How to choose a print shop for your print products?

Digital or offset printing?

The main printing methods are offset and digital. In offset printing, the image is produced by an impression of an offset plate on a sheet of paper, using special offset inks. This method is affordable and especially relevant when you need a fairly large run. But offset also has drawbacks, which lie in its multi-stage preparation:

• Colour separation.
• Colour proofing.
• Plate preparation and output.
• Press setup.
• No way to correct the artwork or make a test print.

It is also worth learning more about the digital way of producing an image. Digital or on-demand printing is a method in which the artwork is printed directly onto paper without printing plates. A digital press can output a test print, make corrections to the artwork on the fly or print a multi-page publication in a single copy.

If you are still wondering which is better, digital or offset, go by the planned run. For example, if you need a set of business cards or product stickers, choose digital printing. Need booklets or catalogues in quantities from 1,000 pieces? Go with offset.

How is the price of print products formed?

Various factors affect the price of print products:

• Run size. The larger it is, the lower the price per copy.
• Format. The larger it is, the more expensive each printed item.
• Quality. This includes paper weight, surface type and additional finishing (lamination, spot gloss varnish, foil stamping, etc.)

Production and administrative costs are also included in the price.