When you outsource printing and mailing services, who you partner with is more important than you might think. Time is of the essence, and you rely on mail to make your company look professional. You can’t afford to work with someone who doesn’t meet your exacting standards.
A lot is at stake, and partnering with a mediocre company means you risk endless frustration you don’t have time and energy for. When calls go unanswered, deadlines are unmet, and the final result lacks quality, it becomes clear how vital a good print company is.
How can you determine whether a mailing service is all they claim to be before you sign the contract and begin your partnership? In the print and mail industry, there are telltale signs that will be a good indication a company is worth avoiding. And if you’ve already begun working with someone and you just aren’t happy? It’s likely because they aren’t meeting the following print and mail standards.
1. Their Customer Service is Lacking
Perhaps the most important factor in your happiness with a print and mail service is your relationship with your point of contact. You will get to know this person, and they will oversee the execution of your print jobs. They are also the person you will collaborate with and can pull the strings that make things happen for you. They will be able to explain what is possible and help you dream up projects for the future. A print and mail service that does not offer this is doing you a disservice.
If you have to call a general phone line in hopes of reaching someone, are constantly trying to track down an actual person, or are repeatedly being sent to voicemail, that company is not suitable for you. You should expect top-notch customer service from a dedicated point of contact with whom you collaborate and develop rapport.
2. Their Quality is Questionable
Your mail projects are a direct reflection of your business. Whether you are mailing out invoices or marketing materials, they will go directly to the mailboxes of your clients and customers. They are perhaps the most tangible touchpoint someone will ever receive from you, so they have to look good and use quality materials.
If you have mail that goes out looking second rate, or even worse, contains errors- it’s time to find a service with an eye for detail and a commitment to excellence. When there are printing and mailing companies that offer high quality printing services, there is no need to settle for less.
3. They Offer Limited Services
If a printer doesn’t offer all the services you need, it may be because they haven’t invested in the technology or the manpower necessary to operate a premium quality operation. This is a good indication it is time to branch out and find a one-stop shop for all of your print and mail needs.
If a printer is unable to execute all the projects you need it to, it’s time to begin your search for a different print and mail provider. Find a company that has invested in state-of-the-art printing technology with an experienced staff that knows how to make your vision come to life.
4. They Miss Deadlines
A telltale sign of a company that no longer deserves your business is one that misses deadlines. While life happens, and a one-off situation is understandable, if your print and mail company repeatedly misses deadlines, it’s time to look for an alternative solution.
Find a reliable service that respects your deadlines with the same urgency that you do. Deadlines aren’t a suggestion and aren’t flexible, but with the exception of something truly unforeseeable, your deadlines should be concrete. A good quality printer understands the urgency of what you do and will work hard to deliver your work on time.
5. They are Slow to Execute Projects
An experienced printer can make magic happen relatively quickly. While certain aspects of print and mail take time, a skilled printer can knock out a project relatively quickly. If a company needs an unreasonable lead time or the execution of projects is slow, call around to new services and find out if your expectations for speed are on track. If other printers can do the same job in less time, it may be time to move on from your current service.
If your print and mail service has lead times that are frustrating or impractically slow, find a better match who can move at your company’s pace. Life moves fast, and sometimes, you need things to hit mailboxes quickly. A great print and mail company understands that and will work with you to meet your timeline.
In addition to taking stock of how your print and mail company operates, it’s also worth analyzing the cost of their services. Periodically reviewing their price structure to see if their pricing is competitive will help keep you from paying too much money. This is especially true if you have been working with a company for a while. Check in and make sure what they charge you is in line with going market rates. If a service charges you more than its competitors without a really compelling reason why, it’s time to move on and save some money.
There are great companies offering excellent print and mail services for businesses. Finding the right printer to work with might take some time, but with all they can offer to your business, it will be well worth the effort.
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