HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY NOW
No matter what type of printing business you want to set up or run, the client’s requirements remain the same:
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quick turnaround times;
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competitive pricing; and
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professional service.
Your client’s loyalty will depend on meeting the above demands as well as the quality of your prints.
SERVICES YOU CAN OFFER:-
Many exciting opportunities exist in the printing industry that include:-
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Textbook printing;
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Magazines;
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Marketing Documents;
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Printing of Business Cards;
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Printing Invitations;
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Advertising Pamphlets.
Value Added Services:-
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Designing;
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Binding;
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Laminating;
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Embossing;
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Couriering.
To accomplish this companies started offering:
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signage printing;
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poster printing;
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photo printing; and
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t-shirt printing.
Although you could start and run your printing business on your own or with a partner, a better option might be to go the franchise route. Franchise Companies built up a good reputation in the printing industry. They also sourced the best deals for quality machinery and paper products, have good support systems in place and offer training on equipment and even business management. Furthermore, work can be outsourced between various branches and provinces thereby keeping it in the group and building on the group’s reputation as a professional unit.
Technology has enabled printing companies to speed up processes. They can receive material from clients, via email during day/night and then printing directly from the applicable file. The ability to receive files via electronic mail also means that services can be extended nationwide, with turnaround times remaining high. Your best chance and sometimes the only one in securing a job is during the quotation stage. To enable you to calculate a competitive price, you need to know certain facts upfront:-
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number of pages;
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whether double- sided printing is necessary;
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type of paper (weight, grade, color and finish); and
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if binding is required.
It is also important to enquire if any value added services such as lamination or couriering, is required. The printing industry is a creative one and there are no room for errors, therefore an eye for detail is vital. Furthermore, a prospective printer should be able to work tight deadlines, be able to cope with stressful situations and enjoy working with people.
OFFERING PROFITABLE SERVICES
Choose a Business Location
To start a profitable and successful printing business, you’ll need to choose a location that will work for you. Look for a place that is within your budget and that is easily accessible to customers. You can look at locations online or hire someone to help you find the perfect location for your business.
Turn printed items into products by creating a menu of what you offer.
When it comes to printing, most people or business owners don’t know exactly what they need. For example, a food manufacturer might think they need a traditional vinyl banner for an event but they don’t understand the pitfalls of using it in various scenarios. What they really need is a portable tabletop sign that can be utilized at events, sales meetings, and other public awareness activities. The more customers understand what a product can do, the happier they will be with the finished product.
Promote your new print shop.
Once you start a printing business, you need to get the word out to bring in sales. Join your local chamber of commerce, sponsor community events, and advertise in your local newspaper. Also, don’t forget to promote yourself online by building an effective website, participating in industry forum discussions, and taking steps to distinguish yourself from local and nationwide competition.
NEED HELP WITH A PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS PLAN – CONTACT US NOW AT – 084 583 3143 OR money@global.co.za
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