Your print supplier is a crucial part of your supply chain if your business buys a lot of print. It’s crucial that you’re happy with your print supplier and the service that they provide in order to ensure optimum efficiency and cost effectiveness in your operations. A print supplier that isn’t pulling their weight or simply doesn’t meet your expectations can be detrimental for not just your workflow, but your company’s image. All too often, we see businesses that could do so much more with their print collateral, but are being held back by their supplier. Here are our 5 tell tale signs that it might be time to move on and choose a more appropriate print supplier for your business.

1. They aren’t compatible with your business

We’re not just talking about budgets, although it’s certainly crucial that your supplier is able to work within your budget, but about how you and your supplier fit. For example, if you are a smaller business and are being supplied by a printer who usually deals with larger clients, you may find that your project gets overlooked at times or that you’re paying over the odds. If this is the case, you aren’t really getting the attention to detail you need and deserve. On the other hand, if you’re a larger business and are using a relatively small printer with limited experience of dealing with larger businesses, you might find that the relationship isn’t quite meeting your expectations. If these sound like you, consider looking for a new supplier that fits your business perfectly.

2. They don’t listen to you

Does it sometimes feel like your printer is telling you what you need rather than working with you to find the perfect solution? If so, it might be time for you to take your business elsewhere. Whilst your supplier may be an expert in their field, you are the one who will be using the finished product so it’s crucial that it is right for you. Find a supplier that adopts a consultative approach to your print requirements.

3. They can’t keep up with your demand

We often see businesses who have outgrown their print supplier, leading to missed deadlines and a drop in print quality. There are a wide range of printers who cater to different sized businesses and if your print supplier is unable to turnaround your project quickly enough, then it’s simply time to move on. Consider looking for larger suppliers with a wide range of facilities and multiple locations so you can be sure that your project gets printed quickly.

4. They don’t stock and store your print

Do you often find yourself having to make frequent repeat orders to replenish your print stocks? As well as being an extra addition to your workload, it’s a waste of money. Having a supplier that stocks your prints and sends them to you as and when you need them can be a huge benefit to businesses who get through a lot of material but don’t have the space to store it. Switch to a supplier that provides storage and your business will be rewarded with a reduced print spend, far quicker turnaround times and a lot less hassle for your buyers.

5. They don’t care about the environment

In this day and age, where corporate responsibility is of huge importance to your customers, you need to ensure that your suppliers care as much as you do. If they don’t, it can reflect badly on your brand and business operation. If your supplier doesn’t have an environmental policy or proof that they are minimising their environmental impact, then how can you tell? If this is the case, you might want to look elsewhere for your print.

So choose us as your print supplier…

At United, we offer a comprehensive print service for a wide range of businesses, ensuring that you are paying a competitive price for great quality prints. Our consultative approach and sampling service ensures that your product fits your specific requirements. We’ll also stock and store your print in our own warehouse so it’s available as and when you need it. Finally, we constantly strive to reduce our environmental impact and have the credentials to prove it being fully ISO 14001 compliant. Talk to us today about your print requirements and we’d be happy to help.