What does a commercial printer actually do?
Commercial printers produce printed materials that are intended for professional, promotional, informational or organisational use rather than simply reproducing an everyday document.
The work can range from relatively small items such as cards and invitations through to larger printed materials used for displays, exhibitions and events.
Depending on the printing company, commercial printing can include:
- business and marketing materials;
- leaflets, flyers and brochures;
- posters and display graphics;
- booklets and presentation materials;
- stickers and labels;
- invitations and certificates;
- roller banners and exhibition graphics;
- rigid printed boards;
- PVC banners and other large-format printing.
Different commercial printers specialise in different areas, so it’s always worth checking whether a particular company produces the type of work you need before placing an order.
What is the difference between a commercial printer and a copy shop?
The main difference is the type of work each business is designed to handle.
A copy shop is often geared towards everyday document services. This might include photocopying, scanning, printing a few sheets of paperwork, binding documents or allowing customers to use a self-service printer.
A commercial printer is normally focused on producing finished printed products rather than providing access to a printer.
For example, somebody who needs to photocopy an A4 letter would generally be better served by a copy shop or library. Somebody producing printed materials for a conference, business launch, promotion, restaurant, exhibition or corporate event is much more likely to need a commercial printer.
If you’re still deciding what sort of printing service you need, our guide to where you can print near you explains the differences between several common options.
Do commercial printers only handle large print runs?
No. The word “commercial” doesn’t necessarily mean that you need thousands of copies.
Modern digital printing allows commercial printers to produce much smaller quantities than were traditionally practical with older printing methods. The appropriate quantity will depend on the product, specification and production process.
For example, a customer may need a relatively small number of professionally printed items for a meeting or event, while another business may require hundreds or thousands of copies for a marketing campaign.
The important distinction is usually the type and standard of finished product required, rather than simply the quantity.
Who uses commercial printing?
Commercial printing is used by businesses and organisations of virtually every size.
A small company might use a commercial printer for its business stationery and promotional material, while a larger organisation may require printed materials for events, training, exhibitions, retail locations or internal communications.
Typical customers can include:
- businesses and professional organisations;
- marketing and creative agencies;
- event organisers;
- restaurants and hospitality businesses;
- schools, colleges and universities;
- charities and community organisations;
- retailers;
- exhibitors and conference organisers;
- individuals arranging private events or professional projects.
The requirements can be very different, which is why commercial printers usually ask for a specification before confirming the cost and turnaround.
What information does a commercial printer need?
Before a printer can accurately quote or produce a job, they usually need more than simply the artwork.
Useful information includes:
- Finished size: the final dimensions of the printed item.
- Quantity: how many copies are required.
- Material: the type of paper, card, vinyl or other substrate required.
- Sides: whether the item is printed on one side or both.
- Finishing: whether additional finishing is required.
- Artwork: a suitable print-ready file.
- Deadline: when the completed printing is required.
- Collection or delivery: how you need to receive the finished order.
If you’re unsure about a particular specification, explaining how the finished item will be used can often help the printer recommend an appropriate production option.
What does print-ready artwork mean?
Print-ready artwork is a file prepared so that it can move into production without requiring significant design or artwork corrections first.
Requirements vary depending on the product, but professional printing commonly requires the artwork to be supplied at the correct finished size, with suitable image resolution, appropriate bleed where required and fonts and graphics prepared correctly.
PDF is commonly used for commercial print artwork because it can preserve page dimensions, graphics, fonts and other layout information more reliably than many editable document formats.
It’s also important to remember that colours displayed on a monitor aren’t a guarantee of exactly how those colours will appear when printed. Screens display colour differently from physical printing, and the material and printing process can also influence the finished appearance.
Can a commercial printer help with urgent printing?
Some commercial printers offer express or same-day production, but availability depends on the job rather than simply whether the business is open.
A straightforward item supplied with suitable artwork may be possible to produce quickly, while another job requiring a specialist material, complicated finishing or a large quantity may need more production time.
If you need printing urgently, it’s best to contact the printer early and provide the complete specification and artwork at the same time.
