In the Trenches: Savvy Approach to Production Can Help Slash Your Bottom Line

That said, unless there’s a reason to look elegant, strive for the “well-dressed” look. There are many good-quality paper stocks that don’t cost as much and still allow the ink to lay well.

Determine what attracts you to the premium paper. Is it whiteness? Opacity? Texture? Then work with the creative team to choose an alternative paper that meets the same objectives without breaking the bank. Many organizations like to use recycled paper as well.

Limit the number of colors
Using an eight-color press costs more than using a six-color press. One obvious way of watching costs is to stick with six colors or fewer. A smart creative team will achieve the same effect without blowing the budget by creating a PMS color out of a process color. This eliminates the need for a seventh color. But don’t expect the designer to build a corporate color or logo out of a four-color process. When color is critical, it’s important to stick with the PMS to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Negotiate contract pricing
If your volumes warrant it, your agency might negotiate contract pricing. Remember, the more printing you buy, the bigger the discount. If you’re ready to experiment with this process, the agency might start with a simple component, such as a business reply envelope or courtesy reply envelope.

Organizations, such as those in public broadcasting, with six to eight efforts in their renewal programs are good candidates for contract pricing. Their agencies could commit to a manufacturer for a 12-month supply of carrier and reply envelopes. The manufacturer will produce the envelopes whenever it has time, keep them in stock and pull them to print quarterly. Why would the manufacturer do this? Because the organization or its agency is guaranteeing the manufacturer a portion of its business for the year. And the manufacturer counts on the fact that it’ll be offered the opportunity to quote on the outer envelopes, too.