Best Commercial Printer | Product Print

The quality of your printed materials can significantly impact your brand's image and success. Whether you need business cards, brochures, banners, or large-scale promotional materials, finding the best commercial printer is crucial. This comprehensive guide will help you navigate the process of choosing the best commercial printer to meet your needs.

10 Steps to Finding the Best Commercial Printer

1. Assess your printing needs

Before diving into the search for the best commercial printer, it's essential to clearly understand your printing requirements. Consider the following aspects:

Type of printing: Are you looking for digital printing, offset printing, or large-format printing?
Volume: How many copies do you need? Is it a one-time project or ongoing work?
Quality: What level of quality do you need? High-end, professional materials may require different capabilities than standard prints.
Materials: What kind of paper or other materials will be required?
Budget: What is your budget for printing services?

Having a detailed list of your needs will streamline the search process and ensure you find the best commercial printer to meet all your specifications.

2. Research and recommendations

Start by gathering recommendations and researching potential printers. Ask for referrals from colleagues, business partners, or industry groups. Online reviews and ratings on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and specialized forums can provide valuable insights into customer experiences.

3. Evaluate their portfolio and experience

Experience is a critical factor when selecting the best commercial printer. A reputable commercial printer should have a robust portfolio showcasing their previous work. Reviewing this portfolio will give you an idea of the printer’s capabilities, quality, and range of services. Look for examples like your project to assess if they can handle your specific requirements.

4. Visit the facility

If possible, visit the printing facility to get a first-hand look at their operations. A tour can provide insight into their equipment, processes, and quality control measures. It also allows you to meet the team and gauge their professionalism and customer service.

5. Technology and equipment

The best commercial printers should have state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Modern printing technologies can offer better quality, faster turnaround times, and more cost-effective solutions. Ensure the printer uses updated machines and software to handle your project efficiently.

6. Turnaround time

Deadlines are crucial in business, and your printer should be able to meet them. Discuss your timeline with potential printers and ensure they can deliver your project on schedule. Ask about their average turnaround times, how they prioritize work, and how they handle rush jobs.

7. Quality control

Quality control is paramount in commercial printing. Inquire about their quality control processes to ensure consistency and accuracy. Ask about proofing procedures, color matching, and how they handle potential errors. A reliable printer will have stringent quality checks at every stage of production.

8. Customer service

Excellent customer service is a hallmark of the best commercial printer. Your printer should be responsive, communicative, and willing to work closely with you throughout the project. Evaluate their customer service during your initial interactions and ensure they are attentive to your needs and concerns.

9. Pricing and value

While price should not be the sole determining factor, it is undoubtedly important. Request detailed quotes from multiple printers and compare their pricing structures. Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true, as they may indicate lower quality or hidden fees. The best commercial printer will offer transparent pricing and provide good value for the services they deliver.

10. Additional services

Beyond printing, many commercial printers offer additional services such as graphic design, mailing, and fulfillment. These services can add value and convenience, allowing you to handle multiple aspects of your project with a single vendor. If these features would be beneficial in your project, explore what additional services are available and consider how they can support your business.

The best commercial printer for your business

Finding the best commercial printer requires careful consideration of several factors, from assessing your needs to evaluating portfolios and technology. By taking the time to research and vet potential printers, you can ensure you select a partner who will deliver high-quality results, on time and within budget. Remember, the right commercial printer is not just a vendor, but a valuable partner in your business’s success.

The production print team at EO Johnson supports the best commercial printers throughout the Midwest with top-quality equipment, local service, and technology support. We are experts in the printing industry and are here to help our commercial print partners and their clients to successfully fulfill their printing needs.