Is outsourcing your large format printing becoming a financial burden to your budget? Does your organization want to do more marketing, but long printing turnaround times are holding back your efforts? If these challenges sound familiar, it might be time to explore the benefits of bringing your project print needs, in-house.
Let’s dive in and discover the signs that indicate when transitioning to an in-house printing solution could be the right strategic move for your business.
Here’s what you’ll need to know:
Investing in a large format printer could be the key to regain control over your budget. It may also be the secret weapon you’ve been searching for to enhance your organization’s marketing capabilities.
Before making the decision to lease or buy a large format printer, it's crucial to evaluate your current printing needs. Take an in-depth look at the types of materials you frequently print. Examples might include signs, posters, marketing materials, trade show displays, maps, event materials and window clings. Then, assess how often these items are needed and the volume of each order.
Understanding your current printing demands will help you gauge whether the investment in a large format printer will be justified by your current usage patterns. In addition, think about future growth. Are there print project opportunities that you haven’t considered, simply because there wasn’t enough time or money available for an outsourced printer?
If you're consistently outsourcing a significant volume of large format print jobs, it might be time to consider bringing the process in-house.
Outsourcing your large format printing needs might seem convenient, but it often comes with hidden costs that can add up over time. These can include rush fees for expedited orders, shipping costs, minimum order quantities – and don’t forget about the time spent coordinating with external vendors. Not to mention, outsourcing can lead to potential delays that impact your marketing timelines.
By conducting a thorough cost analysis, you'll be able to identify whether the expenses associated with outsourcing are draining your budget. Compare these costs with the potential savings and efficiencies you could gain by investing in your own large format printer.
Owning a large format printer offers numerous benefits that can significantly enhance your business operations and marketing efforts. First, it provides you with complete control over the printing process, allowing for quicker turnaround times and the flexibility to make last-minute changes without additional costs.
Additionally, having an in-house large format printer can lead to substantial cost savings over time, especially if you print frequently. It also opens up new opportunities for creative marketing materials that can be customized and produced on-demand, giving you a competitive edge in your industry.
A large format printer is not ideal for every business. However, we’ve noticed that there are organizations in specific industries that are positioned to make significant gains from investing in a large format printer.
Marketing agencies, for example, often require high-quality, large-scale prints for campaigns and events. In addition, companies that host or participate in frequent events can benefit from the ability to quickly produce customized banners, signage, flyers and displays.
Event venues, hospitality businesses and the food service industry also frequently utilize large format printing for promotional materials, menu boards and decorative elements that enhance the customer experience. And schools, medical clinics and hospitals have benefited from adding a large format printer to their print fleet.
If your business is a member of one of these industries, you should consider scheduling a needs assessment with a trusted Managed Print Services (MPS) provider. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to grow your business!
There are several key considerations to keep in mind before making a significant investment, like a large format printer. Start by assessing the total cost of ownership, which includes not just the initial purchase price, but also ongoing maintenance, ink & media costs and potential training for your staff.
Additionally, evaluate the space requirements necessary for your printer and whether your current facilities can accommodate it. Also, consider the technical support and warranties offered by the manufacturer, the ease of use and reliability of the printer model you are considering and the service offerings available through your MPS provider. By carefully weighing these factors, you can make a well-informed decision that aligns with your business needs and budget.
Think a large format printer might be in your future? Contact the experts at Gordon Flesch Company to schedule a free print assessment. We’ll help you crunch the numbers and offer advice on how to streamline your printing processes. If the data shows that adding in a large format printer would be beneficial for your business, we’ll craft a plan customized to maximize your return on investment (ROI).
