At Kopytek, we work with companies of all sizes to fulfill their printing needs. That being said, it’s always exciting to work with a small business and help them realize that they can, in fact, create the printed pieces they need and stay within budget. Here are some tips to help small businesses do just that:

1. Logo design — when designing your logo, consider that the number of colors used in the design will directly affect your printing cost. A really cool, 4-color image is great … but remember that a 4-color logo means that you will ALWAYS have to print your pieces in 4-color which costs more money. Instead, opt for a 2-color logo if possible, or, ask your designer to give you a 2-color or 1-color variation of the logo.
2. Group your print runs — in printing, always remember that there is a set-up cost each time you go on press. The cost is for just that … setting up the press, getting the colors and images right, etc. Grouping your print runs can help save on the setup cost in the longrun. Be strategic about when and how you plan your printing.
3. Consistent Identity — your letterhead, business cards, brochures and direct mail pieces should follow a consistent identity pattern, or even a “template”. Again, this can help with grouping print runs since the same colors, etc can be used. And … it’s just good marketing sense.
4. Planning — always ask yourself what the purpose of the piece is, and how you intend to use it. As you have read in a previous post, there are many ways we suggest saving money on direct mail.
5. File setup — if you are preparing your own files, it’s always a good idea to have Kopytek pre-flight your files to make sure everything is set up correctly. This will help save money and time, and eliminates the stress of finding problems when we’re down to the wire and needing to go on press.
6. Uploading files — many commercial printers make it easy to upload your files to an FTP site. Kopytek’s file upload command is easy to find and easy to use straight from the home page of our website at www.kopytek.com. Follow the step-by-step instructions and you’re on your way to printing.
7. Proofing — commercial quick printers like Kopytek make the proofing process easy for small businesses. Many proofs can be faxed, emailed, or couriered to your location so that you can focus on your business.

These are just a few of the items that can help make your job a success. Kopytek is always available to walk you through your specific project.