offset printing business plan

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Printing Press Business Plan

The extensive marketplace, ever-increasing demands, and abundant opportunities for scalability make the printing press business an exciting opportunity for anyone to start.

Is your business idea financially feasible? Is it capable of achieving desired growth? What would be the approximate costs to run this business? Answering foundational questions gets much easier when you have a comprehensive business plan for your printing press business.

Need help writing a business plan for your printing press business? You’re at the right place. Our printing press business plan template will help you get started.

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• Fill in the blanks – Outline
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How to Write A Printing Press Business Plan?

Writing a printing press business plan is a crucial step toward the success of your business. Here are the key steps to consider when writing a business plan:

1. Executive Summary

An executive summary is the first section planned to offer an overview of the entire business plan. However, it is written after the entire business plan is ready and summarizes each section of your plan.

Here are a few key components to include in your executive summary:

Introduce your Business:

Start your executive summary by briefly introducing your business to your readers.

Market Opportunity:

Products and services:.

Highlight the products and services you offer in your printing press business. Highlight the USPs and differentiators to establish a competitive edge.

Marketing & Sales Strategies:

Financial highlights:, call to action:.

Ensure your executive summary is clear, concise, easy to understand, and jargon-free.

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2. Business Overview

The business overview section of your business plan offers detailed information about your company. The details you add will depend on how important they are to your business. Yet, business name, location, business history, and future goals are some of the foundational elements you must consider adding to this section:

Business Description:

Describe your business in this section by providing all the basic information:

Describe what kind of printing press company you run and the name of it. You may specialize in one of the following printing press businesses:

Offset printing press

Digital printing press, online printing press, specialty printing press.

• Describe the legal structure of your printing press company, whether it is a sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or others.
• Explain where your business is located and why you selected the place.

Mission Statement:

Business history:.

If you’re an established printing press service provider, briefly describe your business history, like—when it was founded, how it evolved over time, etc.

Future Goals:

This section should provide a thorough understanding of your business, its history, and its future plans. Keep this section engaging, precise, and to the point.

3. Market Analysis

The market analysis section of your business plan should offer a thorough understanding of the industry with the target market, competitors, and growth opportunities. You should include the following components in this section.

Target market:

Start this section by describing your target market. Define your ideal customer and explain what types of services they prefer. Creating a buyer persona will help you easily define your target market to your readers.

Market size and growth potential:

Describe your market size and growth potential and whether you will target a niche or a much broader market.

Competitive Analysis:

Market trends:.

Analyze emerging trends in the printing press market like advanced technologies and equipment, emerging demand for novelty printing solutions, etc. Explain how your business will cope with all the trends.

Regulatory Environment:

Here are a few tips for writing the market analysis section of your digital printing business plan:

• Conduct market research, industry reports, and surveys to gather data.
• Provide specific and detailed information whenever possible.
• Illustrate your points with charts and graphs.
• Write your business plan keeping your target audience in mind.

4. Products And Services

The product and services section should describe the specific services and products that will be offered to customers. To write this section should include the following:

Describe your offerings:

Mention the printing press products and services your business will offer. This list may include products and services like,

• Printing services like digital printing, offset printing, 3D printing, wide format printing, etc.
• Graphic services
• Print Finishing solutions like binding, lamination, cover, etc.
• Stationery products
• Packaging and label solutions

Describe each service:

Provide a detailed description of each service you provide.

Graphic designing and printing services include:

• Getting clients’ requirements and getting creative designed by graphic designers.
• Getting approval from the client.
• Choosing appropriate printing techniques and beginning printing.
• Giving final touches to printed materials.
• Packing it appropriately and getting it delivered.

Quality measures:

This section should explain how you maintain quality standards and consistently provide the highest quality service.

Additional Services:

In short, this section of your printing press plan must be informative, precise, and client-focused. By providing a clear and compelling description of your offerings, you can help potential investors and readers understand the value of your business.