Printpal London offers same-day printing in London across many commercial print products, subject to specification, artwork, payment and production capacity. Our usual same-day cut-off is 14:00 Monday to Friday.
Can I use a commercial printer if I only need a small quantity?
Yes, depending on the product.
Digital printing means many commercial jobs can now be produced in relatively small quantities. You don’t necessarily need to order hundreds or thousands of copies simply because you’re using a commercial printer.
Minimum quantities can still apply to certain materials, finishing methods or specialist production processes, so it’s sensible to provide your required quantity when requesting a quotation.
Do I need to visit a commercial printer in person?
Usually not.
Many commercial printing jobs can be arranged remotely. You can send the specification and artwork electronically, receive a quotation, arrange payment and then collect the completed printing or have it delivered.
This can be more efficient than travelling to a printer before they’ve confirmed whether they can produce the job.
For urgent work in particular, sending the specification and artwork in advance allows the printer to check the requirements and confirm production availability before you make the journey.
How do I choose a commercial printer near me?
If you’re looking for a commercial printer locally, don’t base the decision on distance alone.
Check whether the company actually produces the type of printing you need, whether it can meet your required deadline and whether its ordering process suits the job.
Useful things to consider include:
- the types of printing they produce;
- available materials and sizes;
- normal and express turnaround options;
- artwork requirements;
- collection arrangements;
- local or nationwide delivery options;
- whether you can discuss unusual specifications before ordering.
A printer located slightly further away but equipped for the particular job may be considerably more useful than the nearest business that only offers basic document printing.
Is Printpal London a commercial printer?
Yes. Printpal London is a commercial printing company based in Finchley, North London.
We produce professionally printed materials for businesses, organisations, events and individuals across London, with standard and same-day production options available depending on the specification.
Our commercial printing includes items such as business cards, leaflets and flyers, posters, booklets, invitations, certificates, stickers and labels, roller banners, Foamex and Correx boards, PVC banners and other professional printed materials.
We aren’t a self-service copy shop and don’t provide photocopying or scanning. Customers generally send their artwork and print requirements to us electronically before production begins.
Completed orders can be collected from our Finchley studio, and delivery options are also available. For eligible same-day orders, collection is generally between 17:00 and 18:00, with same-day London courier delivery generally between 18:00 and 22:00.
Frequently asked questions about commercial printing
What is meant by commercial printing?
Commercial printing generally refers to professionally produced printed materials created for businesses, organisations, marketing, events or other professional purposes. It can include everything from small-format printed items to large-format displays and signage.
Is a commercial printer the same as a normal printer?
No. A home or office printer is a piece of equipment used to print documents internally. A commercial printer is a printing business with production equipment and processes designed to manufacture finished printed products for customers.
Is commercial printing only for businesses?
No. Although businesses and organisations use commercial printing extensively, individuals may also need commercial printing for invitations, events, displays, presentations or other projects where professionally produced print is required.
Can commercial printers print one-off jobs?
Sometimes. Minimum quantities depend on the product and production process. Digital printing allows relatively small quantities for many products, although specialist finishing or materials may require higher minimum orders.
Can a commercial printer print while I wait?
Not necessarily. Commercial printing usually involves production and finishing rather than simply sending a document to a desktop printer. Some jobs can be produced the same day, but the turnaround depends on the specification, artwork and production capacity.
Do commercial printers offer photocopying?
Some businesses may provide both services, but commercial printing and photocopying are different. If you specifically need documents copied, check that the business provides photocopying before travelling. Printpal London doesn’t offer photocopying or self-service printing.
When should you use a commercial printer?
You should consider a commercial printer when you need a finished printed product rather than simply a few everyday documents.
If you’re producing materials for a business, marketing campaign, event, exhibition, promotion or professional project, a commercial printer can offer the materials, formats, quantities and production options needed to create the finished item.
If all you need is one or two standard documents or a photocopy, a library or copy shop may be the simpler choice. Choosing the right type of printing service from the outset can save both time and unnecessary cost.
