HOW TO GET REAL VALUE FROM YOUR PRINT SUPPLIER
When it comes to choosing a print supplier, the conversation often starts and ends with price: “How much does it cost?”
Experienced buyers know that price is not the most important cost driver – value is. And the better question to ask is “What is this actually going to cost me over time?”
In the printing world, the biggest costs rarely appear on the invoice. They show up later, when the wrong material creates delays, reprints, or failed installs.
Real value comes from making the right decisions up front, so you avoid costly mistakes later.
This article explores what “real value” looks like, and why choosing the wrong supplier or media can cost far more than you think.
“Aren’t most print materials basically the same?”
- Inconsistent print quality
- Colour shifts or ink compatibility issues
- Curling, shrinkage, or edge lift
- Difficult finishing
- Reprints and wasted media
That’s why selecting the right material matters just as much as the price tag.
“How does choosing the wrong material affect my costs?”
Most of the cost impact happens quietly. A failed print means more than just replacing a roll of media. It often includes:
- Extra print time
- Additional ink and consumable
- Labour spent reworking
- Delays to production schedules
- Pressure on delivery deadlines
- Damaged customer relationships
Over time, these hidden costs add up and can easily outweigh any initial savings. The “cheapest” vinyl or film that fails halfway through your workflow can easily cost many times more than a properly specified material.
“What should my supplier do to prevent this?”
“Why does consistency matter?”
“Is delivery really part of ‘value’?”
“Should I still focus on price?”
Do you have any additional questions about using our products?
We have been making a material difference for over 40 years, contact our team for expert technical support.
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We stock all the media you need to complete your graphics projects – whatever you need to fulfil your graphics applications we are here to help you.