What are the steps to manage a print production project from start to finish?

Define project scope, set budget and timeline. Choose printing method/materials. Collaborate with a designer for print-ready files. Obtain quotes, select a reliable printer. Review proofs for accuracy, make necessary corrections. Monitor production, address issues promptly. Conduct quality checks for color accuracy and finishing processes. Coordinate delivery/pickup and distribution. Evaluate project success, identify improvements. Utilize feedback for future print projects.

If possible I recommend visiting the shop in person. When visiting pay attention to the staff, do they seem rushed or stressed? This can be a clear sign of a shop that doesn’t manage its time well. Busy is ok and a good sign that a printer has excellent output, but if it see disorganized and chaotic then it’s not a good sign. Also pay attention to the environment it should clean, well-maintained and free of clutter. Ask them to print a sample (within reason ) of your own print collateral and compare it to what you have.

It is a good idea to bring or send a PDF and a packaged version of the native file to your printer. It gives the shop more flexibility in how they approach the job and allows them to fix problems for you. Most importantly ask them how they way their files prepped; some want the art place in a template of their making, some may want crop marks and color bars, and some may want it without any marks at all. On complicated projects it can be helpful to include a physical copy to help prevent confusion.

Inspect each box for the correct content. Sometimes you may receive a few setup or make-ready copies in your delivery. These are copies that have production problems as the operators configure the machine to your specific job and can include color/print quality, incorrect pagination, wrong finish size, and more. Typically they are caught by a QC inspection before leaving the facility and are generally not a concern unless you find a significant amount. If you need an exact count make sure that communicate your needs before the job starts. Because of equipment setup most printers operate under a +|- 10% rule and may charge extra for exact counts.

I as a Designer am not paying your bills...you are required to put forth these finances as per deadline to the scheduling as required and approved if a delay had occured.

This is all well,and fine,but your lacking the contract and scheduling of these events to. After receiving a hard copy the meeting is required to get the final approval of the client as well... 1/2 the money established for the contract must be made to begor anything else can be acomplished as agreed to.