What Does My Printer Need to Know About My Project?

efore you start a project, I'd recommend talking to a few printers to ask for printing quotes. It's best to talk to them before your job is designed. This way, you can figure out what specifications the printer recommends and what kind of job is in your budget. It's counterproductive and expensive to have a full-color piece designed only to find out that your budget will allow for a two spot-color printing job. It's also a good idea to get several time and money quotes, in writing, as these details can vary widely from printer to printer. A project that's two weeks late and costs hundreds of dollars more than you expected is not a situation you want.

When you talk to a perspective printer, be prepared to tell them the following information:

1. The name of your project.

2. The dimensions and number of pages of the project.

3. The number of colors, process or spot, for the project.

4. The quantity of finished pieces that you'll want.

5. The color, feel and weight of the paper that you want the project printed on.

6. The materials that you will be supplying to the printer (computer files or pasted-up documents).

7. When you need the project completed or delivered.

Your printer will be able to offers some recommendations in terms of paper, matching colors, software acceptability, etc. You can ask if there are any ways that you can save a few dollars by altering the page size of the finished piece, using different colors, etc.

To ensure that you get quotes that you can easily compare, make sure that you give each of the perspective printers the exact same specifications to bid on.

This information, combined with your knowledge of the printer, should ensure that your project looks great and is delivered both on budget and on time.

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