5. Sales And Marketing Strategies

Writing the sales and marketing strategies section means a list of strategies you will use to attract and retain your clients. Here are some key elements to include in your sales & marketing plan:

Unique Selling Proposition (USP):

Define your business’s USPs depending on the market you serve, the equipment you use, and the unique services you provide. Identifying USPs will help you plan your marketing strategies.

Pricing Strategy:

Marketing strategies:, sales strategies:, customer retention:.

Overall, this section of your printing press business plan should focus on customer acquisition and retention.

Have a specific, realistic, and data-driven approach while planning sales and marketing strategies for your printing press business, and be prepared to adapt or make strategic changes in your strategies based on feedback and results.

6. Operations Plan

The operations plan section of your business plan should outline the processes and procedures involved in your business operations, such as staffing requirements and operational processes. Here are a few components to add to your operations plan:

Staffing & Training:

Mention your printing business’s staffing requirement, including the number of employees needed. Include desired qualifications, skill sets and training requirements, familiarity level with advanced technologies, and their duties.

Operational Process:

Equipment & machinery:.

Include the list of equipment and machinery required for a printing press, such as printing machines, inkjet technologies, finishing tools and equipment, etc.

Adding these components to your operations plan will help you lay out your business operations, which will eventually help you manage your business effectively.

7. Management Team

The management team section provides an overview of your printing press business’s management team. This section should provide a detailed description of each manager’s experience and qualifications, as well as their responsibilities and roles.

Founders/CEO:

Key managers:, organizational structure:, compensation plan:, advisors/consultants:.

Mentioning advisors or consultants in your business plans adds credibility to your business idea.

This section should describe the key personnel for your printing press services, highlighting how you have the perfect team to succeed.

8. Financial Plan

Your financial plan section should provide a summary of your business’s financial projections for the first few years. Here are some key elements to include in your financial plan:

Profit & loss statement:

Cash flow statement:, balance sheet:, break-even point:.

Determine and mention your business’s break-even point—the point at which your business costs and revenue will be equal.

Financing Needs:

Be realistic with your financial projections, and make sure you offer relevant information and evidence to support your estimates.

9. Appendix

The appendix section of your plan should include any additional information supporting your business plan’s main content, such as market research, legal documentation, financial statements, and other relevant information.

• Add a table of contents for the appendix section to help readers easily find specific information or sections.
• In addition to your financial statements, provide additional financial documents like tax returns, a list of assets within the business, credit history, and more. These statements must be the latest and offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.
• Provide data derived from market research, including stats about the printing press industry, user demographics, and industry trends.
• Include any legal documents such as permits, licenses, and contracts.
• Include any additional documentation related to your business plan, such as product brochures, marketing materials, operational procedures, etc.

Use clear headings and labels for each section of the appendix so that readers can easily find the necessary information.

Remember, the appendix section of your printing shop business plan should only include relevant and important information supporting your plan’s main content.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

This sample printing services business plan will provide an idea for writing a successful printing press plan, including all the essential components of your business.

After this, if you still need clarification about writing an investment-ready business plan to impress your audience, download our printing press business plan pdf .

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Frequently asked questions, why do you need a printing press business plan.

A business plan is an essential tool for anyone looking to start or run a successful printing press business. It helps to get clarity in your business, secures funding, and identifies potential challenges while starting and growing your business.

Overall, a well-written plan can help you make informed decisions, which can contribute to the long-term success of your printing press company.

What is the easiest way to write your printing press business plan?

A lot of research is necessary for writing a business plan, but you can write your plan most efficiently with the help of any printing press business plan example and edit it as per your need. You can also quickly finish your plan in just a few hours or less with the help of our business plan software .

How do I write a good market analysis in a printing press business plan?

