Print 101 series: Article 1

These are articles about printing basics. Some of these are standard texts from our marketing kits, others will become a part of our upcoming website. All are designed to discuss and teach clients about printing basics and procedure as well as peculiar procedures or jargon associated with the printing industry. We aim to enlighten our clients and potential clients to the ways of doing business with professional printers. We hope you enjoy these articles and learn from them along the way. (Raia Jennifer E. Dela Pena-Landicho)

How to get a print quote?

Commercial or job printing is a customized service business. That’s why there are no fixed or standard prices with a printing press – everything depends on the specs or specifications of the print project the client has in mind.

Many people often ask us the price of a project but we usually ask for the specifications before even mentioning prices. In this world of instant gratification, this way of doing business may seem slow to some people, but we always strive to tell our potential clients that taking the time out to properly discuss each project makes all the difference in the world. After all, we are professional printers – each job we do is custom-made and one of a kind.

So take the time out to discuss your project with us. We are well known as specialists in the business.

10 steps to acquiring the services of a
professional printer

1. Contact your target printer/s (online is a good place to check) but Sinag printing is one of the best in the market so make sure you include us in your shortlist.

2. CONSULTATION PERIOD: Discuss the printing project you have in mind with our designated sales consultants. If you are not sure about details, it’s ok, they can help give hints or options for you. Best option for beginners is to visit the printing plant directly or have the printers send in their sales consultants for a visit so you can discuss options better and they can show samples of their work for your evaluation.

3. GET A QUOTE: If you already know what you want printed and you have the complete print specifications on hand, then go ahead and give your print specs to the printer’s sales consultant so they can process a formal print quote for you. It is important to note that the client provides complete and correct print specifications. This is so because every detail of the print specs can make a big difference in the price of the quotation. Giving the wrong specs not only wastes both you and the printer’s time, it may also mean the wrong price and wrong expectations when you receive your formal quote.

4. After providing the complete and correct print specifications to the print consultant, expect a formal quotation within 24 hours after contact.

5. NEGOTIATION PERIOD: After receiving the quotation, the negotiation period begins. This is the part where you talk about terms and conditions with your printer, value added services (if any) and possible discounts (if you are a regular customer).

6. CHOOSE WHICH PRINTER IS BEST FOR YOU: Remember, when canvassing for suppliers, the lowest price may not necessarily mean the best product or service. Most suppliers who give the lowest prices are able to do so by scrimping on materials or labor. They are also the most swamped or burdened with overbookings, so deadlines and delivery, not to mention quality, may be an issue. Always fact check your suppliers, research on their background, visit their offices or plants if possible (in the Philippines, there is a proliferation of what is known as “jobbers,” people pretending to be professional printers but who don’t actually have their own printing plants or offices. They survive by having their print projects sub-contracted by other printing presses. It is dangerous to deal with “jobbers” because you will never be sure of your project’s quality, safety and timeliness. Liability may also be an issue since you are paying or trusting someone who doesn’t have an office, a printing plant or even basics such as business permits.)

7. SIGN THE CONTRACT: Secure the deal! Finalize your quotation, terms and conditions with your chosen professional printer. Make sure everything is clear and accounted for. Miscommunications during this very crucial period can mean the success or failure of the print project. Have everything written out -- issue a purchase order form with all the necessary approvals, then have your printer issue their own printing contract with all the specifications, terms and conditions spelled out. Pay your printer the deposit for the project. That way, as the project progresses, everybody has peace of mind with regard to the print contract.

8. PRE-PRESS OR LAY-OUT & DESIGN WORK: Most companies who have their own marketing or sales teams already have “camera ready” or “print ready” projects. They just give the final and approved files to the printer, the printer then issues the final proofing for signatory approval (so that the client can check on quality and color fidelity), the client signs the final proof as approved and the printer proceeds to production work. However, there are many small and medium businesses who do not have a marketing arm that will do the pre-press work for them. In cases like this, Sinag printing offers its value-added service which is FREE LAY-OUT and DESIGN services for print projects. If you want Sinag to do this for you, the condition for this service are the following:

· Free lay-out and design service is given only for CONFIRMED and SIGNED printing contracts. Many times, clients have approached us for projects and ask for the lay-out and design services -- only to tell us in the middle of the whole process that they will not push through with the project. Cases like these, leave us, the printers, at the loosing end of the deal as we have already devoted labor time to the lay-out and design of the projects. So as a consideration to your print supplier, avail of this service only and only if the contract has been signed and approved.

· There will be a maximum of 3 design studies and 3 print proofs or drafts per project for the free lay-out and design service. Beyond this, there will already be a service charge.

· Timeframe for the lay-out and design service (or prepress work) is three weeks maximum.

9. PRINT PRODUCTION: After pre-press work (when the lay-out and design has been signed and approved), the printers will go into press production work. Timeframe for this depends on the type of print project. Small projects like brochures or posters will take around 14 working days while bigger projects like books will take an average of 30 working days for print production.

10. Delivery and payment! Check that the delivery is ok and according to the proof approvals and make sure you pay your hardworking suppliers on time.