To “Get what you expect” requires an expectation; a belief that something will occur in the future.
An experienced graphic designer peers with satisfaction at her screen after the final touches to a brochure are complete; how is it she is so confident the final product will succeed? How does she know the effect will be what the client wants?
How can she be so sure it will win an Addy Award?
The printed piece is a fundamentally different entity that the screen image; how the transformation happens should not be a mystery to you.
The more you understand, the more likely you are to be satisfied, even thrilled, with the result.
Here are common techniques for managing a print project, ranked from most to least effective
Compulsive attention to detail is one approach. This person carefully considers the color model of the printing, and is sure their file is prepared to match. All their colors are Pantone-specified having examined the printed swatch books. A folding template is employed right at the beginning, and actual paper samples are carefully scrutinized. Finalized timeline, proofing, and delivery details are communicated in clear written form. In my entire career I have worked with a surprisingly small number of people who use this approach, and like anything rare I value them tremendously.
Most people use a business as usual approach. This is what you do because you did it before and your expectations were met, or, if not, it wasn’t bad enough to change. The vast majority of print projects fall into this category, and with good reason; if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Consider, though, the possibility you’re setting the bar too low; maybe ask a few follow-up questions to learn how the process can be improved. Printers have a bad habit of fixing customer mistakes, for the sake of expediency, without telling anyone. Just because it ain’t broke doesn’t mean it can’t be better. Maybe much better.
Then there’s good old-fashioned dump and run. You don’t have time to mess with it, now it’s our problem; and you’ll take what you get.
We understand and we’ve got your back; we promise to do everything possible to keep you out of trouble and not give you any grief. Seriously. Sooner or later we’ll have a problem, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Remember that printing is custom manufacturing. Since it’s made just for you it’s important you provide enough information, and ask enough questions, to insure the project you understand is the same one we plan to produce.
Our goal is that, when you open the box, the product is right on the button; and that we’re all thinking of the same button. It’s an old saying, but a true one: there are no stupid questions.
As artists, there is no other local printer that we would trust to reproduce our work. Gandy Printers’ quality and attention to detail, plus fabulous customer service, is unmatched!
Gandy Printers has helped us design and print new flyers, maps, brochures, banners, and more. In addition to delivering our orders, they go above and beyond to make sure we are getting what we need. They are fast, reliable, and affordable, as well as a pleasure to work with.
- Colleen M. Rett
Poppies Floral Design
I needed 1500 cards done for an event in Concord, NC. I was not able to get any response from printers in town so I looked for another avenue. Not only did I need these cards printed but I also needed them designed and shipped in less than a week. I had a wonderful experience with the team at Gandy Printing and would highly recommend them!!!
- Mary Liz Tippin-Moody
Bernie and his crew never fail to deliver on the promise of quality products delivered on time. Their expert recommendations before the job enters the workflow are much appreciated and assist in avoiding problems later on.
- John Fleming
Bernie and his team at Gandy Printers have delivered great results for me time after time, and I would strongly recommend him to anyone for quality and cost-effective printing. The first thing that brought me to Gandy Printers was their prices, because they are very competitive. After I sent them a few jobs I quickly realized that their customer service is what sets them apart. They’ve completed high-pressure direct mail projects for me on ridiculously short deadlines, and never dropped the ball once. I’ve sent them everything from business cards, to letterhead, to fliers, to high-volume postcard runs, and they’ve never once let me down.
- Martha Rodriguez
Literacy Volunteers of Leon County
Gandy Printers provided our organization an outstanding level of customer service and support. Both management and staff were attentive to our needs and schedule and provided detailed and timely estimates for every project. Their printing services and materials were of the finest quality and were key to our organization’s successful marketing of two large fundraisers. Thank you Bernie and staff, your commitment to quality, integrity and performance have made us raving fans.
