In today's print environment

Tight timelines, complex requirements, commercial pressure — supplier selection is one of the most important decisions a business makes. And too often, it's treated as an afterthought.

Not all printers are the same.

Choosing the wrong one can quietly undermine cost, quality, speed, and outcomes long before a job reaches press.

 Supplier Selection Is a Strategic Decision

Print suppliers don't just manufacture print. They influence how it's specified, produced, and delivered.

That influence can simplify decision-making — or introduce friction.

Selection based purely on habit, proximity, or headline price rarely delivers the best outcome.

Cost Is More Than a Unit Price

Unit cost is easy to compare. Total cost is not.

Lower prices are quickly offset by:

Inefficient formats

Over-specification

Late changes

Reprints caused by misalignment

The right supplier helps shape the job early, reducing errors and unnecessary complexity — where real cost savings are made.

 Capability Must Match the Job

Every press has strengths and limitations. Problems arise when work is forced to fit a supplier's equipment, rather than choosing a supplier that fits the work.

Key considerations include:

Run lengths and volume

Finishing capabilities

In-house vs outsourced processes

Flexibility when requirements change

Capability should support purpose — not dictate it.

Speed to Market Is About More Than Turnaround

Speed isn't just press time. It's influenced by:

Brief understanding

Issue identification

Workflow efficiency

Responsiveness

Suppliers who understand your pressures help compress timelines without compromising quality.

 Quality Is Consistency

Quality isn't about perfection once — it's about repeatability.

Consistent suppliers protect brand standards across campaigns, formats, and time. That reliability is what builds confidence and reduces risk.

Better Supplier Management Delivers Better Print

Strong outcomes come from clear communication, shared expectations, and ongoing dialogue.

When suppliers are treated as partners:

Specification becomes easier

Costs are more predictable

Timelines are more reliable

Waste — of time, money, and materials — reduces naturally

Choosing the right supplier isn't about finding someone who can do everything.
It's about finding the partner who can do what you need — properly and consistently.