Why choose a Print Broker?
Print brokers are becoming more and more common in the printing industry as more printers now specialise in one specific field to maintain a competitive edge with the latest multi-million dollar printing press.
Print brokers create a network of specialist print trade suppliers who each specialise in a unique printing service (such as book binding, web printing or celloglazing) and who are each used to outsource that specific type of work when required by the printing industry.
The Low Overhead Model: One substantial advantage of a print broker is the low overhead cost per job compared to a general printer. A print broker does not have a large investment in rent, staff, equipment leasing, maintenance and stock. They are able to operate as a low cost service representing carefully selected suppliers with the latest equipment and most efficient production methods. This way, the "dead wood" that is often carried in a general printer such as old obsolete machines, wasted floor space and excess stock is eliminated and price efficiencies can be passed onto the customer.
The advantages of using a print broker are clear when the job is complex and involves many processes as the broker is able to focus on managing the overall job and find the best specialist and most innovative new solution for each part of the job. Also when a print contract involves many different methods of printing which are not traditionally (or economically) done in-house by a general printer (more often than not the case with most jobs) a broker will be able to source the most suitable trade supplier.
For example the large scale production of plastic membership cards is usually done by a specialist plastic card company with all the technology and equipment to print to plastic, emboss, die cut, add a magnetic strip, smart chip, signature strip and so on. Where the plastic card is placed into a printed card pouch or cover to be handed to an individual, this paper card cover would also be printed by a different printer most likely using an offset printing press. If it is celloglazed or laminated, this may also be done by another specialist laminating business. Thus one particular job can pass through many different hands to become the final finished product.
Many printers will also do the job of a print broker, however they are restricted in that they usually try to run as much work as they can using their own machines (due to a higher profit) when sometimes, they are not setup to do the most efficient job. A good independent print broker will have a wide network of specialist trade suppliers, have an in-depth understanding of the capabilities of each supplier and be able to choose the best supplier for each part of the job required.
Not having to pay rent on a large print factory with extensive equipment costs which could be obsolete, production staff, franchise fees and so on, means that a print broker can work on much smaller profit margins (and a lower price) to make a similar income.
A print broker's job is to know the industry and where best to get the job done at the most economical rate and using the most efficient and modern printing equipment. In doing so, quite often just using a print broker on a single job can save you much time and effort in hunting around for quotes and researching for a suitable printer and a competitive price. More often than not, the first printer you come across will be the one paying the most rent to be in a retail area for you to find them. This is really convenient if you desperately need a printer, but you will definitely end up paying more for the convenience.
Many people try to avoid the middle man, however in the case of printing, this is a middle man who can save you a great deal of time, money and ensure you get what you are looking for on-time and to budget.