When you ask for a print quote, why do the various prices you receive back differ so? Often Tremendously!! Even when they’re apparently based on the same specification?! Are they really all the same? How can you compare difficult to measure items like Service, Materials, and Quality? And in any case – does any of it really matter?
Can you assume that if you supply the same specifications to every printer you speak to, then you will get the same quality, finished printed item, delivered to your door… From ALL the printers, regardless of price!
If only it was that simple! But it’s not, because print is a detailed process and it is really important to consider certain factors, that affect the price greatly, when going through your estimate details:
PROOFING How will your product be proofed? What are the options?
PDF – a what you see is what you get file, that you can check on screen. Great for simple print jobs, business cards, stationery, leaflets…
Lo-Res Plotter Proof – a low resolution print out, for position, layout and content checking. Perfect for leaflets, flyers, stationery and other lower value print runs.
Hi-Res Digital Proof – a high-resolution run out on photo quality paper. For colour match, position, layout and content checks. Perfect for high quality brochures, Booklets, Point of Sales items and other Colour sensitive projects.
Wet (Press) Proof – printed on the chosen stock on the actual press. Expensive option, but for colour critical projects the only way to ensure, absolutely, that your design works.
What do you want to approve before your project goes to press? Different Printers use different names for the proofs, so its best to specify what you want and what you need it for.
MATERIAL Has the name of the paper stock been specified?
There are thousands of different stocks out there which, like most things, range from poor quality to higher grades. What will you be paying for? Don’t be caught out with cheap B grade stocks, when you’re printing a high quality brochure for an important blue-chip client.
SIZE & EXTENT Is the finished size clearly outlined, as well as the number of pages?
Pages, Leaves, Parts, Sections…. If you’re uncertain as to what you need to ask for, attach a Lo-Res PDF to your quotation request, or call us on 01884 252613 for some friendly advice. Remember Booklet work needs to be in 4pp (page) increments.
COLOURS Is your project a specific colour - corporate branding maybe, or is it ‘full colour’?
To price a job accurately, we need to know the colours in your project. Does it require specific brand colours to be printed in the requested pantones? Or is it a ‘full colour’ print job, where everything included in the printed image is made up of four colours – cyan, magenta, yellow and black. This process isn't always 'colour match' accurate on specific colours, therefore might you need to run your job full colour, plus an extra pantone ‘spot’ colour for a brand logo?
If you’ve chosen a silk or matt stock, a ‘seal’ also needs to be included, important to prevent marks and scuffing to the finished item.
These options can have a large impact on the price, so one to watch on the price comparisons. If you’re uncertain as to what you need to ask for, attach a Lo-Res PDF to your quotation request, or call us on 01884 252613 for some friendly advice.
SPECIAL FINISHES Is it clear what finish is included?
Has the requested gloss lamination to the outer cover actually been included or is it being passed off as the gloss stock? Have you considered Matt Lamination, Spot UV, Foil Blocking, Embossing? Have you requested different price options to choose from. Make sure your project ‘stands out in the crowd’ and that you get what you’ve paid for!
If there was something a little out of the ordinary about your request is it clear that the person doing your estimate has understood, have they put in the little bit of extra effort to explain certain factors. Have they really demonstrated that they understand your print estimate requirements. Did they call you to discuss your options? In other words do they care?
VALUE ADDED What other points should you consider when you choose your printer and their price? What does your print project demand? Is it a quick ‘cheapy’ flyer or a top quality glossy brochure, a piece of complicated point of sale marketing maybe… can you trust your supplier to deliver everything you need? Can you trust them to check carefully against your approved proofs? Have you discussed a press-pass? Can you be assured of the finished quality? Can your supplier definitely meet your deadline? Will your client be happy with the finished product?
If you can, visit the suppliers, meet the people you will work with. Do you feel comfortable with them and the communication and understanding between you? Tour the factory, see the setup and the machinery, is the shop floor clean and tidy, are the team well presented and enthusiastic? Get a feel for the place and the work they’re producing – make sure they tick all your boxes, price isn’t everything…
No comments:
Post a Comment