Market analysis is one of the key components of your business plan that requires deep research and a thorough understanding of your industry. We can categorize the process of writing a good market analysis section into the following steps:

• Stating the objective of your market analysis—e.g., investor funding.
• Industry study—market size, growth potential, market trends, etc.
• Identifying target market—based on user behavior and demographics.
• Analyzing direct and indirect competitors.
• Calculating market share—understanding TAM, SAM, and SOM.
• Knowing regulations and restrictions
• Organizing data and writing the first draft.

Writing a marketing analysis section can be overwhelming, but using ChatGPT for market research can make things easier.

How detailed should the financial projections be in my printing press business plan?

The level of detail of the financial projections of your printing press business may vary considering various business aspects like direct and indirect competition, pricing, and operational efficiency. However, your financial projections must be comprehensive enough to demonstrate a comprehensive view of your financial performance.

Generally, the statements included in a business plan offer financial projections for at least the first three or five years of business operations.

What key components should a printing press business plan include?

The following are the key components your printing press business plan must include:

• Executive summary
• Business Overview
• Market Analysis
• Products and services
• Sales and marketing strategies
• Operations plan
• Management team
• Financial plan

Can a good printing press business plan help me secure funding?

Indeed. A well-crafted printing press business will help your investors better understand your business domain, market trends, strategies, business financials, and growth potential—helping them make better financial decisions.

So, if you have a profitable and investable business, a comprehensive business plan can certainly help you secure your business funding.

About the Author

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Print Shop Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Print Shop Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 500 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their print shop companies.

If you’re unfamiliar with creating a print shop business plan, you may think creating one will be a time-consuming and frustrating process. For most entrepreneurs it is, but for you, it won’t be since we’re here to help. We have the experience, resources, and knowledge to help you create a great business plan.

In this article, you will learn some background information on why business planning is important. Then, you will learn how to write a print shop business plan step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Print Shop Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your print shop business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategies for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Print Shop

If you’re looking to start a print shop business or grow your existing print shop company, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your print shop business to improve your chances of success. Your print shop business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Print Shop Businesses

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for a print shop business are personal savings, credit cards, bank loans, and angel investors. When it comes to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to ensure that your financials are reasonable, but they will also want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business. Personal savings and bank loans are the most common funding paths for print shop companies.

Finish Your Business Plan Today!

How to write a business plan for a print shop business.

If you want to start a print shop business or expand your current one, you need a business plan. The guide below details the necessary information for how to write each essential component of your print shop business plan.

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your executive summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the kind of print shop business you are running and the status. For example, are you a startup, do you have a print shop business that you would like to grow, or are you operating a chain of print shop businesses?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan.

• Give a brief overview of the print shop industry.
• Discuss the type of print shop business you are operating.
• Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers.
• Provide a snapshot of your marketing strategy. Identify the key members of your team.
• Offer an overview of your financial plan.

Company Overview

In your company overview, you will detail the type of print shop business you are operating.

For example, you might specialize in one of the following types of print shop businesses:

• Digital printing : This type of printing is one of the most cost-effective and fast printing processes available today. Electronic files and digital images replace the need for paper, press set-up and ink, which helps reduce the carbon footprint on the earth.
• Offset lithography printing: Used for magazines, circulars, brochures and books, this type of print shop specializes in larger volumes and includes traditional methods of binding.
• Screen printing: Any material that is not flat is a candidate for screen printing: shirts, hats, fabric bags, etc. Screen printing forces ink through a screening process that is replicated onto fabric or other materials used.
• 3D printing: This type of printing is performed through design, initiated by a computer program, followed by the print process in a 3D printer. The 3D printer is calibrated and outfitted with special plastics to fulfill the specifications of the 3D computer program.

In addition to explaining the type of print shop business you will operate, the company overview needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to questions such as:

• When and why did you start the business?
• What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include the number of printing projects completed, the amount of revenue earned, or reaching X number of clients served, etc.
• Your legal business Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry or market analysis, you need to provide an overview of the print shop industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the print shop industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your marketing strategy, particularly if your analysis identifies market trends.

