When quoting print jobs, finding the lowest price-per-piece may not be the solution, but a problem.
We love print. We’re experts at it! But we also know that in addition to being tangible, credible, and attractive, print must be efficient and cost-effective. That’s why we want to help you get the most out of it. When evaluating the options for your next project, here are some things to keep in mind.
1. Obsolescence.
Do regulations, pricing, or product descriptions regularly change in your marketing materials or print collateral? How about names, phone numbers, or email addresses on business cards, internal forms, and other documents? If you are tossing inventory every time there is a change, your per-piece cost may be higher than you think it is. If you have moderate to high document churn, printing on demand may save you money in the long run.
2. Warehousing.
If you chose to print and store to keep down your per-piece cost, make sure you know what it costs to warehouse those documents. Storage isn’t free. Even if you are storing your documents on-site, that physical space has costs of its own, including heating and cooling, utilities and insurance, and staffing. The true cost of stored documents includes the printing PLUS the warehousing cost. Sometimes storing longer print runs is still the most cost-effective option. Other times, you can save by printing shorter runs or printing on demand. Which is most cost-effective for you? Let us work up the numbers!
3. Returns on Investment.
Could your marketing materials bring you greater return on investment if they were targeted or segmented? You may get the lowest per-piece cost by printing long static runs, but multi-page or larger format collateral designed to appeal to multiple demographics may exhaust more of your marketing dollars in the long run. For example, smaller, slimmer materials personalized by age, income or other factors may cost less and generate higher returns than “one-size-fits-all” alternatives.
4. Utilizing house stocks.
The cost of paper ranges between 20% and 45% of the total cost of your printing. Real savings can be gained by working with a printer that offers “house stocks”. A printer with the appropriate warehouse space and buying power will purchase quality paper in bulk quantities of various sizes, weights and finishes that complement their equipment. Combining the right house stock without compromising optimal print project quality is the key to real savings and customer satisfaction.
5. Build a relationship.
Smart print buyers recognize long-term return on investment often trumps initial low pricing. Unless you are a print expert, avoid shopping for the best price at the point you have “approved final art”. For example, working with a partner that knows your needs can provide suggestions for efficient sizing and paper savings, and often avoids mistakes that can increase costs and ultimately miss time-sensitive deadlines. Are there automation options in bindery and postal requirements that can save dollars and avoid mailing penalties? Over time, relationship buying will benefit from anticipated customer preferences, gain efficiencies from repetitive artwork and logos libraries, and the added benefit of working with someone who knows your brand.
At BFC, for over 40 years we have continued to grow our business based on serving long-term customers, providing real savings and return on investment. Contact us below to discuss more secrets for saving dollars on your next print project.
