Printed materials are still something businesses use even when most promotion happens online. You still see brochures at counters, catalogues from suppliers, company reports and printed packaging when buying products.
The amount you need to print can affect which printing method makes more sense. If a company only needs a few copies, it may choose digital printing. But when the quantity becomes much larger, an offset printing company is another option to consider.
Before sending the artwork for printing, there are a few things worth checking with the printer. Ask what they can produce, what materials are available and how the job will be handled. Don’t choose based on the quotation alone, especially when you are ordering a large number of copies.
What Makes Offset Printing Different?
Offset printing does not print the image directly from a digital file onto the paper. Instead, the process normally uses printing plates. The image is transferred from the plate onto a rubber blanket and then onto the printing surface.
Because some preparation is needed before the actual printing begins, offset printing may not always make sense for a very small order. For larger quantities, however, it is commonly used for commercial printing projects.
When a business orders a large batch, it normally expects the copies to look similar. Say you are printing thousands of brochures for the same campaign. It would be strange if some came out noticeably different from the rest. The colour, photos and text should remain fairly consistent throughout the batch.
The printer may also have several types of paper and finishing available. This gives businesses more choices when preparing things like catalogues, reports, packaging or other printed materials.
Check What the Printing Company Can Actually Produce
Different printers may be set up for different types of jobs. So before asking for the price, explain what you actually want to print and how you want the finished item to look.
For example, a simple company brochure will have different requirements from a product box or a large catalogue. Paper size, thickness, number of pages, colors and finishing can all affect how the job is produced.
You can also ask which parts of the job the company handles itself. If your artwork includes something extra such as die-cutting, embossing, foil stamping or coating, check with the printer first instead of assuming they can do it.
It is better to find this out while you are still preparing the artwork, rather than after everything has already been sent for production.
Ask to See a Proof Before the Full Run
Finding a mistake after thousands of copies have already been printed is something every business would rather avoid.
This is why proofing matters. Before approving the full production run, look through the proof carefully. Check the spelling, page order, image placement, margins and other details that are important to the design.
Color should also be discussed with the printer, especially when the material uses specific corporate colours. What you see on a laptop screen may not always look exactly the same once it appears on paper.
If something does not look right at the proofing stage, this is the time to raise it. Making a correction before the full run is much easier than dealing with thousands of finished copies containing the same mistake.
Look at the Paper and Material Options
Paper can change the way a design looks and feels.
A thick card used for packaging will obviously feel very different from the paper used for a booklet. Even two papers with a similar thickness can have different finishes and textures.
Instead of choosing from a description alone, ask whether you can see samples. Holding the paper makes it easier to understand what the finished product might feel like.
If recycled or other particular paper options are important for your project, ask the printer what is available. Availability can vary, so it is better to confirm this before the design and production details are finalized.
Don’t Compare the Price Alone
It can be tempting to choose the lowest quotation, especially when you are printing a large quantity. But make sure you are comparing the same things.
One quotation might include printing, finishing and delivery, while another may list some of those items separately. Ask what is included before deciding which price is actually better for your project.
You should also check the quantity stated in the quotation, the paper selected, finishing requirements and expected production time.
This gives you a clearer picture of what you are paying for instead of choosing based on one number.
Give the Printer Enough Time
Large printing jobs usually involve several steps before the finished materials are ready. Artwork needs to be checked, proofs may need approval, printing has to be completed and finishing may come afterwards.
Because of this, try not to send a large project at the last minute.
If the materials are needed for an event, product launch or campaign, tell the printer the required date early. You can then work backwards and leave enough time for proofing and any corrections that may be needed.
It is also worth asking for an estimated production schedule rather than assuming the job can be completed immediately.
Choosing an Offset Printing Company for Your Project
Before contacting the printer, it helps to have some information about the job ready. You don’t need to know every technical detail, but at least have an idea of the quantity, size and type of material you want to print. If you already have a paper or finishing preference, mention that as well.
Then speak to the printer about those requirements. Ask questions when something in the quotation or production process is unclear.
A good working relationship matters too. There may be a few things to confirm or change before the final artwork goes to print. Being able to communicate easily with the printer helps when this happens.
Conclusion
Offset printing is often considered when there are many copies to produce. But when looking for a printer, don’t compare the price alone.
Check what the company can actually handle and what you are getting for the quoted price. Ask about the paper, proofing and finishing if these are important for your job. It is better to clear up these details before you approve the final artwork.
Also, try not to leave everything until the last minute. Give yourself time to look through the proof properly before printing starts. Finding a mistake at this stage is much easier than noticing it after hundreds or thousands of copies are already finished.