The third reason is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your print shop business plan:

• How big is the print shop industry (in dollars)?
• Is the market declining or increasing?
• Who are the key competitors in the market?
• Who are the key suppliers in the market?
• What trends are affecting the industry?
• What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
• What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential target market for your print shop business? You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your print shop business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: individuals, schools, charitable organizations, corporations, and innovators.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of print shop business you operate. Clearly, individuals would respond to different marketing promotions than corporations, for example.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, including a discussion of the ages, genders, locations, and income levels of the potential customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can recognize and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other print shop businesses.

Indirect competitors are other options that customers have to purchase from that aren’t directly competing with your product or service. Stores that house copy machines or overseas service companies may be examples of indirect competitors. You will want to mention any direct competition, as well.

For each direct competitor, provide an overview of their business and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as

• What types of customers do they serve?
• What type of print shop business are they?
• What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
• What are they good at?
• What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

• Will you provide bundled services including printing and binding?
• Will you offer large 3D printing projects that your competition doesn’t?
• Will you provide better customer service?
• Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a print shop business plan, your marketing strategy should include the following:

Product : In the product section, you should reiterate the type of print shop company that you documented in your company overview. Then, detail the specific products or services you will be offering. For example, will you provide cover design, book layout and digital printing to create a niche service for authors?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your plan, you are presenting the products and/or services you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the site of your print shop company. Document where your company is situated and mention how the site will impact your success. For example, is your print shop business located in a busy retail district, a business district, a standalone office, or purely online? Discuss how your site might be the ideal location for your customers.

Promotions : The final part of your print shop marketing plan is where you will document how you will drive potential customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

• Advertise in local papers, radio stations and/or magazines
• Reach out to websites
• Distribute flyers
• Engage in email marketing
• Advertise on social media platforms
• Improve the SEO (search engine optimization) on your website for targeted keywords

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your print shop business, including answering calls, planning and providing printed items or 3D printed items, billing customers and assisting with maintenance of equipment, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect to book your Xth print project , or when you hope to reach $X in revenue. It could also be when you expect to expand your print shop business to a new city.

Management Team

To demonstrate your print shop business’ potential to succeed, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally, you and/or your team members have direct experience in managing print shop businesses. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act as mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in managing a print shop business or successfully running a small co-op of screen printers.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenue and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you see 5 new customers per day, and/or offer discounted packaged pricing? And will sales grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $50,000 on building out your print shop business, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a lender writes you a check for $50,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

Your cash flow statement will help determine how much money you need to start or grow your business, and ensure you never run out of money. What most entrepreneurs and business owners don’t realize is that you can turn a profit but run out of money and go bankrupt.

When creating your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a print shop business:

• Cost of equipment and office supplies
• Payroll or salaries paid to staff
• Business insurance
• Other start-up expenses (if you’re a new business) like legal expenses, permits, computer software, and equipment

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your office location lease or a list of corporations on a monthly printing contract.

Writing a business plan for your print shop business is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will understand the print shop industry, your competition, and your customers. You will develop a marketing strategy and will understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful print shop business.

Print Shop Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my print shop business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template allows you to quickly and easily write your print shop business plan.

How Do You Start a Print Shop Business?

Starting a Print Shop business is easy with these 14 steps:

• Choose the Name for Your Print Shop Business
• Create Your Print Shop Business Plan
• Choose the Legal Structure for Your Print Shop Business
• Secure Startup Funding for Your Print Shop Business (If Needed)
• Secure a Location for Your Business
• Register Your Print Shop Business with the IRS
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get a Business Credit Card
• Get the Required Business Licenses and Permits
• Get Business Insurance for Your Print Shop Business
• Buy or Lease the Right Print Shop Business Equipment
• Develop Your Print Shop Business Marketing Materials
• Purchase and Setup the Software Needed to Run Your Print Shop Business
• Open for Business

Where Can I Download a Free Business Plan Template PDF?

Click here to download the pdf version of our basic business plan template.

