Printing & Publishing

Sub-categories

Overview

Printing & publishing spans the production of printed matter and the services around it: commercial print (brochures, catalogues, stationery), packaging and label printing, books, magazines and other publications, large-format and display graphics, and the pre-press and finishing work that turns a file into a finished product. It also includes publishing itself — the editing, rights and production management behind books and periodicals.

The right process depends on the job. Offset printing suits long runs with consistent colour, digital printing suits short runs, variable data and fast turnaround, while flexo, gravure and screen printing serve packaging, labels and specialist substrates. Finishing — cutting, folding, binding, laminating, foiling and die-cutting — often determines the final look and cost as much as the printing itself.

Buyers typically source either a defined print job (a fixed specification and quantity) or an ongoing relationship for repeat work such as packaging, labels or periodicals. The right partner depends on the process your product needs, the substrates they handle and the finishing they can do in-house.

What to check when sourcing

When sourcing a printer or publisher, start with a complete job specification: print process, dimensions and page count or format, substrate (paper weight and type, board, film or label stock), number of colours and any special inks or coatings, and the finishing required. A clear specification lets different suppliers quote the same thing, which is the only way to compare prices fairly.

Pin down colour management and proofing. Agree how colour is matched (for example to a reference or spot-colour system), whether you receive a digital or physical proof, and that you sign off a proof before the run. Confirm file and pre-press requirements up front so artwork problems do not stall the job.

Clarify the run length and how unit cost changes with quantity, the lead time for proof and production, and the Incoterms or delivery terms. For packaging, labels and regulated print, check any substrate or ink compliance that the destination or application requires — for example food-contact suitability for certain packaging — treating these as examples to verify per job. Agree a quality and quantity tolerance, since print runs often allow a small over or under delivery.

Sourcing checklist — printing & publishing

Frequently asked questions

When should I choose offset over digital printing?

Offset generally wins on cost and colour consistency for longer runs, while digital suits short runs, fast turnaround and variable data such as personalised or versioned pieces. The crossover point depends on the job, so ask suppliers to quote both where it is close.

Why do I need to approve a proof?

A proof is the reference the finished run is judged against. Signing off a digital or physical proof confirms colour, layout and content before production, which reduces disputes if the result differs from what you expected.

How does quantity affect the price?

Most of the cost of a print job is in setup — plates, pre-press and make-ready. That cost is spread across the run, so the unit price usually falls as quantity rises, especially with offset. Ask for pricing at several quantities to see the curve.

What compliance matters for packaging and labels?

It depends on the product and market. For example, packaging in contact with food may need suitable substrates and inks, and some markets restrict certain substances. Treat these as points to verify for your specific application rather than assuming one standard covers everything.

What is a print-run tolerance?

Printing often cannot deliver an exact count, so contracts commonly allow a small over- or under-delivery against the ordered quantity. Agree the acceptable tolerance and how it is billed before you order to avoid surprises on the invoice.