Save Money through Gang Run Printing

In a previous post we covered the differences between offset and digital printing. In general, offset printing produces higher quality products and produces more consistent results when it comes to color. One of the downsides is, it's more expensive for smaller quantities. The main reason offset can be expensive, especially for smaller quantities is the set up charges, to set up a press for a single job is pricey, but once you're over that hurdle it's much more economical than digital printing. The solution: Gang Runs.

Gang Run Printing is when you run several jobs together on the same paper stock thus eliminating multiple set up charges. Several on-line printers produce materials based on this model allowing them to offer low prices on common materials (i.e. Business Cards, Brochures, Rack Cards, Door Hangers, Posters, Greeting Cards etc.). My two favorites are JakPrints and Moo. I've worked with JakPrints many many times and they do great work, have great customer service and offer quite a few paper options.

If you're working with a custom printer, you can still set up your own Gang Run with some careful planning. Take a look at your entire year. Which projects use the same paper? Which ones could be grouped together based on timing? Approaching projects in this way can help save you thousands in set up charges.

4 Alternatives to a Standard Tri-Fold Brochure

Companies often use the standard tri-fold brochure as the "go-to" format to deliver their message to potential clients. While this tried and true format can deliver on many levels, does it accurately represent you and the unique ideas, products, or services you offer? The goal of a printed piece is is to deliver information, but taking it a step further can make a fun, useful and distinctive piece that a potential client will want to look at, read and keep. And that is what you really want! Below are four memorable ways to get your content in their hands.

Booklet

A booklet is a great way to deliver information. It can be pocket sized for easier transportation, you aren't limited to 3 panels and depending on how you design it, it can be a useful tool for your potential clients to hang on to. Maybe the first few pages are promotional and then the rest of the book is lined for note taking or is useful in some way. If you're an event planner, perhaps it's a simple checklist for a dinner party or tips on planning an event. If you're a personal trainer maybe it's a place for clients to jot down their progress, or a food diary. There are so many ways to design and bind a booklet, here are some examples.

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Origami Style Folding

If you're going for something really unique an Origami style fold is a great choice. Using this technique, you can create some really one of a kind, eye catching pieces that potential clients won't just toss.

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Pop out using a simple Die Cut

Using a die cut you can really change the feel of a simple piece. In these 2 examples below, the die cut creates a pop up effect which makes these brochures feel anything but ordinary.

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Interesting Shape/Fold

An unlimited budget can get you all kinds of fancy things, but say you're looking for something a little more economical that still accomplishes the same goal. Using a different shape, orientation or in the case of the last example, folding  in a unique way, won't add too much to the cost but will definitely add a lot of style.

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Creating something a little more unique completely changes the tone of a piece and will create a lasting and memorable impact on your potential client.

BONUS! Generate the best ideas using my free Brainstorm Like a Pro ebook, get it here for FREE! 

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Elevate an inexpensive print piece with Soft Touch® coating

There are a million ways to use specialty treatments and unique papers to make a print piece look and feel luxurious if you have a nicely sized budget, but it can be a bit of a challenge if you don't. If there is only funding for a standard 4-color job but you or the client still want an elevated look, using Soft Touch® coating is a great choice.

Soft Touch® is a coating that, when applied to paper, creates a luxurious and velvety suede-like texture. It's eco-friendly, fingerprint resistant, and very inexpensive to apply. It changes the finish so dramatically that pairing it with an inexpensive paper creates almost the same result as pairing it with an expensive paper, and for that reason it's a great trick to have in your back pocket. I've used Soft Touch® on budget-friendly business cards, pocket folders, marketing pieces, and holiday cards. It adds such a lovely uniqueness to pieces that would otherwise feel ordinary.