With 111,089 global commercial printing businesses as of 2024 and 44,169 printing companies in the U.S., selecting the best printing service can be much more straightforward when you ask the right questions. Before you make a decision, it’s essential to evaluate their services and capabilities.
By asking a few critical questions, you can understand what they offer in terms of print quality, pricing structures, turnaround time, and customer service. To help you in this process, we’ve put together a list of essential questions you can ask any printing company.
Understanding these aspects will allow you to make a more informed choice and find a reliable partner for your marketing materials, packaging, or custom print projects.
22 questions to ask a printing company before you place an order.
Below are a few of the key questions you should ask a printing company to ensure they meet your needs and expectations.
What is your reputation?
Before contacting a printing company, it’s important to do some research. Look into their reputation by checking how long they’ve been around and what their past customers are saying.
Companies with a proven track record and positive reviews are generally more reliable and likely to deliver high-quality results. Make sure to read customer feedback on sites like Google Reviews to get a clear picture of their performance and trustworthiness.
What services do you offer?
Printing techniques have evolved significantly over the years, and each company may specialize in different methods. Make sure you know which printing methods they use and if they align with your project needs.
Whether it’s offset printing, digital printing, or large format printing, understanding their capabilities will help ensure they can meet your specific requirements and deliver the results you’re looking for.
Ask about their design support
You should inquire whether the print provider can provide design support. Many companies have in-house design teams that can assist with creating or refining your print materials. Knowing whether a company provides this service can be a significant advantage, as it can streamline your project and ensure that the final product meets your design expectations.
Do you print in-house?
It’s important to find out whether the printing tasks are handled internally or outsourced. Providers that manage printing in-house generally maintain better control over quality, deadlines, and costs, ensuring that your materials meet high standards before delivery.
Conversely, outsourced printing may result in less rigorous quality checks, potentially impacting the final product. To make an informed choice, inquire directly about their process or visit their facility if possible.
Do they provide end-to-end service?
Ask if the printer offers end-to-end services, managing the process from initial design to final fulfilment. A full-service provider can oversee every aspect of your project, ensuring a seamless workflow and efficient handling of each stage.
Ask for samples
Request samples of previous projects and review their portfolio to gauge the quality of their work. By examining these samples, you can get a sense of their expertise and the range of services they provide.
What are your turnaround times?
Printing can be a time-consuming process, so it’s crucial to discuss turnaround times before making any commitments. Ask for specific details about how long it will take to complete your order, considering factors such as paper type, printing methods, and order size.
A direct conversation will provide you with a clear timeline and set expectations for when your prints will be ready.
Do you have a template?
For a smooth printing process with items like envelopes, business cards, or tri-fold brochures, ask your printer if they provide design templates.
These templates are essential for ensuring that your artwork aligns with crucial print specifications, such as bleed and trim areas. Using the right templates helps position your design accurately and avoids issues during printing.
What types of paper options do you provide?
To achieve the best results for your printed materials, it’s crucial to assess the quality of the paper offered by the provider. Ask about their selection of paper grades and finishes to ensure they match your project needs, whether it’s for a brochure, poster, or invitation.
Pay attention to options such as paper texture, color accuracy, and whether they offer special finishes like glossy, matte, or embossed effects. Depending on the types of paper weight and finishes used it can impact on the overall cost.
What are the size and dimensions of your print job?
Discussing size options with your provider can be advantageous. Slight adjustments to the dimensions of your print job may allow for more efficient use of paper, which can reduce overall costs.
This flexibility could enable you to allocate your budget toward premium features, such as metallic finishes, without exceeding your budget.
What type of files do you need to work from?
To avoid any issues with your project, ask the printer about their preferred file formats. Different providers may have specific requirements for files, such as PDFs, Word documents, or graphic design files.
Can I see a proof?
Proofs serve as a valuable step for both the provider and you, allowing you to verify that the design and format meet your expectations.
