You’ve got a killer concept and the talent needed to design a winning direct mail campaign. There’s only one thing standing in the way of you and your successful print marketing campaign – choosing a print company that can really execute. While price is an important factor when it comes to selecting the right company for the job, there are several other factors that play an important role in ensuring your printer can truly meet (and even exceed) your expectations. Here are the four things you should look for when choosing a print company to partner with:

Price

While your budget should not be the only factor you consider, it’s definitely important. Be aware, however, that a company that offers an exceptionally low price may not be able to deliver a quality product that meets your deadline and expectations. Instead of just basing your decision on price, look for a printer who has a budget that aligns with industry standards and who may be open to providing bulk discounts.

Quality

Quality also matters of course. Before selecting a printer, it’s a good idea to preview work samples, if possible. You should also ask about former and current clients. Finally, a quick search on google or the company website can unearth customer testimonials that will speak to the overall quality that your print company will provide.

Relationship

Although price and quality are really important, the ability to develop a good relationship with your printer is also key. You and your printer should be able to develop a solid relationship that allows you to collaborate effectively. This means that you should be able to communicate directly with your printer. Your printer should also have an understanding of your project and goals.

Reliability

Deadlines matter. If you can’t trust your print company to follow the agreed timelines and meet established deadlines, you’re going to experience a lot of stress and certainly a few headaches. Trusting your printer to deliver in a timely manner will help to alleviate stress and provide you with peace of mind knowing that the finished product will arrive on time and look amazing.

Innovation

Does your company have a sustainability plan? Do they stay on top of industry trends and best practices? Working with an innovative company will not only ensure top quality results, it could also provide opportunities to modify or extend your original printing goals and plans in an innovative way.

Print marketing is an important piece of your overall marketing strategy and a great way to reach your clients and potential clients in a tangible way. Choosing the right printer will ensure that you are able to execute and deliver on time and on budget. It’s a good idea to consider price, quality, relationship, reliability and innovation before you sign on the dotted line.

What do you look for in a print company? Share your thoughts with us on social media by including the hashtag #ImageOnPrint or posting directly on our social media channels.