11Choosing the right print

The perfect balance between fast delivery and high quality...

So, you’ve got designs for your letterheads, you’ve sorted out your brochure and you’ve got content for your newsletter – but the project’s far from over. Now you’ve got to get everything printed – do you know where to begin?

Without making things too technical, there are two basic options for print – the traditional ‘lithographic’ and the cutting edge ‘digital’.

Both these methods are useful but, depending on your situation, one is always likely to be a better option than the other.

THE RIGHT JOB FOR THE RIGHT PRINTER

At STORM we use a range of different printers, from those adopting the latest technology to well-established, traditional ‘litho’ firms who have made a name for themselves with consistent quality. We are well-known and respected within the industry and many printers even see us as a ‘sister company’.

We match the right job with the right printer and we keep a firm grasp of all quality control to always ensure a great job for you.

So, what’s the difference between digital and litho printing and how can the right choice help make your project perfect?

A NEED FOR SPEED

Digital printing has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years. Ongoing developments in technology mean that more and more printers are able to offer the very latest in digital printing – with all the benefits that affords.

The biggest advantage with digital print is the short turnaround times. In fact, if you have a need for speed and want a small amount of promotional material in a hurry then it’s ideal. There are no complex set-up processes and, in short bursts, it is very cost-effective.

It’s flexible too and can be invaluable if you’re sending out a short run of personalised letters or brochures.

However, it isn’t always the best option – especially not when you’ve got a big print run. That’s where litho comes in...

WHEN QUALITY MATTERS

Setting up a litho print job can seem quite expensive at first glance but, when you start to look at the bigger picture, you can see how it can end up a much cheaper proposition.

Although it might cost more to set up than its digital equivalent, a litho run will soon make up the difference on unit costs. Once you start printing more than 500 copies of your brochure or newsletter you’re only really paying for the paper, so with each additional copy you’re driving down your costs. See, sometimes bigger really is better!

It can be quick too, especially in large numbers. Litho print machines tend to run faster than their digital rivals, meaning that, over a long run, the litho will soon be miles ahead.

Litho is also better when quality matters. The end results tend to be sharper and crisper, whilst larger areas of solid colour are more even, brighter and more vivid.

COMMITMENT TO QUALITY

Luckily, you don’t have to worry too much about any of this. At STORM we have built up great relationships with printers – big and small, digital and litho – to ensure we are always able to give the very best prices to our clients.

Over 99% of our clients use us as a full service agency, meaning they use our print services as part of the whole project. Why? Well, for one it doesn’t cost any more. In fact, our buying power means we are often able to save you money. We also only select printers from our approved list – we know who can do what job and we always match work to the most suitable printer.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, by printing through STORM, you know that the buck stops with us. We quality inspect every print job that we undertake on your behalf and in rare cases where we aren’t 100% satisfied, we will ensure the job is reprinted and standards are maintained. We are confident that our commitment to the very highest standards in printing will more than satisfy your needs and far exceed your expectations.

Our exceptional understanding of the printing industry, combined with our obsessive commitment to quality, means we are always able to get great results on every project we undertake.