Producing quality marketing and informational materials doesn’t have to take over your budget. Consider these 5 tips to keep costs down

keeppapercostsdownIn an earlier article, we covered several necessary considerations in paper options for your printed material. With so many things to think about, cost savings can seem only possible if you compromise quality. This isn’t the case. Here are five tips on how to save on paper costs when using a printer vendor.

  1. Consider paper and printing early in the project. Know what you want the final product to look like, and know what is most important to you. A printer can suggest cost-effective alternatives. However, changes are a headache if you need to make them after your client has already signed off on a final proof.
  2. Don’t get caught up in brightness. The brighter a paper, the more expensive it is. When it comes down to it, though, no one will be able to tell a two-point difference in brightness. Additionally, the brighter the paper, the sooner it will deteriorate. The chemicals used to lighten paper make it degrade more quickly. This is especially important if your documents need to last years.
  3. Consider weight early on. If you’re thinking of using thick paper, examine why you need it so heavy. If you’re printing a mass-mailing project, remember that heavier paper will also cost more to mail. If you need heavy paper, consider how light you can go without compromising the quality of your piece. Most people can’t pick up a sheet of paper and know that it’s 60# instead of 65#.
  4. Be smart about your color choices to speed up makeready. If every color image in your design runs in-line with only black and white images or type, you will eradicate color conflicts. This will speed up your makeready, thereby reducing paper spoilage as well as labor hours. What this means is that you don’t have tomatoes that you want to show up red in line with a sunburned model that you want to show up pale.
  5. Negotiate. Don’t forget that you can try to negotiate a better hundredweight cost and better terms of payment. You can also shop around for printing companies.

When it comes to presenting your prints, you also want your sheet protectors, adhesive pockets, and other presentation materials to convey quality. Vinyl Art offers the best solutions in both standard and custom pockets and pouches. Contact us to discuss your needs: 800-569-1304 or sales@vinylart.wpengine.com.