Purchasing printed products can seem a bit daunting, especially if you’re working to a deadline. The relationship you build with the print company is an important one and communication is key. To steer you through the process we have put together some useful advice to help you build a good working relationship.

2. Purchasing promotional products can seem a bit daunting, especially
if you’re working to a deadline. The relationship you build with the
print company is an important one and communication is key.
To steer you through the process we have put together some useful
advice to help you build a good working relationship.

3. 1. Choose Carefully
As with any new service, do your research. Look around, search
online and ask for recommendations. Friends and colleagues will
share their own experiences and good word of mouth is likely to be
more reliable than any advert or fancy website. Online reviews and
social media are also good sources of information.
Put together a shortlist of companies you are interested in working
with.

4. 2. The Brief
Before approaching a print company it is important to have some
clear information about exactly what it is you’re looking for. Without
an outline or brief, it will be difficult to communicate this to the
company and important details may be missed.
Depending on the complexity of the project, you may not need a
detailed brief. However, we would recommend that as a minimum you
consider the following points.

5. [Image Source: www.dreamstime.com]

6. 2. The Brief Contd.
Company Profile
Target Audience
Purpose
Deadline
Specific Features
Colours
Artwork
Message
Volume
For explanatory notes go to
www.lancasterprinting.co.uk/working-print-company

7. 3. From the Shortlist
Working from your shortlist, contact each company individually.
Make careful notes and jot down any important information. You may
find it easier to put together a number of questions in advance or put
together a short tick list.
Ask questions and where possible, request samples of previous
work to assess quality. Request a quotation from each company and
ascertain exactly what is included within each proposal. Read any
terms and conditions carefully.

8. 4. Start a Conversation
Once you have selected the print company and the quotation has
been agreed, work out the steps you need to follow in order to
complete the process.

9. 5. Accept Advice
Though it is important to be clear about what you’re looking for,
remember that printing staff are experts and deal with a large volume
of orders each day.
Listen carefully to advice.
If they don’t think that something will work then it’s likely that it
won’t. You have chosen them because of their skills and expertise.
Let them do their job.

10. [Image Source: www.dreamstime.com]

11. 6. Request Proofs
Always request proofs before signing off an order. Check them
carefully and pay close attention to colour, artwork and spellings.
Ask a colleague to check as well. For more complex projects, and if
time permits, it’s a good idea to go through the proofs carefully and
then come back to them again the following day. It’s surprising what
you pick up with fresh eyes.

12. 6. Following Up
Once the project is completed and you have received your order
always follow up. If any issues were encountered then this provides
an opportunity to discuss them so that they don’t occur again.
Hopefully, if you were happy with the outcome, then consider
providing a testimonial or review and thank the company. This will be
appreciated and will help to build a good working relationship for
future projects.

13. Lancaster Printing is a leading
supplier of promotional products
in the UK.
T: +44 (0)1524 230 300
E: sales@lancasterprinting.co.uk
www.lancasterprinting.co.uk