Now that you’ve decided that your business is in need of printed collaterals, you’re most probably looking around for a printing service to work with. Good entrepreneurs know to never settle for the first deal that they see, so there’s a huge chance that there are several companies that you’re considering, especially if you see yourself working with them long-term.
Trying to pick a single printing service out of the many options that you’re presented with can be a daunting and difficult task – even for the most seasoned of business owners! Naturally, there are a whole slew of factors that need to be taken note of. For instance, are they conveniently located near your business establishment or would you need to spend a lot of money on delivery fees? Do they offer discounted prices for clients with large orders? Will they be open to revising and re-printing your collaterals if you aren’t satisfied with the end product?
Without a doubt, these are just some of the many questions that are running through your mind as you consider the different printing services that you can opt for. The only way to get answers to these pressing and valid concerns, though, is by asking the company directly.
If you’re planning on setting an appointment with the various printing services that you’re considering, then coming prepared is a must. But aside from your questions, what else should you take with you to this meeting?
Well, here’s how you can get the most out of shopping around for a printing service suitable for your business and your needs.
Know what you want to accomplish
Of course, the first – and the most important – thing that you have to have with you is your set of requirements and goals. Write down the different things that your business would require from the printing company, both the kinds of printed collaterals that you want, as well as the services that you’re hoping they offer. Being direct with your needs and expectations will allow you to narrow down your options – or even help you select the one that you’ll ultimately work with!
Will your business deal with large-format collaterals like billboards and standees? Maybe you’re more into flyers and leaflets? Or perhaps both? Keep in mind that some companies don’t offer every printing style available, so it’s best to have a list of what you currently need, as well as you might need later on.
Be straightforward with what you expect the company to offer too. For example, do you need them to deliver the collaterals to your establishment? Should they follow whatever your requirements are to a T – or are they allowed to make their own suggestions, as well as a few adjustments here and there?
Knowing what you want to accomplish from the get-go is a great foundation for making the most out of your meetings.
Write a summary even before the meeting begins
It’s easy to get derailed during meetings, especially when you find yourself clicking with the people on the other end of the table. However, this could prove to be disastrous when you’re on a time crunch or trying to stick to a strict budget.
To avoid any dilly-dallying and wasted time, summarize the major points that you want to cover during your meeting with the printing service. Sort of like an agenda, if you will. This will allow every stakeholder to stay on track of the meeting’s purpose and goals.
There’s also a huge chance that you’ll find yourself meeting with more than one person at the same time, so prepare accordingly. It’s challenging to stay on topic when there are a lot of people in the room, which is why you have to be ready to gently and politely circle back to the concerns that need to be addressed.
Ask for samples
If you’re meeting with printing companies, then not taking a look at samples of their previous form would be a rookie mistake. Seeing first-hand their printing quality, color-matching, and the materials that they use allows you to gain insight into the collaterals that you can expect them to create for you. And, it goes without saying that those whose samples exhibit shoddy work should be stayed away from!
More importantly, a printing company unwilling or unable to show any samples is a huge cause for concern and you would do well to stay away from them too.
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These are just some of the many things that you can do to get the most out of shopping around for a printing service. Remember – this isn’t a decision to be taken lightly, so make sure that you have all the facts in hand before making your choice.
