cheap print?
or will you end up printing inefficiently
and paying more for it in the long run?
Customer service – it is vital to have a
motivated and skilled production team
at your chosen printers. A publisher only
manages the job until files are ready for
press – they then hand over the job entirely
to their printers, and it needs to be to
somebody competent. Direct access is also
important – can you contact someone easily
and at any time?
Technology – do not underestimate the
importance of web-to-print and online file
delivery systems in reducing time and effort,
as well as reducing the capacity for error.
Systems such as HeadWay and HeadStart,
offered by Headleys, are entirely automated
and accessible via a secure log-in and
password combination from any location,
at any time.
Environment – it is important to consider
whether the printer is committed to
its environmental responsibilities, which
ultimately affects your own green credentials.
Are they FSC and PEFC accredited? What
kinds of ink do they use? And do they
operate from one, or many sites?
Cheap print
Consolidation
There is a real positive case for streamlining
your print management through
consolidating your print, as this often means
but at what cost?
you receive better rates from your printer.
Communication becomes consistent as
consolidation provides the benefit of having
With overcapacity and artificially low prices To the publisher, this may seem like good
one production contact at one place.
affecting the print and publishing industries, news – with prices being driven down, they
Therefore the amount of time and effort
we examine the long-term effects it can can maximise their revenues. But what are
spent organising inserts to be delivered from
have on customers. the repercussions? Taking a realistic view there
one printer to another or magazines from
will be fewer printers in business leading to
printer to mailing house etc. is dramatically
Overcapacity is a key problem, and as the
less choice, and ultimately higher prices.
reduced. There is also far less margin for
economy slows down, the situation worsens.
error, for example vehicles breaking down or
The print industry is a highly competitive
This current situation then raises the
one company failing to hit a deadline which,
and turbulent one; increasing utility costs and
question, when sourcing a printer should
in turn, delays companies further down the
increases in the price of paper are having a
price be the only consideration? Ideally, you
supply chain.
huge impact on the cost of production.
need to consider the following:
Consolidation also helps to reduce your
Costs are rising and yet prices are being
Reliability – a publisher needs to know that
company’s carbon footprint as it minimises
driven down, with some printers offering
a printer will produce high quality results, on
the transportation of goods from one site
artificially low prices in order to secure
schedule.
to another – particularly in the example
work. In addition, the global economy as it
of Headley Brothers, where all facilities are
stands means there are cheaper cost centres
Added value – can the printer cater for a
located at one site. For further information
available for less time sensitive work, resulting
variety of needs? What if you need an extra
on how to consolidate your print
in the UK print industry feeling the pinch
100 copies after a title has printed? What if
requirements please contact Commercial
even further. Prices just aren’t sustainable.
your print run falls – can they cater for this,
Manager Bruce Finn on 01233 623131.
6 headsup
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12