Working with the right commercial printing company can have a huge influence on the effectiveness of your printed materials. From marketing materials and training products to operations materials, selecting the right printing partner is one of the most important decisions you can make for your commercial printing needs.
In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the process of finding commercial printing companies near me, including tips and tricks that can help you find the best professional printing services that deliver all the print materials you need.
Understanding Your Printing Needs
Before you can look outward, it helps to start by looking inward. In this case, we mean that it’s important to understand your own printed material needs before looking for print partners so you can make sure to find a print partner who can provide what you’re looking for. These common types of commercial printing services meet many common print needs:
- Offset printing. Offset printing is the ideal print service that produces high-quality products for large-volume print runs with a small number of originals. It is a good option if you’re interested in printing large volumes of materials.
- Digital printing. Digital printing is optimal for smaller print runs, orders that contain many originals, and projects with quick turnaround times. Digital printing’s flexibility and speed make it a great choice for on-demand printing.
- Large format printing. If you’ll be needing large items such as posters, banners, and signs, large format printing is for you.
- Finishing and bindery services. If you’re ordering anything more complicated than flyers or business forms, there’s a good chance that you’ll want or need finishing and bindery services. This can include folding, cutting, binding, die cutting, UV coating, lamination, and a range of other services that give your finished products a professional look.
- Shipping. Once your items are printed, they need to get to you. Printing companies offer a range of shipping options and fulfillment services to make sure your materials arrive on time.
When thinking about your printing needs, consider factors such as the number of prints you’ll need, the quality you’re looking for, and the turnaround time you’d like. Understanding your requirements and your preferences will help you find printing experts who can meet these needs.
Researching Local Printing Companies
It can take a lot of research to find the best commercial printing companies near you. The following strategies can help you find the cream of the crop:
- Online searches. Search engines can help you find local printing companies. Try searching for “commercial printing companies near me” to see local options. Be sure to read online reviews, as these give valuable insights from previous customers and can help you understand whether the printing company is a good match for your needs.
- Business directories. Take a look at business directories such as Yelp, directories from local chambers of commerce, and local business directories. These directories also often have customer reviews that can provide a helpful view of what these companies can offer.
- Social media. Don’t forget the power of social media. Many companies have social media profiles where they showcase their products. You can also ask companies questions via social media to get more information about their services.
Starting with a bit of online research will give you a wide view of local printing options. Make sure to take note of online reviews and ratings, since they are a lens to understand the quality of services that printing companies provide, as well as whether customers are satisfied with their products and reliability.
Evaluating Printing Companies
After you’ve developed a list of multiple vendors, it’s time to take a closer look at them and decide which one is the best match for your organization. Here are some of the most important aspects to keep in mind as you’re evaluating a printing company:
- Portfolios and sample work. It’s important to be able to see the quality of their services, so take a look at the company’s portfolio and ask for samples of their work. Any reputable printing company will be more than willing to show you the high-quality materials they produce.
- Customer service and responsiveness. Good communication and customer service are vital for any successful business relationship, so be sure that the printing company is responsive to your inquiries and messages. Is their team dedicated to helping you? Think about whether you’d like to work with them over the long term.
- Pricing and value. As is always the case, finding the right balance of quality and value is essential when finding a printing partner. Compare different companies’ prices, and remember that it’s often worth it to pay a little bit more for higher quality and better services.
By thinking about these factors, you’ll be able to narrow down your list to the printing company that’s the best fit for your unique situation and your specific needs.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Printing Partner
Before you make your final decision, be sure to start a dialogue with your potential partner and ask them all of your questions. Here are some questions that are particularly important to ask on the front end:
- What are your specialties? What print processes and services are you capable of? By learning the answers to these questions, you can help ensure that your potential partner meets your needs.
- What is your experience with projects similar to mine? Seeing examples of similar projects that they’ve produced can give you an idea of what kinds of materials they would produce for you.
- Which guarantees do you offer? Guarantees, such as satisfaction guarantees, can give you peace of mind and make a universal difference.
- How do you over-deliver for clients? By seeing how the company goes above and beyond, you can judge their commitment to quality.
- How does your company meet the unique needs of a large franchise/business? The company’s answer to this question will help you decide if they provide the specific services that you need and whether they are up to the task of providing the print services that will help you thrive.
At The Print Authority, we pride ourselves on our ability to exceed client expectations. Our wide range of print services is tailored to the needs of large franchises and businesses, and our team is dedicated and driven to deliver high-quality materials on time and within budget. We strive for complete customer satisfaction and are motivated every day to provide the great print materials and promotional items that businesses need to make a positive impact.
Commercial Printing Services at The Print Authority
Here at The Print Authority, we provide professional commercial printing services for businesses of all sizes. Our offset and digital printing, large format printing, custom printing solutions, and bindery, finishing, and shipping services ensure that your business has the print materials you need to create a lasting impression.
Finding the perfect commercial printing company near you doesn’t need to feel daunting. At The Print Authority, we focus on quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Whether you need business cards, presentation folders, trade show displays, or direct mail, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us to learn more about what makes us the reliable and skilled printing partner that meets all your business’s printing needs.
