TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST PRINT PARTNER
Ad agencies are big in the printing world, handling tons of projects. So, it’s no surprise they often need to find new print partners.
Why Ad Agencies Look for a New Print Partner
Most ad agencies already have a print partner, so why would they be looking? Ad agencies usually stick with a print partner, but sometimes they switch for these reasons:
Relationship Issues: Over time, the partnership may lose its effectiveness. The agency might feel neglected or that they’re not receiving the same level of attention and service as before.
Change in Leadership: When new directors or managers take charge at the agency, they often prefer to bring in their own trusted suppliers and partners, including print companies.
Cost Concerns: As time goes on, the costs of printing services can increase. Agencies might seek out new print partners who offer more competitive pricing or are willing to negotiate better rates.
Quality Decline: Long-term relationships can sometimes lead to complacency on the part of the print partner, resulting in a decline in the quality of the printed materials. Agencies may switch to a new partner known for consistently high-quality output.
Slower Turnaround Times: Initially, a print partner may promise quick turnaround times, but this can change over time. Delays in delivering printed materials can lead to missed deadlines and dissatisfaction, prompting agencies to look for partners who can reliably meet deadlines.
Capacity Issues: As agencies grow or take on larger projects, they may find that their current print partner is unable to handle the increased workload efficiently. This can necessitate finding a new partner with greater capacity and resources.
Qualities to Seek in a Printing Company
When you’re searching for a new print partner, here are key things to consider before making a decision:
Online Reviews: Check out the online reviews for each print company under consideration. Look for overall sentiment—do they mostly have positive reviews? If there are more negative reviews than positive ones, it might be a red flag.
Published Articles and Blogs: Visit their website and read the articles they publish. This can give you insights into their values and what they prioritize as a print company. It also shows their expertise and commitment to sharing knowledge in the industry.
Social Media Presence: Explore their social media profiles to see what kind of content they share. Active social media presence indicates they are engaged and likely responsive. Look for relevant content related to printing or industry trends, which demonstrates their expertise and alignment with your needs.
By evaluating these aspects, you can quickly gauge whether a print company is worth considering further for your partnership needs.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Print Partner
When considering a new print partner, here are key questions to ask during your discussions:
References: Request references from the print company. Contacting current customers allows you to gain insights into their experience and satisfaction with the printer’s services.
Average Turnaround Time: Inquire about their typical turnaround times for printing jobs. This helps you understand how quickly they can deliver your projects, based on similar work they’ve handled.
Cost and Pricing: Discuss pricing details. Provide them with an average order size if needed, and ask for estimates to compare with your current print partner. This ensures you understand their pricing structure and how it aligns with your budget.
By addressing these points during your discussions, you’ll be well-equipped to evaluate and choose a high-quality print partner for your ad agency. If you’re considering us as your new print company, follow these steps to see how we can meet your needs effectively.
