There are many cheap printing services on the market but how do you know which one to opt for? There are many factors to bear in mind, and today it’s perfectly possible to opt for services based not only on the other side of the country but overseas too.

One of the key aspects to think about is the quality of their past work. If you can get your hands on past examples of their goods, then you’ll be able to make judgement based not only the visual aspects of the company’s materials, but how they feel too. Many companies make a choice based on recommendations from their associates, or alternatively they may look online for reviews to get a consensus.

Checking their credentials

Some companies with ethical concerns may seek out online printing services that are dedicated to green matters. Some services are more eco-friendly than others, so if you do have environmental concerns, it’s a good idea to call up the company or e-mail them to ask what their green credentials are. By talking directly to the company, you’ll be able to get a good idea about the standards of their service.

It’s also a good idea to try and secure a good working relationship with printing companies in the UK, especially if they’ll be carrying out design work on your behalf too. This will ensure that the tone of their designs will be suited to the character of your company and the values that you represent.

Spreading your budget further

In today’s tough economic climate, seeking out good value is key. There’s little to be gained by paying over the odds for any service that you could easily source elsewhere for a lot less. This makes shopping around essential. It’s a wise move to draw up a shortlist of four or five different companies, making your final decision after discussing your needs and requirements in depth with each service. Once you have done this, you should be able to make an informed decision. Most small-to-medium businesses don’t have the resources to operate their own in-house printing service, making outsourcing essential. Maintaining your own print facilities can be an expensive business, especially when your equipment starts to break down and needs to be replaced. Outsourcing also frees you and your staff up to concentrate on your core business aims, safe in the knowledge that print and design matters are being handled expertly on your behalf.

Be associated with quality

While budget will be pretty high up on your list of priorities, it’s never a good idea to opt for the cheapest printing company that you can find. If prices seem particularly low, then you can typically expect standards to be lacking. If the goods that you order are of poor quality, this could reflect badly on you, especially if you’re sending the printed materials out to your customers and associates. Few companies benefit from being associated with inferior products. Whether you’re hoping to print out cheques, bills, leaflets, brochures or other promotional materials, finding a printing company that understands your business needs whilst offering value without compromise is a fantastic situation to be in.

It’s a matter of striking the right balance between quality and price, and with plenty of print companies out there offering both, such as Peanut Print and others, it shouldn’t be too hard to find a printer who meets your needs.

AUTHOR BIO: Jenny Bull is a freelance writer specialising in marketing for SMEs. She regularly researches for the latest printing industry news and services at