Sitting behind a desk and estimating all day long is great but what is best for me is when I can offer advice. As you will know by now we offer free advice for all printing elements, regardless of size and experience of the purchaser. These simple but helpful hints should get you started.
So where to start…
What are you printing? Business cards, letterheads, brochures, newsletters …whatever you need printing if you have a basic idea of the following you cannot go wrong with getting a competitive price from us.
1. What is the finished size of your printed item?
You should have a good idea the size of your finished document. But if unsure let us help you…..the advice is ‘free’.
2. How many printed pages or sides are there?
We work on numbers of sides that have to be printed i.e. an A4 piece of paper printed on both sides and then folded in half becomes an 4 page A5 item (4pp A5) as there are 4 ‘printed pages’. Don’t forget that most printers work in increments of 4 pages. If unsure let us help you…..the advice is ‘free’.
3. What paper material do you want it printed on?
This area is a minefield. So where to start, there are three main paper types; Gloss, silk and uncoated (matt) papers each have their place but the general rule is…stationery (letterheads and compliment slips) are on a uncoated paper around 100 – 120 gsm in weight. Leaflets/ flyers normally would be printed on a gloss paper stock – these start at a 115gsm and go up in various increments e.g. 130gsm, 150gsm, 200gsm, 250gsm, 300gsm, 350gsm & 400gsm. Finally there is the silk stock again available in the same weight variances as the gloss but this has a smooth finish and gives a high quality, classy feel to the end product. Be aware that the silk generally has to have a machine seal to protect the print from ‘scuffing / rubbing’. We do have our ‘favourite’ paper stocks but are be able to recommend others if you are unsure.
4. The right quantity.
How many do you need? If you tell us about the numbers you’re looking for and ask for a suggestion of an economical price break around that quantity, you may be surprised to hear that it might only cost a few more pounds to get a lot more if not double the amount you thought would fit your budget. This is because the main printing costs are in the setup of the machinery to get it ready to print so all your really paying for after is the paper and a bit more ink and running time. Always worthwhile asking when getting a price. It won’t cost you anything.
5. Artwork supplied or to be designed by PHC
If you’re lucky enough to have your artwork ready, send it along with your requirements to us for quoting. This gives us a better idea of what you are trying achieve and we can then guide you on how to get the best results. If you are looking to get your artwork created, talk to us – we have a great team of graphic designers.
6.Finishing
You can keep it as simple as possible or go over the top and have all the possible finishes available……Sometimes simple is ’best’ . But again if you need any recommendations you only have to ask….
Printhouse offer advice on the above and more….
Finally, to get some inspiration, you may want to have a look at our other blogs related to print and design and even have a look at our fantastic products page over on Flickr.
Till next time…….have a great Christmas.
