Printing stuff shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth.
But if you’ve ever had to order business cards, mailers, signs, menus—whatever—you know how fast it can get messy. Files bouncing around, wrong sizes, delays, bad colors, missed deadlines.
It’s not the printing. It’s the process.
Here’s how to fix that.
Step 1: Get Clear on the Goal
Start simple. What’s the purpose of the print?
- Are you trying to get more foot traffic?
- Is this part of a direct mail campaign?
- Do you need it for an event?
Don’t just say, “I need flyers.” Say, “I need 500 flyers to hand out at a farmers market to promote our new coffee shop opening next Saturday.”
That kind of clarity makes everything easier.
Step 2: Know What You’re Printing
Before you talk to a printer, know your specs:
- Size
- Quantity
- Colors (full color? black and white?)
- Paper type
- Single or double-sided
- Coating (matte, gloss, soft-touch)
Even if you’re not sure what’s best, having a rough idea helps. Don’t wing it.
And if you need help deciding, that’s fine too. Just say that upfront. A good print partner (like us) will walk you through it.
Step 3: Design Smart
Design is where most delays start.
Here’s how to keep things moving:
- Use the right dimensions. Don’t design a 5×7 if you need an 8.5×11.
- Include bleeding. That’s extra space around the edges so stuff doesn’t get cut off. Usually 0.125 inches.
- Use CMYK color. Not RGB. RGB is for screens. CMYK is for print.
- Embed your fonts or outline them. Otherwise, your file could show up weird.
- Send a print-ready PDF. Don’t send a PowerPoint slide or some weird Canva export.
And always proof it. Then proof it again.
Want to see a simple print file checklist? Here’s one from Adobe that covers the basics.
Step 4: Don’t Overcomplicate Revisions
If you’re reviewing a design with a team, get everyone’s feedback at once.
One person at a time = endless rounds of changes = wasted time and money.
Batch your edits. Keep it tight. Send clear, numbered notes.
Like this:
“1. Change the phone number to 972-555-1234. 2. Add the website to the back side. 3. Make the QR code bigger.”
Not this:
“Ugh, I’m not sure… what do you think about the font?”
Clarity speeds things up.
Step 5: Approve It and Move On
Once you approve a proof, that’s it. It goes to print.
So double-check:
- All text is spelled right
- The date/time is correct
- The address is accurate
- No typos in URLs or phone numbers
It costs way less to fix a file than to reprint 10,000 copies of something with the wrong zip code.
Step 6: Set a Real Timeline
Printing takes time. So does shipping.
Rush jobs are possible. But they cost more and stress everyone out.
Here’s a basic idea:
- Business cards: 3–5 business days
- Postcards/mailers: 5–7 days
- Large format signs: 7–10 days
Ask your printer for lead times before you start.
If you’re mailing stuff too, add another 3–7 days depending on USPS or whatever service you’re using.
Step 7: Don’t Sleep on Mailing Logistics
If this is a direct mail campaign, think ahead.
- Are you using your own list?
- Need help getting a targeted list?
- Want to mail to specific zip codes?
We see people plan everything perfectly, then scramble at the end because they didn’t think about mailing.
Lock that in early.
Pro tip: Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) from USPS is a solid option for local reach without needing a full mailing list. Here’s how it works.
Step 8: Ask Questions Early
The more upfront you are, the smoother things go.
Good things to ask:
- What file type do you need?
- Can you help with design if needed?
- What’s the turnaround?
- What does this cost with tax and shipping?
We’d rather answer 10 questions early than fix one big problem later.
Step 9: Use One Point of Contact
If you’re working with a print vendor, don’t have five different people emailing them from your team. That’s chaos.
Assign one person to handle all communication.
One email thread. One decision-maker. Everything stays clean.
Step 10: Stay Consistent
Once you find print specs that work—stick with them.
Use the same fonts, colors, paper, sizes across your pieces. It makes your brand look solid.
And if you print often? Keep a shared doc or folder with the details so you don’t start from scratch each time.
Bonus: Track What Works
Printing is only part of the process. You also need to know if it’s working.
- Add a QR code that leads to a specific page
- Use a unique discount code
- Track calls to a specific phone number
That’s how you figure out what print actually drives results. Otherwise you’re guessing.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to be a print expert. You just need a clean process.
Be clear on what you want. Set timelines. Send the right file. Ask questions early.
And if you need help, that’s where we come in.
FMC Printing works with small businesses, restaurants, franchises, realtors—you name it. We help with everything from design to mailing.
You handle your business. We’ll handle the print.
Just don’t wait until the last minute. Print works best when it’s planned.
Make it easy. Make it clean. Get it done.
