How to Find the Best Magazine Printing Companies: Shweiki Media Printing Company Presents Strategies for Determining the Right Printer for Your Publication
Austin, TX (PRWEB) February 19, 2014 -- Committing to a large print order with a new printer can be a stressful and financially costly process, but it doesn’t have to be. Working with a reliable printer can facilitate the process in a smooth, stress-free and affordable way. To guarantee that a printer is dependable and the right fit, it’s important to research before signing on any dotted lines (and consider that a contracted job might not even be in one’s best interest). Knowing and analyzing every option is crucial.
When in the market for a reliable printer, there are certain questions to ask and answers to determine: What are the competitive advantages of working with different printing companies? Are there any unforeseen fees? What sort of reputation has this company built for itself?
But before asking those questions, one has to actually find printers to compare and research.
Finding Printers to Compare
Anyone who’s been in a checkout line in a store has more than likely been exposed to a wide range of printers without even realizing it, simply through exposure to the magazines lining the shelves just inches away. One of the best ways to find a quality printer is to collect local magazines and print publications that are up to one’s quality standards. From there, it’s as simple as using the contact information inside of these to reach out to the publishers and ask for their printing source. However, it’s important to be careful. If they would be considered competitors, they likely won’t comply with a request. Other sources for printing company names can be found on social media sites like Twitter, by tweeting for printer suggestions, or through broad Google search terms like “commercial printer” or “magazine printer” or more local searches like “magazine printer in Texas,” “magazine printer in Oklahoma,” etc.
Research
Once one has a printing company or two in mind, there are some important things to consider:
- The History of the Company
Experience often translates into an excellent product, so finding out how long they’ve been in business is a great way to figure out what to expect in terms of quality.
- Potential Benefits, Knowledge and Resources
Some printers evolve from publishing companies or magazines themselves, and tend to have a deeper sense of the fine details that might be considered important. They might even offer resources on ways to improve one’s publishing skills.
- Customer Reviews
Find out what current and former clients have to say about each company's services through reviews on Google+, Yelp, etc. Looking for recurring complaints and rave reviews is a good way to establish an impression of the company and get a good sense of their reputation. However, when reading reviews, it is important to keep in mind that people tend to complain when unhappy and are much more likely to publicly express their frustration than their glee.
- The Equipment
Another thing to consider when on the quest to find the best printer is the type of press (heat-set web press, sheet-fed, digital press) and accompanying equipment and how current it is. Printing technology has improved not only speed (turnaround time) but also quality, so it’s important to look into the printing service machines being used to ensure they align with one’s goals and objectives.
Read the Fine Print
As the old adage says, when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is, and it's important not to be captivated by low numbers alone. It’s essential to read the fine print and ensure that the printer operates with no hidden fees or overages, as many companies will charge customers up to 3% to 10% in overages without making this charge clear up front. Before giving the green light on a print job, it’s critical to know all the associated costs. When deciding to go with a contract, one should be weary of entering into an agreement with a company who is pushing for a signature without offering low-rate incentives. A contract means commitment from the customer, and should result in more affordable services in return.
Consider Non-Local Printers
Often, people turn up their noses at the thought of an online or non-local printer, but by disqualifying options based solely on their geographical (or digital) location, one could overlook excellent opportunities. Working with a printer from a distance can be just as effective as working with them face-to-face, but the key to this relationship will be accessibility. After all, although the aforementioned specifications are essential pieces to solving the puzzle of finding the printer that fits one’s needs, none are as important as quality customer service. Creative jobs like printing require frequent interpersonal interaction to achieve satisfying results, so choosing a printing company with a live customer service representative designated to one’s account is a wise decision. Not only does this frequent and effective form of communication speed up the entire process, but it also allows less room for error.
Since non-local printers are not in the nearby vicinity, getting some examples of their work before making a decision is a good strategy. Most companies will offer to send sample packages, which one should absolutely accept and look over for quality measures. Generally, these packages will be shipped at the expense of the company, but if this isn’t true, one should be prepared to foot the bill (and consider looking at other options, as ones should want to work with a company that is confident enough in its work that it will cover its promotional shipping costs).
Examine Competitive Advantages
Before sealing the deal and making a final decision on a printer, one should go the extra mile, research the company’s competitive advantages, and have a few questions answered: Do they offer free online magazine publishing? One-on-one account representatives? On-time guarantees? Multiple-publication discounts? What is the quality of paper they print on? How quick is the turnaround time? Are they offering additional, more high-tech benefits like custom mobile websites and augmented reality options?
No matter what these advantages are, they are important to consider, because when a customer chooses this printer, these advantages become theirs as well.
Shweiki Media's mission has always been to help publishers improve by providing the most profitable, hassle-free printing experience possible. This includes guaranteeing the highest quality product, exceptional customer service and on-time delivery, whether printing magazines, postcards, flyers or anything else.
As a printer and publisher, Shweiki Media also believes that this hassle-free experience includes making their clients better. Utilizing relationships with industry experts, Shweiki Media strives to educate clients and help them thrive in the exciting world of publishing--while having lots of fun along the way!
For more great info from and about Shweiki Media, please check out our blog at shweiki.com/blog (and sign up for our free weekly expert webinars!), and subscribe to our Youtube Channel at youtube.com/shweikimedia. You can also follow us @ShweikiMedia and "like" us at Facebook.com/shweikimedia.
David Reimherr, Shweiki Media, +1 (512) 480-0893, [email protected]
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