Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Useful Tips for Selecting Postcard Printers

By Jacques Di Salvia


An effective marketing tool that businesses use regularly to communicate to clients is by a postcard. Your messages are received immediately and they are low cost and affordable.

Advanced printing technologies with up-to-date machines will enable several different postcards to be printed at the same time and they can all have a different design, for a lot less. For that reason, choosing a reputable printer is the first and most important step before signing a printing contract.

The quality of the printed postcard will be a reflection of your company as well. Therefore, when selecting a printer, be sure to review samples of their printed material and do not hesitate to contact some of their current clients to discuss the quality of service.

A fully equipped prepress and post press section should be standard within the postcard printers operation. The prepress area employs professional graphic designers to advise you on the fonts, formats, designs, color schemes and other factors pertaining to the output of your postcard. An example is the screen or resolution used for a graphic is dependent on the paper it will be printed on. Uncoated paper may not require fine screen resolution whereby a high quality paper will require a higher resolution for more clarity.

Postcard printers should have the capability of printing a minimum of four colors at one time. With advanced technology the printing process requires only a minimal manual adjustments such as ink-water balance and can print high quality prints consistently. Other electronic sensors adjust print density and clarity that then deliver a high quality postcard.

It is important to choose a printer that has the ability to handle paper of varying sizes and thickness. There could be additional costs incurred if the printing machine does not support the paper you have chosen for your project. Also, if the machine cannot handle very thin or heavy gauge papers then the printed output may not reflect the desired quality. By reviewing all of these issues with the printer, in advance of making a commitment, will ensure that your project will meet the specified deadline and the output will contain the desired quality in which you have initially intended.

Ideally, the printing company that you employ should be able to offer everything you need all within his or her operation. A post press division will enhance the look of the postcard with some of the special treatments like varnishing, dye stamping and lamination. Another benefit would be if the printer could provide a mailing facility as well.

By doing a little investigation into choosing the right printer for your project, you could enjoy hassle-free services like mailing lists, marketing and corporate programs and variable data printing solutions.

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