How to Get the Most Out of Your Commercial Printing Experience

Investing in the services of a Los Angeles commercial printing company can be one of the best things you’ll ever do for the future of your business – but it can also feel like a bit of a gamble. After all, you’re trusting your printer to perfectly duplicate the file you’ve created, and since your marketing materials are seen by many consumers as a direct extension of your company and your brand, you’re essentially putting your printer in charge of your public image. If you’re wondering what you can do as a customer to facilitate the printing process and make sure you’re getting the most out of your marketing investment, here are some pointers:

1. Know what is required of you before you submit your file to the printer. Commercial printing companies have very specific standards when it comes to file size, file type, image resolution, fonts, coloring, bleeds and more. If you ignore or misunderstand these requirements, you may end up with a finished product that is not what you expected – and that could mean a costly reprint at your own expense. Ask ahead of time and don’t assume that your printer will make the necessary changes for you.
2. Communicate clearly – and often – with your commercial printing company. If you have any questions or concerns along the way, don’t wait to see how the finished product is going to turn out before you speak up! Instead, address those questions immediately by getting in touch with your printer, whether via email, live chat or phone call. Always choose a printer that offers customers several different methods of communication, and look for ones that have positive feedback from past customers online.
3. Ask about price ahead of time. This is especially important if you’re asking your printer to go above and beyond the call of duty by offering design assistance, expedited service, or any other special add-on. You don’t want to be surprised by a final tally that exceeds your planned marketing budget!
4. Check proofs carefully before sending them back to the printer. Every legitimate commercial printing company will offer you proofs before they create the final product; it’s your job to go over them with a fine-toothed comb and look for any errors in spelling, grammar, layout or coloring. Ask a coworker or friend to give it the once over as well; you never know when you could accidentally overlook an important detail when working on your own.
5. Finally, put your trust in the professionalism and experience of your commercial printer. Staying in touch is key, but constantly nagging your printing company with questions and concerns that are unfounded will only make your order take that much longer. That’s why it pays to find a commercial printing company in whose services you can believe.

The easiest way to ensure that you receive the best service possible from your printing company is to conduct yourself like a responsible and knowledgeable customer. Follow these tips and you will be able to get the most out of your Los Angeles commercial printing experience.