They help identify any mistakes or issues before the job is completed. Ensure that you have the opportunity to review a proof, even if it’s just a PDF version, to confirm that everything is correct before the final print is produced.
What print finishes can I use?
Enhancing your printed materials with special finishes can significantly elevate their appearance. Consider options like lamination, varnishing, or various binding techniques to give your brochures, books, flyers, or business cards a unique and polished look.
What are your supply requirements?
To streamline the printing process, make sure your artwork aligns with the printer’s requirements. Ask about their preferred file formats and color profiles. Confirm if they need fonts to be outlined or provided separately.
Most printers prefer PDF files. Check their required PDF settings, including bleed and crop marks, and whether they need files as single pages rather than spreads.
Also, be aware that some premium fonts might require special licensing. Verify that you have the appropriate permissions for any fonts used in your design.
What is the minimum and maximum number of copies you can order?
Check with the print agency about their minimum order quantity to ensure they can handle smaller jobs if needed. If you’re only ordering a few items, you want to avoid working with a provider that can’t accommodate small orders or doesn’t offer competitive pricing for low quantities.
Additionally, ask about any maximum order limits to ensure they can fulfill your larger orders if needed.
How quickly can you print them?
Ask about the turnaround time for your order to ensure it meets your schedule. While faster delivery is often preferable, check if there are additional fees for expedited processing and shipping.
Evaluate whether the extra cost for quicker service is justifiable based on your budget and urgency. Sometimes, opting for standard processing might be more economical if the faster option significantly increases costs.
How much is the printing cost?
When getting quotes, it’s important to know what’s included and how the costs are detailed. Request a breakdown that covers all aspects like paper type, print quantity, color choices, and any special features such as finishes or binding.
Don’t forget to ask about additional fees for file processing and proofing. This will help you understand the total cost and keep your project within budget. Also, discuss your budget with the provider to make sure their services fit your financial plan.
Can I see examples of similar print projects they've done?
Before committing to a printing partner, request examples of projects similar to yours that they have completed.
Ask for detailed information about past projects that align with your scope and complexity. This will give you a clear picture of their capabilities and how well they can handle your needs.
Additionally, verify the dates of these projects to ensure they are using the latest printing technology. Providers should be able to showcase recent work that reflects current industry standards.
How do you handle shipping and delivery?
Understanding how a printing service handles shipping and delivery is essential for ensuring your finished materials reach their destination on time. Before finalizing your order, inquire about their shipping procedures.
Some printers may require you to pick up your job in-store, while others offer delivery to a single location or various addresses, potentially at different rates.
Larger printing networks often have established relationships with major carriers, allowing them to accommodate both domestic and international shipping needs.
What kind of customer support can I expect?
Effective customer support is key to a successful printing project. It’s important to understand how the printing service handles inquiries and issues.
Some services may offer assistance mainly through online platforms, such as chatbots or email, while others might provide more direct support via phone or in-store visits.
For ongoing projects or complex needs, look for a provider with a dedicated support team available by phone or live chat.
Do you invest in the latest technology?
Printing technology evolves rapidly, and using outdated equipment can affect the outcome of your project. Choose a print business that employs the latest advancements in printing technology.
This commitment to modern techniques will likely result in sharper, more vibrant prints. Avoid companies that don’t invest in updating their technology, as they may not deliver the high-quality results you’re seeking.
Are you an eco-friendly business?
Choose a printing service that demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
A print shop that actively works to reduce its environmental impact shows they are forward-thinking and responsible. Look for practices such as using recycled materials, minimizing waste, and employing energy-efficient processes.
Conclusion
Don’t settle for uncertainty with your printing provider. By asking the right questions, you can gain a clear understanding of their capabilities, processes, and support. This ensures you choose a partner who meets your needs and delivers quality results.
At Print to Brand, we provide the clarity and expertise to guide you through every step of your printing journey. Reach out to us today to start your project with confidence.
