When our team at OCG Creative is shopping for a service we use clearly defined criteria to help make a sound buying decision. For example, if we are shopping for printing services, we ask our vendor(s):

• What is your standard turn-around time? 
• When can I expect my estimate?
• What are your limitations if any? (press size, digital and/or offset options, large format, direct to print, etc.)
• If we require a project more quickly than your standard turnaround, will we be charged a rush fee?
• Will you provide a written estimate?
• Will someone on your staff proof our art prior to printing?
• Will we receive an electronic proof or hard proof? 
• Do you stand behind your work? Does your company offer a No Risk Guarantee?
• Will you protect our brand? 
• Will you ensure our color(s) match the previous work we’ve printed?
• Do you archive our files? If so, what is the cost to dearchive those files in the future? For what time period are they kept before purging?


Criteria you might add to your list:
• Will you offer creative solutions to help us meet a specific budget?
• Do you provide a low or no cost printing analysis?
• Do you provide education you on the print process? Paper, ink, quantities, alternative solutions
• Do you provide a discount for “gang running” projects

We have been buying printing and asking these questions for 16 years. We have put our vendors to the test. What we have found is that when we clearly define our client’s need, we then have the key criteria to determining our vendor. 
Implementing this type of practice into all buying decisions will help you make better buying decisions in the future.

For example: If you absolutely need it in one day, that must be the number one question to ask your vendor(s). “Can they promise to deliver your project tomorrow.” If the answer is “no” you won’t waste anymore time with them. If they promise to make it happen, ask them if you will be charged if they are unable to deliver. We can quickly weed out a lot of vendors with that question.

If your brand color is critical and must be matched perfectly, that would be the first question to ask your vendor(s). “Can you guarantee my color will match my previous project?”


If you shop for the lowest price, but your brand is a close second, be sure to stress the importance of both of these criteria to the vendor in advance. It makes their job a lot easier as well. If a specific vendor is not the low price leader, they may inform you before they submit an estimate and will have the opportunity to decline a bid. Knowing the criteria in advance will save people a lot of time.

This may seem like a lot to ask of a vendor, but it really helps narrow the playing field. We have had incredible success buying printing. We don’t necessarily buy lowest price. Knowing our objective for each project is invaluable. 


Happy Shopping