Whether it’s an event program, a meeting agenda or even your own marketing materials, there comes a time when you just have to have printed hard copies instead of digital. But before you head out to the print shop, why not print up this list of money-saving tips for getting effective print materials for your tradeshow, conference or convention.
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Don’t procrastinate. If possible, give yourself plenty of lead time and allow for printer delays (they do get busy), errors and the need to reprint if necessary.
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Find the right print shop. Consider all your needs. Do you simply need copies or do you require a vendor who has the capability to produce more sophisticated pieces? Sometimes the little instant print shop on the corner isn’t always your best bet, especially if you require more than they’re capable of delivering. That can cost more in the long run if you’re forced to seek out a second printer. Ask your friends and associates who they use and trust.
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Walk away. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a print shop if they’re not handling your projects with care and delivering quality materials. It’s best to start over somewhere else than risk running up a bill for multiple re-prints and delays.
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Print local. It’s more convenient and you’ll save because you can pick up rather than pay for shipping. Plus, it’s good to support local businesses in your community when you can.
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Ask questions. They’re the experts. They expect you to ask if you don’t understand something. Ask your printer to give you direction, offer alternatives, and explain the process so you know what you’re getting for your money.
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Ask for support. Don’t know how to deliver a print-ready file? Need some advice on design? Many printers employ graphic designers to assist and support customers with their print jobs.
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Ask for the specials. Some print shops offer specials on certain ink colors and paper stock, or will give you a price cut per piece when you order larger quantities.
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Repeat, repeat, repeat. Whenever possible, try to make your materials generic so that they can be used over and over again. “Evergreen” materials go a long way toward saving you money, so avoid using specific dates, times, or even current slang that could date your materials.
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Third time’s the charm. Make sure you review your materials thoroughly before sending them to print. It’s helpful to read your content out loud slowly. Then read it again. Finally, ask someone else to proof it a third time, just to be on the safe side. Be sure to proof addresses, phone numbers and dates, where many common errors occur.
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Quantity counts. It’s critical to be accurate in your count. Order too few and you’ll incur expensive re-printing charges, which can run high if it’s a small print run. Order too many and you’ll have materials going to waste.
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Distribute digitally. Stick with digital whenever you can. It costs less to create, is easier to edit, and is simpler, cheaper and faster to distributer.
