7 Tips to Make Working with a Printer Quick and Easy

No matter what your print project is, whether it be flyers, brochures or a presentation, there are ways to make it go smoother by keeping certain things in mind.  You can help streamline the process by having certain things in order before even approaching a printer.

Here are 7 helpful tips that you can do to help keep things smooth with your printer:

1. Pay attention to what size you send in and what size you're ordering.

Proper sizing is important when working with a printer. If you send them a file that you created in 8.5 x 11 but request something that's 11 x 17, or vice versa, don't expect it to be easy. Those dimensions don’t scale up equally and can take much effort to create. This is a common problem when printers receive files and doing this will only irritate and make more work for them. Your graphics may change size and the project could end up not looking like it’s supposed to.

2. Make sure to follow the directions of the printer and send in the proper file type.

Printers should let you know what they need from you in order to move forward. These things will include the type of file that they work with. Make sure you send PDF files to your printer. If you send them something in Word, Publisher, Corel Draw, or even InDesign, they can have a hard time printing it. Even if those files are setup properly, it adds an extra step that can mess up the vision of what you wanted. If you send a PDF to begin with, you can avoid all those problems that can happen during conversions. This will save a lot of time and headache for everyone.

3. Review the entire proof before responding.

To make the editing process efficient, make sure to look over the entire proof before you start requesting changes and avoid sending multiple emails of changes. Also, the more detailed you are in looking things over, the quicker the changes you request will be and the faster you can get your print project to where you want it to be. Remember, it’s the smallest mistakes that are the easiest to miss so be thorough before approving your proof!

4. Don’t try to negotiate down prices.

Printing companies are just like most any other company. They won't haggle with you, so don't try. The prices are set for a reason and you will be expected to pay them, just like every other client. Printers don't play favoritism. Trying to get the price down will only irritate the printer and waste everyone's time.

5. A printing company's job is more complicated than you think it is.

The process is more complicated than just hitting “print.” There is a reason you're paying professionals. The equipment that is used is much more complicated than what you may buy and use on your own. Completing your request takes multiple people, multiple computers and often times even multiple printing machines.

6. Plan for production and turnaround time.

Standard production time can take between 3 and 5 days. The turnaround times are given because there is a schedule that these companies need to adhere to in order to satisfy all of their customers. While rush jobs can be taken on, you can't expect each order to be rushed. You also have to keep in mind that rush jobs will cost you extra. It's better for both you and for the printing company if you simply plan ahead.

7. Know what you want going in.

Make sure you design your print project in detail before sending it into a printer. You want to have a clear vision of what you want and have it executed before you start the printing process. The better you plan your print project, the easier it will be for both your printer and you to get it done and done properly.

By making sure to plan ahead, you can assure that your experience with a printing company is a pleasant and positive one. This will also help you build a lasting professional and profitable relationship that can help you with all your printing needs going forward.