Printing Options
Feel like I’ve been devoting most of my posts to the IT side of house lately. Might be time for some communication topics. So how about how we decide where to print our graphics projects?
Much of the work that we do gets externally printed. We do have a copy center in our office that’s manned by a full time employee (they work for the same company that leases the copiers, like a mini Kinkos, if you’re interested in learning more about it let me know and I’ll do a full post) but most of the work the designers create goes to a full 4 color press. We don’t lock ourselves into any one external printer. Instead we shop each job based on several criteria.
The biggest criteria is deadline. We try to work ahead to minimize the deadline criteria but if we need it fast there’s not many options but to go to our local printer. We use Commercial Communications Inc for most of our local printing. Aaron Gibbs is our sales person and he works miracles for us regularly. They do an excellent job at a great price (for custom printing). Aaron also attends church here so it nice to see him around on the weekends.
Another criteria is the level of customization. If we can use a standard size post card or brochure we can save money by going to one of the several ‘on-line’ printers. You have to use their standard sizes, shapes, paper stocks, and finishes and have to wait longer for delivery but you can save big money. The companies we use most often for standard jobs are:
For banners we often using Group Imaging. They have special prices for churches which includes shipping. If you working on banners or portable signage check them out.