When would you engage the services of a Print Broker?
If you run a small business, I don't need to tell you that every minute you (or your staff) spend buying printing is time you could have spent working on strategy, or customer service, or some other critical business function.
You don't have the time to spend with Printing salespeople. You don't have the time to research print production or electronic procurement.
That is where a Print Broker can help!
It is his job to find the right suppliers to produce your work in the most timely and
efficient manner possible; and then supervise those suppliers to make sure your job is delivered as ordered all for less than what it would cost you to do it yourself. Imagine that!!
Wouldn't it be nice to have one source that offers a wide range of printed products so you could focus on other aspects of your work? The right broker can help by offering many printing services to suit your needs while eliminating the inefficiencies of dealing with multiple vendors.
So, how do you select the proper broker?
It should be a person that has been around the industry for a long time. Someone who knows the printing and graphics business inside and out and is well connected in all areas of the Graphic Arts.
These days it is simply not enough to just know one paticular area of the industry as the line between each area becomes fuzzier with each passing day. Litho, Digital, Screen, Large Format, Inkjet, Fabric, Large Run, Small Run-what's the best way to go?
An Experienced Print Broker will:
1) Sit down with the client and properly assess the specs of the project at hand.
2) Determine which process method of production will best fit the customer’s needs re: budget, timing, material etc.
3) Source the job through his network of first rate suppliers (a good broker will be well connected to a number of good suppliers in each of the areas mentioned above).
4) Present a wide range of different alternatives to the client so the can make the correct production decision.
5) Become the Project Manager and take ownership of the project, keeping the client updated every step of the way. Only when the job is completed to the satisfaction of the client is the broker’s job finished.
The best Print Brokers are skilled negotiators who can bring a great deal of business to a good supplier. Suppliers also like the fact they are dealing with an experienced pro-hence they don't have to manage the project and the client. Because of these factors, a good broker is usually able to negotiate better pricing for the
client.
These are just a few reasons why it just might be in your best interests to enlist the service of a Print Broker for you next graphics project.
For more information go to winstongraphicsolutions.com
About the Author
Mike Wilkins has more then 25 years in the Photofinishing, Graphics, Trade Show and Printing Business. He has a degree in Chemical Engineering and is the President of Winston Graphic Solutions in Mississauga, Ontario