When it comes to choosing a printing company there are several things to be considered, the first being whether or not you want to use an online company or one with premises near you. There are costs and benefits to both. There is also speciality, cost, method and reputation to consider.

Online or local?

Online printers are often cheaper than local printers, simply because their overheads are lower. This is, of course, an important consideration. However, when looking at printing prices, also consider the shipping costs from the online offering – it may not work out cheaper than using a local printer. Delivery times are also worth considering – if you’re in a rush then your local printer might be the better option, though you can order 24 hours a day with an online printer. The advantage of using a local printer is that you have a face-to-face relationship so they will understand your requirements better – and you have an easier route to correcting any mistakes.

What are you printing?

This is very important. You want to find a printing company that has the experience to do what you need. Getting business cards or business stationery printed is very different to getting a photograph book, calendar or book printed. You might require screen printing, digital printing, thermography or engraving. Bear all this in mind when you’re choosing your printer and try to find one that specialises in exactly the type you need.

Check out their reputation

As with any kind of business, one that has been in business for a long time or receives fantastic feedback from its customers is doing something right. So have a look at the date your shortlist of printing companies were established, check out any reviews you can find online and, if they are a local company, ask around the people you know who might have used them in the past. If no-one has a bad word to say, then they are probably the company for you!

Price, cost, expense

At the end of the day, the bottom line is going to matter. Business cards, flyers, posters and that sort of thing can be done relatively cheaply – especially if done in vast quantities. For jobs like books and photobooks you’ll want to spend more but you’ll still be shopping around for the lowest price you can find. One good thing about printing companies is that they often run special offers on certain types of printing or on certain quantities so you can certainly keep an eye out for those from your shortlist.

The final choice

It is clear that your choice of printing company is going to depend on cost, reputation, speciality and speed of fulfillment. It is up to you to decide which is the most important factor for you and your business or requirements and it will take some time choose the right one. But once you have it is highly likely they will be your printer of choice for a long time so it’s worth putting in the effort now.

Author Bio: Ian Grainger is writing on behalf of Edge Print, a specialist printing company in Manchester.

Category: Business Management
Keywords: printing companies, printing, online printers, local printers