This post is sponsored by Staples Business Advantage®, the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc.
Many business owners think they can use any print provider for their marketing. This attitude leads to cost overruns, late deliveries and poorly executed results. Save this headache by choosing a partner that will deliver within your brand, on your time schedule and in your budget.
Here are the top criteria to consider: (and how Staples does it)
Do they truly understand the brand? After the business has explained what they are trying to achieve within their brand, make sure that the print partner reiterates this back. Ask for at least one idea how to extend the brand in order to demonstrate their knowledge. Companies like Staples have the experience to bring the idea to life.
Do they offer out of the box ideas? Almost any print partner can follow directions, but they should be able to offer new ideas based on their experience with other similar customers. Before presenting what needs to be done, ask them how they would execute this project. This will encourage the print provider to come up with new ideas.
Do they have good references? Check the quality of samples of their work, customer testimonials, and case studies. Have they executed something similar to what the business wants to do for this marketing initiative? Doing it before counts! Staples has been in business for a long time and has a portfolio of projects that can be shown.
Do they have design services that can be leveraged? Designs need to be changed and updated. Make sure that the print vendor can do this with internal resources. This will save time, money and problems with handoffs between vendors.
Can they handle a rush job? Some partners are limited on what resources they can bring for any one job or how they work with many clients at one time. Depending on what needs to be accomplished, they need to have a track record of completing projects on time in the same, agreed-to budget. Staples has many locations and can handle any size job they are required to complete.
Can they make a change? Project specifications change all the time, even in the middle of a project. The print provider needs to be skilled and flexible enough to incorporate these into the entire process without adding much, if any, additional cost. The provider also needs to save all the job files so they don’t need to start over each time you have a new project.
How did you pick your print vendor?
Staples Business Advantage is the business-to-business division of Staples, Inc., which helps customers achieve greater cost savings on products and services like office supplies, technology, printing, promotional products, furniture and facility supplies –– all from one convenient place. With customized account support and best-in-class customer service, Staples Business Advantage serves organizations that range from 10 employees up to the Fortune 100. Learn more at StaplesAdvantage.com.
