Small Business
Providing an unmatched range of affordable, simple, and reliable products and services designed to make printing and copying easier for small businesses.

Canon: Business Solutions
Delivering printing and copying solutions that drive business results. Providing complete customized on-site staffing and management of critical non-core business support functions, all in a cost-effective package.

Fedex Kinko's: Office Printing Services
Take advantage office and print centers high-quality digital printing and copying services through any of the 1,200 digitally connected locations worldwide.

Vista Print: Printing Solutions
This printing provider can customize your printing solution just for your small business to get exactly what you want.

My1Stop: Get Real Printing
Receive a unique customize service on every commercial printing order.

Small Business Printing: Wholesale Printing
This service has a graphic design studio and print house specializing in wholesale printing. The printed products include business cards, stationery, envelopes, brochures, sell sheets, flyers, catalogs, booklets, calendars, postcards, posters, greeting cards, rack cards, banners, logo design, and professional graphic design service.

Print Lizard: Printing Evolved
Whatever your needs or experience with the printing process, this site can help your small business find the right solution.

Best Sites to Learn More

The Print Guide: Buying Guide
This site is dedicated to providing all the information your small business needs to make informeds decisions about your printing needs.

Print Access: Print Vendors
This site is an electronic yellow pages for print buyers. It is a showcase of printing and graphics companies across the united states. Its search engine enables the user to find potential sources that can fill their needs quickly and easily.

CMYK Pages: Directory and Marketplace
Information, listings, news and much more about the printing world.

DirectoryUSA: Print Shops
Use this website to locate established printing companies in your area.

FlexoExchange: Printing
Includes industry resources including articles, an interactive bulletin board, employment ads, books, and links to suppliers and manufacturers.

Best Blogs and Forums

The Print Guide: Printing Forum
This forum provides a place for you to ask questions and share your experiences with custom printing and graphic design.



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