Our free business plan template pdf allows you to see the key sections to complete in your plan and the key questions that each must answer. The business plan pdf will definitely get you started in the right direction.

We do offer a premium version of our business plan template. Click here to learn more about it. The premium version includes numerous features allowing you to quickly and easily create a professional business plan. Its most touted feature is its financial projections template which allows you to simply enter your estimated sales and growth rates, and it automatically calculates your complete five-year financial projections including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Here’s the link to our Ultimate Business Plan Template.

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Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.  

Click here to see how a Growthink business plan writer can create your business plan for you.

Other Helpful Business Plan Articles & Templates

Digital vs. Offset Printing: A Comprehensive Guide for Businesses

In the realm of business communication and marketing, the power of printed materials remains undiminished in the digital age. From brochures and business cards to banners and direct mail, the tactile experience of high-quality print can significantly impact a brand’s perception and its ability to connect with its audience. The strategic use of printing can elevate a company’s marketing strategy, reinforcing brand identity and ensuring that key messages resonate with the target market.

For a deeper understanding of the pivotal role printing plays in business communication and marketing, exploring foundational insights can set the stage for why making informed printing choices is crucial for success.At the heart of the printing industry lie two dominant techniques: digital and offset printing. Each method offers unique advantages and caters to different business needs, from short-run, personalized campaigns to large-scale, high-quality productions. Digital printing shines with its quick turnaround and customization capabilities, making it ideal for time-sensitive projects and personalized marketing efforts. On the other hand, offset printing is celebrated for its unparalleled quality and cost-effectiveness at high volumes, preferred for projects where visual impact and budget efficiency are paramount.

This guide is designed to demystify these two prevalent printing techniques for business owners, marketing professionals, and anyone involved in making printing decisions for their organization. We will delve into the basics of digital and offset printing, compare their advantages and disadvantages, and discuss cost considerations, quality factors, and suitable use cases. By understanding the nuances of each method, you can make informed choices that align with your business goals, quality requirements, and budget constraints. Whether you’re a seasoned marketing professional or a small business owner exploring printing options for the first time, this comprehensive guide aims to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate the complex world of printing for business success.

For newcomers to the printing industry or those looking to brush up on their knowledge, a basic guide to printing techniques provides a valuable primer on the various methods available, helping you to understand the broader landscape before diving into the specifics of digital and offset printing.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how digital and offset printing can serve your business’s unique needs, ensuring that your printed materials not only look exceptional but also contribute effectively to your marketing and communication strategies. To determine which printing method best suits your project, get a quote from us today.

Understanding the Basics

In the ever-evolving landscape of commercial printing, two technologies stand out for their widespread use and distinct advantages: digital and offset printing. Each method brings its own set of strengths to the table, catering to various needs across the spectrum of print media. This section aims to demystify these foundational printing techniques, providing a clear understanding of their processes, equipment, and the scenarios in which they excel.

What is Digital Printing?

Digital printing is a modern printing technique that involves the direct transfer of digital images to a variety of media. It bypasses the traditional method of using printing plates, instead utilizing advanced digital files to guide the distribution of ink or toner. The heart of digital printing technology lies in its flexibility and efficiency, making it ideal for high-quality, short-run prints with a quick turnaround.

The Process and Equipment Used in Digital Printing

The digital printing process starts with a digital file, such as a PDF or JPEG, which is sent directly to the printer. This method employs either inkjet or laser printers that precisely apply ink or toner onto the paper or substrate. Inkjet printers work by propelling droplets of ink onto the surface to create the image, while laser printers use a laser beam to form a pattern on a drum, which is then coated with toner and transferred onto the print material.

Digital printing shines in its ability to produce variable data printing (VDP), where elements such as text and graphics can be changed from one printed piece to the next without stopping or slowing down the printing process. This makes digital printing a powerhouse for personalized marketing campaigns, custom direct mail pieces, and any project requiring customization at scale.

