You’re likely searching Google, trying to figure out how to make the printing process easier. Here’s an insider tip: the printer you choose will make all the difference between a headache and a successful print run. Not only should your printer be your first choice, but it should also guide you through each step, offering support for troubleshooting, proofs, and problem-solving along the way.
To create a label order, your printer will need a few key details: high-quality artwork, quantity, shape/size, the surface the label will be applied to, and the number of colors in the design. These factors are crucial—they influence cost and help ensure a smooth production process.
Let’s dive deeper into the specifics…
#1: Preparing Your Creatives
Pop quiz: High-resolution PDF or vector file… what are those? If you’re scratching your head, don’t worry! The fact is, these are the two types of files your printer will need to ensure the best results for your project. Let’s say you’re not a computer person and you don’t have someone on your team to help with getting these files or creating a design. No problem! Our team can guide you through the entire process, with in-house creative support available.
#2: Choosing the Right Substrate
Next, giving some thought to what the label will be applied to can save you time in the process. Is it going on bottles, packaged food, or containers? The type of surface and the environment the label will be exposed to are critical in determining the right substrate. For example, beer labels often get wet, so we need a substrate that will adhere even when exposed to water. The more details you provide beforehand, the smoother the process will go. Additionally, there are many printing methods available, so a little research before committing your project to production can go a long way. Here, we’ll get you started!
#3: Ensuring Quality Results
If you’re doing a small print run, you can typically expect a faster turnaround. For larger or continuous print runs, the initial turnaround time may be a bit longer, but once everything is set up and the process is streamlined, repeatable prints should be a piece of cake!
While it’s important to get high-quality print results, it’s best to adjust your expectations away from same-day turnaround. The typical turnaround time we provide customers is two weeks. We always strive to complete orders earlier, but that’s our standard. Teamwork is key, and results are usually much better when no one is rushing. However, you should always expect visuals to be legible and clear, with no pixelation (as long as your original creatives are of high quality). Some printers may not alert you if your images for print are below quality, but we would never let that happen!
Now, That’s Printin’
Now that you have a little more information, you’re ready to get out there and start printing with confidence! In fact, take all this newfound confidence and bring it to the place where it’ll be celebrated, right here at Labels by Pulizzi!