5 Smart Ways to Save on Printing Costs Without Compromising Quality
At AV Graphics, we know that businesses want to get the best quality printing without breaking the bank. Whether you’re printing marketing materials, direct mail campaigns, event signage, or even packaging, you can save money without sacrificing the professional look and feel of your printed products. Here are five smart ways to optimize your printing costs while maintaining top-notch results.
1. Request Quotes for Different Quantities
One of the simplest ways to save on printing is to request quotes for different quantities of your project. Due to economies of scale, printing prices often decrease as the volume increases. By comparing pricing for varying quantities, you may find that ordering a slightly larger batch is more cost-effective than a smaller one. Our team can help you analyze different options to find the best value for your needs.
2. Opt for Digital Proofing
Instead of requesting physical samples for every revision, consider using digital proofs. Digital proofing is a more affordable alternative that allows you to review and approve your design on-screen before finalizing your order. This approach not only helps you save on printing costs but also speeds up the approval process, reducing turnaround time and eliminating unnecessary waste. We can walk you through the digital proofing process the first time so you feel confident using it on future projects.
Tip! Whenever possible, use print-ready artwork in your projects to reduce additional prepress costs for proof revisions. It may cost extra for a print-savvy designer (or your friendly printer) to review and ensure your project is ready for print, but a one-time investment in learning how to make artwork print-ready can save you time and costs in the long run.
3. Bundle Multiple Projects Together
If you have several print projects on the horizon, bundling them together can lead to significant savings. Printing multiple projects at once might allow us to maximize efficiency, reduce setup costs, and offer better pricing. Whether it’s business cards, brochures, or posters, combining your orders may help you get more for your budget. Bundling is also a great way to ensure your materials are consistently branded.
4. Stay Flexible with Paper Choices
Paper selection plays a big role in printing costs. While premium or custom paper stocks can be tempting, they often come at a higher price. By opting for standard paper options stocked in-house, you can achieve excellent results at a lower cost. Our house-inventoried stocks are carefully selected for quality and affordability, resulting in print projects that look great while keeping expenses in check.
5. Review and Optimize Your Design
Complex designs with multiple colors, heavy ink coverage, or intricate details can drive up prepress and printing costs. Work with our design team to streamline and optimize your files for cost efficiency. Strategies like building files in full color vs. spot, image quality, and ensuring your design aligns with standard printing specifications can all contribute to cost savings without compromising the impact of your materials.
Bonus Tip: Use Variable Data to Optimize Direct Mail Quantities
If you're printing direct mail campaigns, incorporate variable data printing to tailor your messaging to different recipients while optimizing your print quantities. Personalized mail pieces yield better response rates, meaning you can print fewer pieces in the long run while achieving the same (or better) results. Our team can help you integrate variable data to make your direct mail more effective and efficient.
Maximize Your Printing Budget with AV Graphics
By following these strategies, you can make the most of your printing budget, save time, and create excellent print and graphic materials without compromising quality. At AV Graphics, we’re committed to helping our customers find cost-effective solutions for all their printing needs. Contact us today for a custom quote--let’s bring your print projects to life while keeping costs under control.