Cost-Effective Commercial Printing Strategies for Large Print Orders
In today’s digital age, you may be tempted to think that traditional print marketing is no longer effective. However, print marketing remains a critical tool in building customer loyalty and trust. But for businesses that require large print orders, the cost of printing in-house can quickly add up, making it an unsustainable expense. This is where commercial printing comes in.
Commercial printing is an excellent way to reduce printing costs without compromising the quality of your printed designs, particularly for large print orders. In many cases, commercial printing can result in better-looking and performing finished products. Here are some cost-effective commercial printing strategies that can help your business save money while still getting high-quality printing services for large print orders.
Order in Bulk
Bulk printing is more cost-effective because it allows printing companies to print your products more efficiently without reconfiguring their machines. Reconfiguration is typically included in a “set up charge” for the customer, and printing in bulk ensures that you do not end up paying this fee more than once. Ordering your prints in bulk is the most cost-effective option because it offers the lowest cost-per-print service.
Minimize In-House Printing
When you need a large print order, it can be tempting to print them in-house. However, keep in mind that printing designs at home is much less cost-effective than utilizing a commercial printer. Commercial printing companies have much higher-quality and more capable printing machines that allow them to print large print orders easily. On the other hand, your home printer is not designed to be as efficient, and using it to print out large print orders can add up very quickly in terms of ink and paper costs. So, try to keep at-home printing to a minimum.
Think About Your Design
Your design will vary dramatically depending on what you want to be printed. When printing large print orders such as brochures, posters, or banners, ensure that you include lots of images or design elements, key pieces of information, and an aesthetically pleasing color scheme to grab the attention of potential customers. However, remember that the more complex your design, the more expensive it may be to print. When finalizing your design, consider the size and layout of the finished product, as some dimensions of prints are easier for a printing company to produce and may be cheaper.
Consider Your Paper
Thick paper with a high-gloss finish may look amazing, but it comes at a higher cost. When ordering large print orders, think about the type of prints you are ordering and what you will use them for. For example, if you want to print off posters or banners for an event, you may opt for lighter-weight paper as you’ll likely be printing many copies of your design. Additionally, lighter paper folds easier and may be easier for potential customers to handle.
Consider Smaller Print Products
Smaller prints such as business cards, postcards, labels, and stickers are great for helping to get your business noticed without breaking the bank with huge posters.
In conclusion, commercial printing can be a cost-effective solution for businesses that require large print orders. By utilizing these strategies, you can save money while still getting high-quality printing services. When choosing a commercial printing company, ensure that they offer a wide range of printing services, so you can be sure they can help you in the future when you need new prints.
Erin Smith is co-owner of Spotlight Strategies, a marketing solutions firm specializing in print, apparel, promotional product and signs. An accomplished health care administrator turned business owner, Erin brings rare behavioral expertise to the world of small business.
With a Master’s degree in social work, and a thriving business she is a sought after advisor, coach and mentor to many of Indiana’s small business owners and support associations. Erin demonstrates unwavering commitment and facilitates profitability to any organization to which she directs her time and talent, and is successful in motivating and empowering people whether supporting a cause or building a company.
