The commercial printing industry is a large and varied field, with roughly 35,000 companies in the U.S. and a $90 billion industry-wide revenue. Some companies are multi-billion-dollar giants, such as RR Donnelley or Quebecor World, while most “large” printers generate annual revenues of less than $1 billion, employ fewer than 20 people, and generate revenues of less than $5 million. Because the industry is so fragmented, the top 50 companies account for 30 percent of total market revenue.
While the digital world has made the print world largely obsolete, print materials remain part of the human experience. There is something inherently satisfying about reading from a printed page. Most people prefer books over e-readers and still write their notes with pen and paper during meetings or pass out handouts during presentations. Even though the average American has fewer printed materials, they still feel valued. Here are some examples of how printed materials help businesses in their daily operations.
Quality is an essential consideration when choosing a printing company. A high-quality print will attract your target audience and improve your marketing message. After all, no one likes to see a poor-quality print job, right? If a potential customer has experienced a poorly-printed piece, they can instantly spot the difference between a good print and a poor one. The quality of the print will depend on the printing equipment and the experience of the printer.
When hiring a commercial printing company, be sure to consider the scope of the job. Do you need a thousand business cards or handouts? It’s impractical to try and do all of these on your own. A professional commercial printing company can take care of even the biggest jobs. A commercial print company will be able to make sure that the job is completed on time and on budget. It’s a good idea to review the reputation of the printing company to make sure that it’s the right fit for you.
A wide-format printer has the ability to print in large sizes. It has high resolution, and its technology features make it suitable for large-scale printing. Wide-format printers are perfect for making posters and banners, but they can also be smaller and more affordable. They are designed for large printouts, and some are 20″ to 60″ wide, depending on their size. However, the cost of such a printer depends on their capabilities.
There are many advantages to digital printing, including lower set-up costs and a lower minimum quantity. However, it is not recommended for small-scale printers, as the initial investment is high, and the company may have a hard time affording it. Further, the inks used in digital presses may be expensive, so only larger businesses can afford to invest in them. But digital presses offer better results than standard office printers.
Among the two major commercial printing techniques, offset lithography is the most popular choice for larger print jobs. This method can print on different substrates, including paper with varying weights and sizes. This process is best for large print runs, which are typically over 2,000 copies. Aside from offering superior print quality, offset lithography is also cost-effective for smaller print runs. And, it offers fast turnaround and a lower setup process.