Do what you do best.
Often stretched and strained, small businesses find themselves trying to master the skills of all their company’s requirements; only to be met by the reality that there’s only so many hours in the day and so many things you can perfect in-house. In years gone by we would have had secretaries to type our letters and receptionists to answer our phones: all now replaced by the common technologies we’ve become so familiar with. Yet there are things that haven’t changed so much – printing. The computer was supposed to mark the end of trusty old paper use and printing, but here we are. Now I know what you’re thinking, “But I love my little inkjet printer at home or in the office”… only to realise that upon your next mammoth booklet printing campaign, you’ve spent your rent on ink cartridges and your night very much unrested. So, do what you do best. Your creativity, your ingenuity, your imagination or whatever else you pride yourself in, they should be mirrored in the quality of your printing, so don’t just give it a go, do it justice.
After learning the hard way, slaving over long armed staplers at antisocial hours, here are 7 Tips for Saving Money on Printing.
1. Black is the new black.
A great deal of printing is for use in-house, so let’s be honest… does your lovely logo need to look pretty and vibrant? Printing in colour requires four printing plates (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black), as opposed to just the one for black prints. Immediately this presents an easy cost saving, as most printing providers will have many types of specialised printing, with basic black print almost always being the cheapest. When asking for a quote, don’t just request one specific colour. Let’s say you’re dead set on Pantone 485 Red, then there’ll be a nasty surprise called expensive when you realise it’s limited to just litho printing, as opposed to being more than happy with black, allowing for ease of print in many different and cheaper ways.
2. Don’t be so last minute.
Out of all the various printing methods, some need drying amongst other processes, which can take time. Don’t reduce your printing options by being in a rush; you’ll also find that with less notice, your printing provider may charge more for the same service. In the situation where in advance you know that your submission to the printer will in fact be relatively late, do your best to communicate that to them so they can be prepared to rush your project through.
3. Group up!
Printing similar items in smaller, separate batches can add unnecessary cost to your project, so group them together. Imagine you’re looking to print business cards for everyone in your team, by completing the printing of them all at once, as opposed to different colleagues at different times, you can easily save just through the economy of scale. So ask around your team when ordering your printing, batch as much together as possible to reduce your costs.
4. Don’t be picky.
When talking to your printing provider, unless necessary try not to specify a branded sheet, instead discuss with them the applications and ultimate vision you have for the finished item; this could include the paper’s thickness, feel and appearance. The UK is home to various paper merchants, which much like supermarkets, supply certain own brand paper alternatives, usually giving the same quality and finish of more premium paper brands. By being less specific with the paper you’re looking for, you’re giving the printer the ability to decide between a greater range, hence they may be able to offer you various discounts and deals.
5. Buy Local. Buy Northern(ish).
Alright, take this one with a pinch of salt. So most of the time, printing companies located roughly north of Watford can offer better value for money as opposed to their London counterparts, plus when you can, it’s great to do your part and to help develop the Northen Powerhouse. However, it definitely isn’t always the case, I would say that it’s best to try buying local first, to enrich your business’ connections and ease of operation. Either way, printing providers dispatch on a daily basis by Royal Mail or various other national couriers, so don’t be too put off by the distance of your printer, if all of your other requirements can be met. Modernity has brought us the gift of Next Day Delivery, don’t be afraid to use it.
6. Look for a personal service.
Many printers have a great deal of expertise they are willing to freely share, allowing you to find the best quality and the best price for your needs. Many are also not exclusive to printing, so ask! Have the conversation explaining what your goals are, you may be surprised to learn that by dealing with just one company, you could have the printing and mailing of a product completed much more easily and at a discounted price.
7. Don’t DIY.
Unless your life absolutely depends on it, avoid printing with your personal inkjet like the plague. These consumer printing devices are only convenient and cost effective on extremely small projects, maybe 10 sheets a week; anything more and it’s time to call your local prvinter.
You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the savings you can make by just following these 7 Tips for Saving Money on Printing; it’s never too early or too late to start economising processes like these. After all, you’re not printing money here.
A big thanks to Allison from Bamford Print Ltd, a great local long time business partner for me, for helping compose all of these great tips forged through years of experience. For any of your printing needs, be sure to check out their website or give them a call with your next business project.
01706 365 182