What to look for in a printer to obtain the best quality printing.
Different types of printers
Full service online printing. When it comes to printing online there are many options you have and there are lots of things to keep in mind to obtain the best quality.When It comes to full color printing there are many options, some better than others, that will dictate how fast you can get your jobs and what kind of quality you get. Many online printers are just people with a low quality color copier that they use to print out anything from business cards to magazines (the quality on color copiers are low and if they don’t actually say they use offset presses then they are likely using a color copier.) The other choice for full color is a 4 color + coating offset press such as the company Sac Digital. They use the highest quality presses possible to print their jobs by utilizing the gang-run model. This not only insures that your jobs will be using the best presses in the country but you also save a large amount of money over a local retail printer. I searched for a long time before finding this gem of a printer, Sac Digital not only finishes a job quickly they do not charge for shipping like most other printers, and my printing has never looked better! As a designer it’s important to have a relationship with a printer that makes you look good on paper.
Local retail printers. Although I have great luck with Sac Digital for all of my printing, sometimes people find that they need to work with someone face to face. If you don’t mind paying more for the printing and don’t mind having a lower quality print job then this is right up your alley. It’s easier to communicate your ideas with a local printer and that is what keeps them in business. Many times these printers are actually a go-between for the online printers and they take a cut, but they have the benefit of being able to sit down and listen to you about your project as well as show samples of what other people are doing in your situation.
The choice you make is up to you and what your needs are will determine what direction you eventually go with. Also don’t be afraid to try lots of printers, it took me over a year to find a high quality, cheap and very responsive printer. I have used most of the online printers like Vista Print and Printing for less but they never matched the quality and the expertise that I got from Sac Digital. If you haven’t tried them yet I would suggest using them at least once. I normally deal with Rick, call them at (916) 873-2399.
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