For those interested in exploring the technological advancements and deeper intricacies of digital printing, Digital Printing Technology at Disc Pro Graphics offers a comprehensive look into how this method can serve your business needs.

What is Offset Printing?

Offset printing, also known as offset lithography, is a traditional form of printing that has set the standard in high-volume commercial printing. Renowned for its exceptional quality and cost-effectiveness at scale, offset printing involves transferring an inked image from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then onto the printing surface.

The Mechanics of the Offset Printing Process

The offset process begins with the creation of a plate, which is usually made of aluminum. This plate is coated with a photosensitive material that is exposed to a laser, etching the image to be printed. The plate is then mounted on the press, and water and ink are applied. The oil-based ink adheres to the image area, while the water coats the non-image areas, preventing ink from depositing there.

The inked image is first transferred (or “offset”) to a rubber blanket and then pressed onto the paper or printing surface, producing a crisp, clean print.

Offset printing is particularly advantageous for large runs due to its high-quality results and efficiency in mass production. The initial setup for offset printing can be time-consuming and costly, making it less suitable for small quantities. However, for large quantities, the per-unit cost decreases significantly, making it an excellent choice for newspapers, magazines, brochures, and books.

For a deeper dive into the benefits and detailed mechanics behind offset printing, consider exploring Offset Printing Benefits at Disc Pro Graphics , which outlines how this time-tested method continues to play a crucial role in the printing industry.

Through understanding the basics of digital and offset printing, businesses can make informed decisions on which printing method best suits their project’s needs, balancing factors such as quality, quantity, customization, and cost.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of digital printing.

Digital printing offers several compelling advantages for businesses and individuals alike, particularly when it comes to producing smaller quantities of print materials. Its cost-effectiveness for short runs is unmatched, as it eliminates the need for printing plates, thereby reducing setup costs and waste. Quick turnaround times are another hallmark of digital printing, making it ideal for projects with tight deadlines. Moreover, digital printing stands out for its customization and variable data printing capabilities , allowing for personalization of each piece in a print run without slowing down the process.

For a more detailed discussion on the advantages of digital printing, explore Digital Printing Benefits at Disc Pro Graphics .

Disadvantages of Digital Printing

Despite its advantages, digital printing does have its limitations. It generally offers less versatility in terms of materials and size compared to offset printing, which can be a drawback for certain projects. Additionally, while digital printing provides high-quality outputs, it may deliver lower quality for large volume runs when compared to the superior quality achievable with offset printing.

For more insights into the limitations of digital printing, including material and size restrictions, and quality considerations for large volume runs, further information can be found within the comprehensive resources at Disc Pro Graphics.

Advantages of Offset Printing

Offset printing is renowned for its superior quality for large volume runs , making it the preferred choice for many high-end print projects. It also becomes more cost-effective for high quantity orders , thanks to economies of scale. Furthermore, offset printing offers great versatility in terms of printing surfaces and inks , accommodating a wide range of materials and achieving exceptional color fidelity and detail.

Dive deeper into the benefits of offset printing by visiting Offset Printing Benefits at Disc Pro Graphics .

Disadvantages of Offset Printing

However, offset printing is not without its drawbacks. The method incurs higher initial setup costs due to the need for creating plates and preparing the press, making it less economical for small runs. Additionally, the process has a longer turnaround time compared to digital printing, primarily because of the setup involved and the need for inks to dry. This makes it less suitable for projects requiring a quick delivery.

For a detailed exploration of the challenges and costs associated with offset printing, including its inefficiencies with small runs, Disc Pro Graphics offers resources and insights to help you understand these aspects better.

Comparing Costs

Understanding the cost implications of digital versus offset printing is crucial for businesses to make informed decisions that align with their budget and project requirements. This section provides a cost analysis for both digital and offset printing, highlighting the scenarios in which each method proves to be more cost-effective.

