The importance of a printing partner

'Packaging is as important as product itself.' While packing involves just wrapping, packaging involves branding. A good printing partner will enhance the quality of the product with innovative printing that enhances the value of packaging. Print continues to be important even in this digital age

Printing has encompassed all walks of life, living and even businesses in the present day world. It is still evolving and is destined to reach greater heights in all its glory

Every year on 24 February, Printers' Day is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Johannes Guttenberg. Today, world remembers Guttenberg, the inventor of printing press, whose invention is considered as ushering in an "information revolution."

Marketing is the key to running a successful business. Effective marketing tactics will attract new clientele and boost sales. Printed materials are one of the oldest and best ways to build a strong marketing presence and improve customer base. From Ad kits and tradeshow materials to direct mail, paper products are often the first impression clients receive from a company. As a business owner, one must understand the value of print marketing. Need to recognize how beautiful and good quality print materials can drive a company's sales. A stunning end product can speak volumes. Keeping this in mind, choosing a reliable printing partner to execute projects from beginning to end, creating high-quality items will improve reputation and identity.

Printer or printing partner?

Any printer can print and deliver the products, but a printing partner - someone who cares about the client's business – will deliver more than goods. A reliable printing partner can provide services like (1) identifying client's pain points (2) advising on each format of business stationery (3) guiding each phase of marketing (4) providing creative services (5) help gaining brand identity and image consistency. Of course, the Printing Partner that has a creative services team can only do all these things.

Qualities of printing partner

Not all printers are created equal, but it is lucky to have a printing partner that possess the following qualities: (a) Affordability (b) Great reviews and references (c) Gorgeous portfolio and of course, (d) Wide range of services. Unprofessional print materials can turn clients off from business but the output of a trusted Printer can help maintaining a good customer base.

Printer's reliability and efficiency

A reliable printing partner will provide project management services to help execute a project from the get-go, as well as graphic designing. He will explain the difference between RGB and CMYK. He will help in writing and editing a copy that suits the brand, will deliver the products in time and with zero defects. Working with a variety of printers for printing services may lead to inconsistent quality levels and steeper costs. Finding one trusted printer can effectively manage brand's integrity.

'Packaging is as important as product itself.' While packing involves just wrapping, packaging involves branding. A good printing partner will enhance the quality of the product with innovative printing that enhances the value of packaging. Print continues to be important even in this digital age.

(The author is General Secretary of All India Federation of Master Printers)

The invention of the printing press was one of the most important events in human history

– Ha-Joon Chang

Printing is the preservative of all arts

– Isaiah Thomas