Chances are, your printing costs are your highest expense line items. As a result, creating a open and mutually helpful relationship with your print vendor will ensure satisfaction – for your budget and your sanity.

The problem

Some organizations aren’t taking the time to consolidate services. A few questions to ask yourself:

• Does this vendor print more than just your main magazine or publication?  Have you asked them to price out printing for media kits, marketing, fundraising or conference materials?
• Has your printer offered any non-print services such as digital magazines, iPhone and iPad apps or content management systems?
• When was the last time you looked at all your printing needs across the entire organization?

If the answer to the first two questions are “no,” and the last one is “a long time ago,” then you are missing a very important opportunity to improve your bottom line.  It takes some organization, internal communication and an open mind on your part, but the outcome should be worth this investment of time.

The solution

The traditional printer business model has changed over the past two years given consolidation, decreases in page counts and print runs and the move to new digital delivery options. The more your printer knows about your changing business model and projections, the more they are able to develop creative and individual solutions.

Consider:

• Printers are offering services other than ink on paper.
• Some vendors are offering full service options including composition, editorial, creative, event planning and ad sales.
• Many of these vendors have invested in digital printing equipment for small, customized and variable printing projects.

You might receive a volume discount if they are awarded all of your printing needs.  They might be able to offer partnerships with their third party vendors.  Your organization could be a beta test site for new services.  There are many options and possibilities; but they cannot be developed until you create a strong and open partnership with your print vendor.

Joanne Harap is the president of Production Matters, a consulting firm that provides evaluation, management and problem-solving services related to publications production and printing.  She specializes in producing cost-efficient and cost-effective association publications.  Joanne is an adjunct professor at the George Washington University, teaching production management for the College of Professional Studies Master’s in Publishing program.