Looking for West Los Angeles Direct Mail and Fulfillment: Watch this short video to learn more about using QR Codes with your next mail campain…

Printing and mailing services often complement each other. After all, as a marketer creating the message is just the first part—you still need to find an effective way to deliver it, and deliver it to the right person. For this reason choosing a supplier who will professionally manage the entire process can deliver exceptional results AND remove your workload and worry. This also reduces the moving parts within the supply chain, giving you a single point of contact and a true one-stop shopping experience.

Several questions you can familiarize yourself with when evaluating a supply chain partner include:

• Do they have USPS certified staff available?
• What experience exists with list management and data processing?
• Are NCOA, CASS and PAVE just sets of letters or do they mean something to your supplier?
• Can your supplier offer key materials during your design process to make mailing easier and better?

USPS certification

Just this year, key changes in tabbing (wafer seals that hold mail closed) and Intelligent Bar Coding have impacted what is required to prepare mail properly. Without this trained guide, you may not realize the maximum postage discount available, or worse, create undeliverable mail.  Look for a supplier who has invested in continued training with USPS standards and requirements, like SCG.

List Management means reaching your audience

We recently assisted a customer who wanted 5000 targets for her franchise. These people had to meet specific demographic criteria, as well as reside within a 2 mile radius of the store location. Using intelligence and list processing techniques, we delivered these contacts, saving money on list purchases, as well as increasing the ability to reach those people most likely to respond to her offers.

NCOA, etc…

Since the USPS handles millions of mail pieces daily, they’ve instituted requirements that marketers must following when compiling mailing lists. Standards such as NCOA (National Change of Address) and CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System) ensure the deliverability of mail, and can impact your postage costs. By working with a supplier who understands this importance you heighten your ability to reach your audience AND stretch your marketing budget.

Other Key materials

Indicias, Business Reply Mail templates, and envelope layouts are available through the USPS. A trusted, professional supplier can either secure these on your behalf, or offer you limited use of their materials. Contacting a supplier like SCG can be a great first step to discussing these elements and how to use them successfully.

For advice or a price on your next print and mailing project go to our home page.

Commercial Printer estimates are NOT all alike. The best proposals make it easy for you to understand all project components. They also include suggestions to either enhance the aesthetic or provide more cost effective options . Use the following guidelines to get the most from your print partner during the next project:

1. Look beyond just a bottom-line price
2. Share information about project expectations at the beginning
3. Work with a professional, trustworthy representative

Watch this short video for exciting details >

Beyond Numbers

A print project often possesses many variables. It’s a complex endeavor, so asking for three bids and focusing just on the number at the bottom often does not tell a complete picture of what you’ll receive. For instance, using inkjet proofs may cost you less, but also may fail to accurately depict what the project will look like when completed, since they don’t include the dot pattern that you’ll see in the final piece.

Gang print runs are another area that you should treat carefully.  Since your project will run on the same sheet with others’, brand elements and ink coverage cannot be uniquely controlled for you.

Share the Big Picture

We recently received a quote request for sales literature kits. Although the specifications simply asked for trimming and bulk packing, the client actually wanted the project split into sets, packed individually and shipped to over 100 offices. Clearly, the two requirements are VERY different. Professional print suppliers are problem solvers. A good commercial printer should ask questions which demonstrate a keen understanding of your needs. So, during your next project planning, describe the project AND what you intend the piece to accomplish. Let your rep digest the information and come back with a creative, effective business solution—not just a low price.

Trust is a Must

You wouldn’t employ a doctor, lawyer, or even a plumber that didn’t have the right credentials or a successful track record to back up his claims. A professional commercial printer  is no different.

Remember, your trusting them with something vitally important—your business success.

• Does he ask questions, offer alternatives and show an interest in more than just a project?
• Is communication clear, concise and complete?
• Does he work well under pressure and remain calm when things change?

Earning your trust comes with time, but can never be compromised if you want success. If you’re only getting a price with your next estimate, you may not e getting everything you deserve.

Get advice or a price on your next print job at http://www.SCGCommercialPrinters.com.   We continually add information valuable commercial printer information, so visit often!

Don’t miss our other articles on this same subject:

http://scgcommercialprinter.com/large-format-digital-printing/

Large format digital printing projects present some challenges that can seem, well…LARGE.  In order to achieve the absolute best results, there are some things you should know.   But don’t be intimidated.  It can be as easy as 1, 2, 3.

Watch this short video for exciting details >

1.  Resolution

Large format files are typically created at 300 dpi at 1”=1’ scale.   For instance, if you plan to produce a wallscape measuring 20 feet wide by 80 feet high, your mechanical should be built at 20 INCHES by 80 INCHES, 300 d.p.i. Also, if your project will be viewed up close, like an in-store poster or bus shelter, adjust your file to 300 dpi at 1”=6” scale, which is also referred to as ½ scale.

You’ll want to make sure that you and your printer are on the same page.

2.  Image Selection

It’s important to work with images that contain the proper resolution. Sure, images can be repurposed, but downloading the banner from your website won’t provide enough sharpness and detail to preserve your brand’s images and color consistency.  Be sure to use the highest resolution images available for your campaign. Decreasing size and resolution is easy. Increasing it – isn’t.   Think of it as trying to build a mansion with only enough materials for an apartment. Doesn’t work well, does it?

3.  Delivery Format

Most shops are Mac-based and utilize professional graphics software such as In-Design, Photoshop and Quark. If you’re not working on a Mac or with these applications you may need to convert your final deliverable.  While, PDFs have become commonplace, they are the wrong choice for producing large format graphics.  This is because critical sizing and trapping functions are disabled in a PDF.  If any alterations occur during production, your printer will not be able to perform these and get you what you want.

Questions Your Printer Should Be Asking You:

-Where will your project live?

A moving vehicle? The side of a building? A Billboard? Each influences the resolution and materials used.

-What type of surface will it be applied to?

Concrete? Brick?  Window?  Each surface has different requirements. For instance, a bus window must meet the requirements of the department of transportation: perforated window cling enabling riders’ visibility out the window.

-How long will it be posted?

Some materials are rated for six months, some less, some more. Determine exactly what you need so your print doesn’t start peeling of the side of a building before the campaign is over.

-Where are you buying your media?

Each media company has specific materials and size requirements for their spaces. Make sure to get this right so you wind up with an output that will be installed.

-What is the viewing distance?

• A bus shelter is viewed at arm’s length
• A billboard is seen from 200 feet

A typical billboard is termed 30- “sheets” or “14 X 48”.  If this sounds unfamiliar, you’ll want to have a conversation with a print expert.

Questions You Should Ask Your Printer:

-Quality control

How are these projects proofed?  A professional large format printer will have a highly qualified staff, that will contact you if they find anything unusual with your file.  A perfect way to confirm that image quality and color matches your brand needs is to as your printer to make a “cut,” or a small section of a critical area, produced at final size.

-Installation services

Some companies can actually wrap your billboard around a vehicle or hang that 70-foot banner on the side of a building.  Be sure to inquire the type of installation services available, even if you don’t need it on your first job.  Knowing that these services exist can help streamline your production on this job and the next.

Large format digital printing projects can make a highly visible impression on your audience.  Ensuring that you start with good information and properly created files gives you the best change to achieve the quality and integrity you deserve.  After all, this is an investment in your brand.

For expert, 1-on-1, guidance on large format digital printing visit our blog.   You can request a price or advice, 24/7 at our website http://scgcommercialprinter.com/ for  Service without boundaries.

Don’t miss our other articles on this same subject: