"Help Me Help You" - How to Order Print

It happens several times a week.  I receive an email: "I'd like the price for some brochures, and how long it takes."  And I think of Jerry Maguire.

In-house print buyers are more scarce than they were a decade ago. Today,  it's more likely one of many functions performed by someone already wearing many hats, who may not have a background in print.  In years of project management in photo, large-format digital, and commercial print, I've spent a lot of time in detective garb, uncovering bit by bit through a series of questions what is needed.  Don't get me wrong ~ I love having a conversation and getting to know my clients, and that helps me in the bigger picture of working with you -- but for an estimate, a few facts up front can truly help me, help you - and faster.

I get that questions frustrate the buyer... they are busy,  they'd just like to know how much for brochures?  But in order to give an accurate price and turn time, great service, and the product that you want ~ or perhaps even discover a better product, different engineering that will save you money or improve function, or to save you from certain disaster ~ I need to know a few things.   In dating, it's called the DTR Talk... Define The Relationship.  In print, we need to Define The Project.  Or even Define The Desire.  You don't have to know exactly what kind of paper stock you want... I'm happy to recommend. But if there are qualities you have in mind-- "I want it to feel substantial, and definitely NOT glossy" - that's helpful, and I can take that and run with it.

Here are the things which can generate a fully-informed response the first time. Cut and paste this into your email - fill in the blanks - and you will receive a more complete answer, saving you time, the first time.

What the product is (ie, business cards, brochure, etc)

Number of versions

Qty per version

Final Flat Size

Final Finished Size (if different; ie, a 1-fold brochure might be 8.5x11" flat, and 5.5 x 8.5" final finished size once folded)

Desired Material (or characteristics you'd like it to have)

1-sided or 2-sided

# Colors side 1 - # Colors Side 2

About your Art:  (ie, Repeat of previous, or new?  What kind of file is it-- indd, pdf, ai, etc?  Does it bleed off any sides?  Critical colors, as in a branded logo, etc?  Are we matching other pieces?)  If you can attach a pdf, it helps *tremendously* for troubleshooting and accurate estimating, even if it's not the final version.

Any further finishing  (rounded corners, score/folds, diecutting, etc)

Number of ship destinations

When you need both estimate and final product in-hands, if critical timelines

Anything else you think I might need to know 

I look forward to hearing from you, and helping you navigate print.   Now - In the words of Jerry M. - "Who's Coming With Me?"