Outsourcing a print job to an offshore market like china isn’t the easiest thing to do though with the advancements in technology the global printing business offers businesses seeking that competitive edge a real opportunity. The advancements in warehousing, distribution, shipping logistics and the print technology all are providing businesses with real cost savings for any large scale printing jobs. Many of the worlds leading print providers are now stationed all over the world. With print capabilities now in China, Vietnam, Malaysia, and a number of other south-east asian markets printing is a highly competitive industry.
Ok so when do you send a printing job offshore?
1. Decide what your print options are and which countries might suit your shipping and logistical needs.
2. Seek out a print management company or a print provider that has experience they can share with you on how to achieve the results you’re looking for in the timeframe you need the job completed in.
3. Understand the quantity requirements first before you go offshore printing. You’ll generally need a large volume print run to meet the first entry requirement.
4. Logistics and Shipping is almost as important as the print job itself. You’ll need an experienced team if you have multiple locations that require your products to arrive in one piece. When it comes to managing your international shipping and logistic requirements it really pays to work with people that have the know-how. You don’t want your valuable print job being delayed on a ship that’s heading in the opposite direction of your port.
What not to do:
1. Best not to go your first international print job on your own, while you can have some success, there are too many pitfalls and potential problems in selecting quality print providers.
2. Try to rush this type of job, it takes time to ensure a high quality, large volume run is completed on time and within budget. Plan ahead and give yourself 8-12 weeks to get the job done.
3. Work with an inexperienced designer. Understanding how to design for print is complicated and a first time design, or that low cost design option might very well cost you in the end. You’ll want to work with an experienced print designer or print design team. Check their capabilities before having your first print job sent offshore.
Here are some of the ways that you can maximise your next print jobs through outsourcing and offshoring.
Cost savings on print
One of the primary reasons why companies print offshore is because of the savings in cost that they will generate compared to printing locally. For most companies, this is important because it trims their overheads. In some cases entrepreneurs also see this as an opportunity to add more elements to the design such as a fifth or sixth colour or using a higher quality paper.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the cost of outsourcing print:
• How much do I need to have printed? It makes little sense to have a few copies printed offshore. For example 500 copies of a one page brochure are better printed locally, where say 100,000 to 200,000, is well worth printing offshore. You’ll need volume for any offshore printing job.
• What types of print jobs should I outsource? Any type of printed materials can be sourced offshore. Generally print jobs in countries such as China who specialise in printing can handle a wide range of packaging, books, pocket folders, special die cut or large quantity print runs . Outsourcing printing is especially more cost effective for projects that require specialised finishing options such as those with double wire-o bindings or spiral bindings. Other custom options like unique folding or speciality glueing options along with hardbound books and your staple stationery needs that can be gang run.
• Would the shipping fee trump the savings? When the quantity is right, the savings you get with printing offshore far exceeds the shipping fees. Often times printing in bulk also lowers the cost of shipping per piece. While the shipping is a consideration depending on your destination, if you’re regularly managing large volume print runs, shipping will be the least of your concerns.
Finding quality print work
Countries that specialise in printing have acquired technology that meets or exceeds that of its western counterparts. Asian countries such as China who complete for print jobs from all over the world, has the upper hand in terms of printing equipment and the availability of high quality paper that they are able to source locally. While the print technology on a whole across the world is very similar China has massive press capabilities and you can simply run more presses at the same time compared to other countries, which lowers your production time and offers you additional savings.
• Look for a reputable print provider. Find a reputable company that has direct contact with offshore print companies that can offer you high quality printing. Make sure that your print provider can meet your expectations and standard of print work. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to know that a quality print provider will ensure you job is completed without any hassles.
• Be in constant communication with your print provider. Communicate your vision for your print job as well as the specific details that you want included in the project. Simply submitting a design won’t cut it. The paper quality, exact colours and sizes are just some of the details that your print provider needs to know. An experienced print provider will set your mind at ease.
Responsiveness for your printing needs
One of the major hesitations businesses have with offshoring their printing is that they may not be able to work effectively with a print service provider all the way on the other side of the world in say China or in some other part of the world. Your print service provider’s responsiveness is vital for the success of your print job. This is why working with a company and representatives that you can trust is important.
• Experienced print management. A print management company that knows all the processes involved in printing. If this is your first print job, you need an experienced print management company who will guide you through all the steps in offshore printing. Your print management company will be able to lay out the answers to every one of your questions such as price, design and timetables, quality, deliverables and more.
• Customer service. Good customer service should start right from the initial contact all the way through to the delivery and aftercare of your products. Good customer service will help you maximise your offshore printing, saving you both time and money. This means that your printing provider or print management company has the experience to go between you and the offshore print companies. Providing you with the peace of mind that your print job is in safe hands.
Are you considering offshoring your next print job? While offshore printing does have its challenges it can come with many rewards in the form of huge cost savings. It’s always good to work with a partner to help you make the most out of it. If you have any questions you’d like answered regarding how to take advantage of offshoring your next print job we’d like to help you answer them.
For questions or price comparisons, feel free to contact us here.