Ordering printed materials might seem like a straightforward task, but small mistakes can quickly become expensive. Choosing the wrong material, approving low-quality artwork or overlooking delivery times can all affect the success of your project. Before selecting a print company London businesses rely on, it’s worth taking a few moments to review the essentials. A little planning before you place your order can save both time and money while ensuring your printed products meet your expectations from the very beginning.
Know Exactly What Your Print Project Needs
Before requesting quotations or comparing prices, it’s important to understand the purpose of your print project. Different products are designed for different environments, and choosing the right solution depends on where and how the finished item will be used.
For example, promotional leaflets handed out at an exhibition require different materials from construction site signage or retail displays. Thinking about the end use allows your printer to recommend the most suitable product rather than simply producing what has been requested.
Ask yourself these questions before ordering:
- Will the product be used indoors or outdoors?
- Is it intended for temporary or long-term use?
- Will it be exposed to weather conditions?
- Does it need to be lightweight or rigid?
- Will customers view it from close range or at a distance?
Answering these questions early makes it easier to choose the right print solution while avoiding unnecessary costs later.
Why Material Choice Matters More Than Cost
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is selecting materials based purely on price. While lower-cost options may appear attractive initially, they may not provide the durability or appearance required for your project.
Professional print company London recommends materials according to their intended application rather than simply offering the cheapest option. Temporary promotional signage often benefits from lightweight materials, while permanent displays require stronger, longer-lasting alternatives.
Some commonly used materials include:
- Correx® – ideal for temporary outdoor signage, estate agent boards and construction site notices.
- Foamex – suitable for retail displays, exhibitions and indoor promotional signage.
- Dibond – a durable aluminium composite board designed for long-term exterior signage.
- Acrylic – a premium material often used for office branding and reception displays.
If your project involves temporary outdoor signage, discussing Correx board printing before placing an order helps ensure you’re selecting the most appropriate material for both performance and budget.
How to Compare Printing Companies Effectively
Competitive pricing is important, but the cheapest quotation doesn’t always represent the best overall value. Two printing companies may offer similar prices while providing very different levels of quality, customer service and finishing options.
Rather than focusing solely on cost, consider everything included within the quotation. Higher-quality materials, better colour accuracy and professional finishing often produce printed products that last longer and create a stronger impression.
When comparing suppliers, consider:
- Print quality and colour consistency.
- Available materials and finishes.
- Artwork checking services.
- Delivery costs and turnaround times.
- Customer support throughout the project.
Choosing a print company London businesses trust often means looking beyond the initial price and considering the long-term value each supplier provides.
Turnaround Times Matter More Than You Think
Even the highest-quality printing becomes less valuable if it arrives after your event, product launch or marketing campaign has already started. Confirming production schedules before placing an order helps prevent unnecessary stress later.
Many commercial printers offer express production for urgent projects, but availability varies depending on workload and product type. Asking about deadlines early allows both you and the printer to plan more effectively.
Before confirming your order, ask:
- What is the standard production time?
- Are express or same-day services available?
- When will my order be dispatched?
- Does delivery include my postcode?
- Can I collect the order if required?
Taking a few minutes to clarify these details helps avoid last-minute surprises while ensuring your printed materials arrive exactly when you need them.
Outdoor Printing Needs More Than Good Design
Eye-catching graphics are important, but outdoor printed materials must also withstand changing weather conditions. Rain, sunlight, wind and fluctuating temperatures can all affect the appearance and lifespan of a printed product if the wrong materials or printing methods are used.
Before placing an order, ask how long the product is expected to last outdoors and whether it has been designed for continuous external use. A professional printer should explain the differences between materials and recommend the most suitable option based on where the signage will be displayed.
It’s worth checking:
- Whether UV-resistant inks are used.
- If the material is waterproof.
- How well the product resists fading.
- Whether it can withstand wind and changing weather.
- The expected lifespan of the finished print.
Choosing outdoor materials designed for long-term performance helps reduce replacement costs while keeping your branding looking professional.
Make Sure Your Artwork Is Ready for Production
Even the highest-quality printing equipment cannot compensate for poor artwork. Images with low resolution, incorrect dimensions or missing bleed settings can all affect the final result and may require costly reprints.
Many professional printers offer artwork checking before production begins. This extra step allows any potential issues to be identified and corrected before printing starts, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs.
Before submitting your files, check that they include:
- High-resolution images.
- Correct page dimensions.
- Appropriate bleed and safe margins.
- CMYK colour settings.
- Embedded fonts or outlined text.
- Print-ready PDF format where possible.
Preparing artwork correctly helps ensure your finished products look exactly as intended.
A Good Printing Partner Offers More Than Printing
A reliable printing company should do more than simply process an order. The best suppliers take time to understand your project, recommend suitable materials and provide practical advice that improves the final outcome.
Whether you’re ordering business stationery, promotional materials or large-format signage, experienced print professionals can often suggest finishes, quantities or production methods that provide better value without compromising quality. This level of support becomes particularly valuable for businesses ordering printed materials for the first time.
Working with an experienced supplier also means having someone available to answer questions, resolve artwork issues and keep your project moving from approval through to delivery.
Your Final Checklist Before Approving Any Print Order
Before giving final approval, spend a few minutes reviewing the key details of your project. This simple checklist can help reduce the risk of delays, unexpected costs and unnecessary reprints.
Final pre-print checklist:
- The correct material has been selected.
- Artwork has been reviewed and approved.
- Dimensions and quantities have been confirmed.
- Delivery times meet your deadline.
- Outdoor products include suitable weather protection.
- The quotation includes all finishing and delivery costs.
- Contact and delivery details are correct.
Completing these checks before production begins gives you greater confidence that your order will arrive exactly as expected.
Conclusion
Successful print projects don’t happen by chance. They are the result of careful planning, choosing the right materials and partnering with a printing company that understands your objectives from the very beginning. While cost is an important factor, print quality, material selection, artwork support and reliable turnaround times often have a far greater influence on the final outcome. Board Printing Company works closely with businesses to deliver professional printing solutions tailored to their requirements, helping every project achieve the highest standards. By following this checklist before approving your next print order, you can avoid costly mistakes, make informed decisions and ensure your printed materials create the professional impression your business deserves.
Author Name: Nimesh Kerai
Nimesh Kerai, the Head of Printing at the Board Printing Company, is a seasoned professional. His immaculate technical proficiency and habit of staying current with the advertising trends have helped the company reach impressive heights in the industry. He has amassed extensive knowledge throughout his career and often shares it with the general public in the form of intriguing and useful blog posts.
