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the printing work.

How to Choose a Commercial Printing Supplier

By The Printing Work editorial team · Updated

Quick answer

Choose a supplier that understands your product, gives clear specifications in its quote, offers proofs, and communicates honestly about timescales. For varied print needs, a sourcing partner can give you a single contact across many product types.

Questions to ask before ordering

  • Is the specification in the quote exactly what I asked for?
  • Will I see a proof before printing?
  • What is included in delivery?
  • What happens if there's a problem with the print?
  • What are the payment terms?

Printer or print sourcing partner?

A printer runs its own equipment and specialises in certain products. A print sourcing partner, like The Printing Work, works with a range of production partners — useful when you need brochures one week and packaging or exhibition graphics the next.

Compare quotes like-for-like

Make sure every quote is for the same size, paper, finish, quantity and delivery. A lower price can reflect a different specification.

This guide gives general information about commercial printing. Specifications and availability vary between production partners; we'll confirm the details for your project in your quotation. Request a quote.

Related print products

Have a print project in mind?

Tell us what you're planning and let's find the right way to print it.

Request a Quote