Your image is one of the most important things your business has, and you don’t want any inconsistency when presenting that image. The best way to do this is by creating a consistent message, and that means all of your printed commercial materials need to come across with your proper branding and colors – every time. Working with a reputable Denver printing company will go a long way in creating that consistency.
However, you need more than just consistency, as quality can show your customers that you’re going the extra mile for them. Sending the same message of quality every time will help you achieve this, but it’s not as simple as just calling up a commercial printer. There are a number of things that you need to look for when trying to establish a consistent message with your commercial printing.
Work With the Right Equipment
When searching for the best quality and consistency, it’s important to seek out a printing company that has invested in top-notch, high-quality printing equipment. This isn’t just the printers that are used to create the documents, but also the ink, paper, and other materials that go into the process. High-quality equipment will go a long way in creating the best final output, and that starts with the right equipment.
The equipment has to be regularly maintained to ensure consistent results, and the right commercial printer will stay up to date by creating and utilizing standardized color profiles. This ensures accurate and predictable color reproduction. There are also other color management tools to maintain consistency, as predictable color reproduction will be vital if you’re printing numerous materials. Knowing you’re working with a printer that uses the best equipment is a great first step in getting the best result for your project.
Quality Control & Proofing Process
Nobody wants a mistake on their final product of any commercial printing project. Working with a commercial printer to implement a thorough proofing process should catch any potential mistakes before you get to the final print. Talk to the commercial printer about providing digital proofs or test prints to get an idea of what the final product will look like. This will help the commercial printer understand your expectations and requirements for each job.
This is an important process particularly to ensure the colors are right. A lot of branding and imagery for businesses comes down to their official colors, as you don’t want your logo to look off or discolored, for example. This step in quality control will enable the consistency in every piece to come through in adherence to your standards, as well as the printer’s.
Check Out Samples & Portfolios
Most commercial printers will have samples of previous work or will have built out portfolios that shows the scope of the projects they’ve done for other clients. Commercial printers should be forthcoming with these types of examples, as you want to work with a commercial printer that is proud of their work. Evaluate multiple samples to get a good feeling for the printer’s consistency and quality.
Every project may be different, but looking at a wide range of examples will show you how consistently the printer creates consistent results. If possible, you also might be able to check out the printer’s facility to get a firsthand look at their operations. A reputable printer should be ready to give insights to their processes and overall commitment to quality.
Establish Your Standards
If you’re looking for printed items for your business, it is also a good idea to establish your own specifications for a project. By detailing what your requirements will be – such as color requirements, finishing options, or other specifics – it’ll be easier for the commercial printer to understand your vision. This will also help establish a stronger working relationship with the printing company, as it will leave out a lot of the questions they may have, leading to a better understanding of your expectations.
Don’t be afraid to come up with a style guide for your own brand’s standards. This will leave no surprises for the printer, as they’ll understand your colors, fonts, and other must-haves when developing your project for printing. This can also help out in the quality control and proofing process, since there won’t be any question as to the necessities for your projects. The clearer the specifications, the easier it will be for the commercial printer to realize your vision.
Communication is Crucial
Perhaps the most important aspect of getting the right quality for your printed materials is working with a commercial printer that is open and able to communicate regularly. Partnering with a reliable and reputable Denver printing company that has a track record of producing consistent results is vital. They should be able to show you examples of their work and provide you with testimonials from pleased clients. Communicating clearly with the printer will allow you to convey exactly what you’re looking for from the projects, setting the expectations for each job.
The printer should be receptive every step of the way, keeping you informed on how the progress of your project. Communication is the most important step in customer service, especially with projects that require the attention to detail that many commercial printing projects require. Constant feedback will not only allow for the best result in the completed project, but it will also help the printer understand what needs to be done with other projects moving forward.
Remember, even though it’s your printing project, the commercial printer wants it to come out just as perfect as you do. Detailed communication from both sides can go a long way in establishing your wants and needs for the project. Working with a printer that provides exceptional customer service will result in quality communication, potentially leading to a relationship for future projects, as well. For more information on how to get the most out of your commercial printing project, reach out to the experts at Cottrell Printing today.