What Services Should a Print Company Offer?

The print industry has changed quite a bit. And the truth is that most print companies are looking to expand their offerings and services to stay competitive and meet diverse customer demands or to create new forms of revenue. Whether you’re a startup in the print business or an established company looking to diversify, understanding what services to offer is important. 

In this article we talk through a range of the essential, opportunistic and value-added services that can help print companies like yours sustain and grow in today’s market.

Unfortunately there really is no right or wrong way to answer the question of what services you should offer. So we instead are outlining those that are most in demand and have the ability for you to easily start offering to your customers.

 

Traditional Print Services

Traditional print services remain the foundation of the print industry. These include:

1. Offset Printing: Ideal for high-volume jobs like brochures, catalogs, and business cards. It’s known for its high-quality output and cost-efficiency for large runs.
2. Digital Printing: Essential for short-run projects and personalized materials. Digital printing allows for quick turnaround times and variable data printing (VDP), enabling customization for marketing campaigns.
3. Large Format Printing: Vital for producing banners, posters, and signage. With businesses increasingly relying on eye-catching visuals, offering large format printing can be a significant revenue stream.
4. Screen Printing: Popular for merchandise like T-shirts, tote bags, and other promotional items. This service opens up opportunities in the booming custom merchandise market.

 

Design and Pre-Press Services

Clients often need assistance before the printing process begins. By offering design and pre-press services, you become a one-stop shop. Key services include:

1. Graphic Design: Help clients create compelling designs for their print materials. Offering professional design services can attract clients who lack in-house capabilities.
2. File Preparation and Proofing: Ensure that clients’ files are print-ready. This service minimizes errors and reduces costly reprints, saving time for both you and your clients.
3. Color Management: Accurate color representation is crucial in printing. Providing expertise in color calibration and proofing ensures customer satisfaction.

 

Specialty Printing Services

Adding specialty printing options can set your company apart from competitors. These include:

1. Foil Stamping and Embossing: Ideal for luxury brands and premium products, these techniques add a touch of elegance to business cards, invitations, and packaging.
2. UV Coating and Lamination: Provide clients with durable and visually appealing finishes for their print materials.
3. Custom Die-Cutting: Offer unique shapes and designs for packaging, invitations, and promotional materials.
4. 3D Printing: While not traditional, 3D printing is an emerging field that can complement your offerings, especially for prototypes and custom objects.

 

Marketing and Branding Services

Modern businesses often seek partners who can handle more than just printing. By offering marketing and branding services, you position yourself as a comprehensive solution provider. Consider these services…

1. Direct Mail Marketing: Combine printing with mailing services to offer end-to-end solutions for marketing campaigns. Variable data printing can personalize each piece for higher engagement.
2. Promotional Products: Expand into branded merchandise like pens, mugs, and apparel. These items are always in demand and complement traditional print services.
3. Web-to-Print Solutions: Implement online platforms where clients can design and order their materials. This adds convenience and scalability to your operations.
4. Brand Development: Offer strategic branding services, including logo creation and brand identity packages, to help clients build a cohesive image.

 

Sustainable Printing Options

Sustainability is no longer optional, it’s a requirement for many clients. Eco-friendly practices not only reduce your environmental impact but also appeal to environmentally conscious customers. Services to consider include:

1. Recycled Paper Options: Provide clients with the choice of printing on recycled or sustainably sourced paper.
2. Soy-Based Inks: Offer an alternative to petroleum-based inks, which are more environmentally friendly.
3. Carbon Offset Programs: Partner with organizations to offset the carbon footprint of your operations.
4. Green Certifications: Obtain certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or Green Seal to showcase your commitment to sustainability.

 

Outsourced and Partnered Services

Many print companies find it beneficial to outsource or partner with specialized service providers to expand their offerings without significant upfront investment. Examples include:

1. Web Design and Development: Collaborate with web design agencies to offer complementary digital services.
2. Digital Marketing: Partner with firms specializing in SEO, social media management, and email marketing to provide a full suite of marketing solutions.
3. Installation Services: For large-format projects like vehicle wraps and building signage, offering installation services can enhance your value proposition.

 

Technology Integration

Investing in technology not only improves your efficiency but also attracts tech-savvy clients. Consider implementing…

1. Print Management Software: Streamline operations from order processing to delivery.
2. Augmented Reality (AR) Integration: Enhance printed materials with AR features, allowing users to access interactive content through their smartphones.
3. Online Proofing Tools: Make it easier for clients to review and approve projects digitally.
4. AI-Powered Personalization: Use artificial intelligence to analyze customer data and create highly targeted print campaigns.

 

Customer Support and Value-Added Services

Providing exceptional customer support can differentiate your company in a crowded market. Consider offering…

1. Project Management: Assign dedicated account managers to oversee complex projects.
2. Educational Resources: Create guides and tutorials to help clients understand printing options and best practices.
3. Flexible Payment Plans: Attract more clients by offering payment plans or subscription models for recurring orders.
4. Rush Services: Cater to last-minute requests with expedited printing options.

 

We get that some of these can require significant capital expenditures and investment into new equipment or a substantial amount of energy dedicated to finding partners to fulfill some of these you won’t be doing in house. But the reality is that a successful print company must go beyond the basics to meet the diverse needs of today’s customers. 

 

By offering a combination of traditional, specialty, and value-added services, you can position your business as a one-stop solution for all printing and branding needs. Whether you’re focused on sustainability, technology integration, or comprehensive marketing support, the key is to stay adaptable and client-focused. With the right mix of services, your print company can not only survive but continue to grow tremendously.

And as a quick side note, you’ll still need to market your print services to get customers to sign up for these services, so definitely do that too!