Choosing a Printer: 11 Questions You Should Always Ask
Choosing the right printer can be like choosing the right partner. You can swipe right and hope for the best, play the field and weigh your options or take yourself out of the game altogether and settle into singledom never get anything printed. To help you narrow down the search, we’ve put together 11 questions you should always ask a printer. (We’ve answered them ourselves, too. Hey, we’re not above some healthy competition!)
Paper Stocks & Substrates
#1 What kinds of paper stock and materials do you offer?
The question should be what kinds of paper stock and materials don’t we offer? As a premium online printer, Smartpress has tons of stock options, from coated to recycled, linen to felt. These are the stocks you want for custom brochures, invites, business cards and postcards.
As for banners, posters and signage, we’ve got everything from styrene, acrylic and cardboard to aluminum, canvas and vinyl (plus sustainable alternatives to green your printing process).
The truth of the matter is that most local or online printing shops have only a handful of stocks and substrates. Why? Because they make more money off you by carrying limited stock. With Smartpress, you’re getting more stocks and materials than just about anyone.
#2 Can I get samples of paper to help me determine which one works best for my needs?
Yes, you absolutely can. Our FREE Paper Sample Book is one of our handiest resources (and not just because it fits in your palm).
It includes samples of most of our paper stocks and paper weights, so you can experience what each one feels like. Plus, each page is printed with imagery and designs from actual Smartpress customers, giving you tons of real examples of how stunning our inks are.
If you’d like to see examples of specific products, you can reach out to your account executive and we’ll mail them to you. (You can also request them by emailing our Customer Service team or live chat with us online.)
But that’s not all! Our Print & Coating Sample Sheet lets you review your content and designs before you print. The coating you weren’t sure about? That color you thought might be too dark? Check it all out on this scatter proof and make any edits before sending your project to print.
Specialty Print & Services
#3 I’m looking to print something truly unique. What types of specialty print do you offer?
You’ve come to the right place. Smartpress’ online printing services go beyond simple personalization since we offer custom options for everything from marketing collateral to personal projects. Our exclusive Designer Folds collection features dielines you won’t see anywhere else, while our foil Sleeking™ process blows stamping out of the water with foil that adheres to the ink and not the paper.
Collated Printing saves you time and money on info decks and playing cards. Variable data printing lets you personalize print pieces with content as specific as customer IDs and tiered discounts. And if all that wasn’t enough, our Custom Quote option gives you free rein to print just about anything else you want. (Seriously – did you see our Pet Cones?)
#4 What specialty print services do you offer?
If you’re looking for even more print services online, we’ve got those, too.
The thing about printed pieces is they often also need to be mailed. Smartpress takes care of the ins and outs of mailing with complete fulfillment services, including addressing, list purchasing, list processing and all the design guidelines you need to ensure your pieces get to where they’re supposed to.
And speaking of mailing, if you’d rather your pieces and packages had your name on them instead of ours, blind shipping takes care of that. Oh, and those packages? Our kitting team can compile, shrink wrap and assemble them all so you don’t have to.
#5 I have multiple franchises and/or locations. How can my entities order and print the same collateral and get it shipped directly to them?
You can manage all that and more with Smartpress’ Marketing on Demand platform. Our web-to-print software helps you organize and facilitate the marketing asset needs of all your locations in a full-service one-stop shop. It’s everything from branded print and promo materials to distributed ordering and collateral for marketing, operations and HR. Be sure to check out this print management system you won’t find anywhere else!
Design Help
#6 I’m not a designer, but I need print collateral and marketing materials. How can you help me?
We know that designing content for online printing can be challenging if you don’t have a graphic designer on staff or simply not a lot of experience. The experts on our Layout Services team can work with you to create your projects, whether you have a concept in mind or no idea where to start.
#7 If I have questions, who will help me? How quickly will it take for someone to respond?
At Smartpress, we like to give you custom options and that includes how you can contact us. No matter what your digital printing needs, our customer service is available by phone, email and online chat. And bonus: an actual person will respond, not a robot. (And if you reach out beyond our regular business hours – weekdays, 8AM to 5PM CST – we will respond as soon as possible the next business day.)
We also have a Support Center with an ever-expanding library of articles to help you find the answers to your printing questions. From printing 101 basics to file setup instructions and product FAQ, this resource is always at your fingertips.
About the Printer
#8 What do other people say about your products and services?
We focus on three essential pillars: producing the highest-quality print, providing world class customer service and doing it all with eco-friendly business practices that benefit our planet and community.
All three pillars contribute to our overwhelmingly positive customer reviews. You can find the proof in our product reviews and see our high rating on Google. (And check out this press release about our world class Net Promoter Score!)
You can also hear how our vice president breaks down the keys to our ratings and reviews success: Customer Reviews: How Smartpress Maintains a High Rating.
#9 What do you do to minimize your impact on the environment?
As mentioned, one of our core values is sustainability. Because of that, we’ve made and continue to make strides that ensure we lead the industry in social responsibility. Here’s how:
- Smartpress has been 100% carbon neutral since January 2020. To do so, we partnered with an environmental solutions provider to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates and Carbon Offsets. Read more about our Carbon Neutral Program.
- We print with the planet in mind using sustainable paper like hemp or stocks that have been sourced responsibly from thriving forests. See how we focus on Paper Sustainability.
- We also offer green alternatives for signage materials. Learn more about our impressive Sustainable Sign Substrates.
#10 Where is your company based?
Smartpress is proud to be a Minnesota-based company, with a 24/7 package pickup option for Twin Cities locals.
Along with our parent company, The Bernard Group, we’re a 100% employee-owned company. As an ESOP business, our Employee Stock Ownership Plan treats employees as assets because we’re also owners, investors and shareholders of the company. You get better service from us because we have a vested interest in the success of our business!
#11 Do you offer discounts or other perks?
Our Print Points Loyalty & Referral Program lets you earn points on every Smartpress purchase and redeem them for dollars off. As you spend more with us, you’ll also earn points at a faster rate. Plus, when you refer a friend, you’ll be rewarded with even more bonus points to cash in.