Cost Analysis for Digital Printing

Digital printing is often lauded for its cost efficiency, particularly for short runs. This is primarily because digital printing does not require the creation of plates, significantly reducing upfront setup costs. The cost factors in digital printing include the price of ink or toner, the type of paper or substrate used, and the amount of energy consumed by the digital printers. Since digital files can be sent directly to the printer, there are fewer labor costs involved, further contributing to its cost-effectiveness.

When Digital Printing is More Cost-Effective: Digital printing is most economical for small to medium-sized print runs where the high setup costs of offset printing cannot be justified. It is also cost-effective for projects requiring high levels of customization, such as personalized marketing materials, where the ability to change details from one piece to the next without additional costs is a significant advantage.

Cost Analysis for Offset Printing

Offset printing, while involving higher initial setup costs due to the creation of plates and longer setup times, becomes increasingly cost-effective at higher volumes. The cost factors in offset printing include the cost of producing plates, the ink used, the type of paper, and the setup labor. However, once the setup is complete, offset printing allows for large quantities to be produced at a rapid rate, significantly reducing the cost per unit.

Economies of Scale in Offset Printing: The true advantage of offset printing lies in its economies of scale. As the quantity of prints increases, the amortized setup costs decrease on a per-unit basis, making large print runs much more economical compared to digital printing. This makes offset printing the preferred choice for large-scale projects such as magazines, catalogs, and large orders of brochures or business cards.

For a comprehensive cost analysis comparison between digital and offset printing, and to understand when each printing method is more cost-effective, refer to the detailed guide provided by Disc Pro Graphics: Is Offset Printing Better Than Digital Printing? .

Quality Considerations

Quality in digital printing.

Digital printing has made significant strides in quality, approaching the high standards set by offset printing. The latest digital printers offer excellent color accuracy and clarity, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. High-resolution digital presses can produce images with sharp detail and rich colors, making them a viable option for quality-sensitive projects. Moreover, digital printing’s consistency from the first print to the last ensures uniformity in quality across a print run.

Technological advancements in digital printing, such as improved inks and toner formulations, have enhanced the vibrancy and durability of prints. The development of sophisticated color management software has also allowed for better matching of colors to original designs, reducing discrepancies and ensuring that the final product meets the expected quality standards.

Quality in Offset Printing

Offset printing is often regarded as the gold standard in print quality, particularly for high-volume productions. It excels in producing crisp, clean images and text, with superior color fidelity and detail. The ability to use a wide range of inks and finishes, including metallics, varnishes, and Pantone colors, further enhances the visual appeal of offset-printed materials.

The comparison of visual results between digital and offset printing reveals that offset still holds an edge in terms of depth and richness of color, especially for large areas of solid color and subtle color gradients. The layering of inks in offset printing creates a more dynamic range of shades and tones, providing a depth that is hard to replicate with digital methods.

Use Cases and Suitability

Ideal use cases for digital printing.

Digital printing is ideally suited for short-run books, customized direct mail campaigns, business cards, flyers, and promotional items where personalization and time-sensitivity are key. It’s perfect for on-demand printing, allowing businesses to print only what they need, reducing waste and storage costs. Digital printing also excels in projects requiring variable data printing, such as personalized marketing materials with different names, addresses, or tailored messages.

Ideal Use Cases for Offset Printing

Offset printing is the preferred method for producing large volumes of high-quality printed materials, such as newspapers, magazines, annual reports, catalogs, and large-scale marketing materials. It’s also ideal for jobs that require special inks, unique papers, or finishing processes, where its ability to handle a wide range of substrates and special coatings comes into play.

Making the Right Choice for Your Business

Factors to consider.

When selecting a printing method, businesses should consider the volume of the print run, quality requirements, the types of materials to be printed on, and budget constraints. Digital printing is often the best choice for low-volume, high-quality, customized projects, while offset printing is more suited for high-volume, cost-effective, and standard print jobs.

Decision-Making Process

Choosing the right printing method involves assessing the project’s needs, comparing the costs and benefits of digital and offset printing, and considering the desired turnaround time. A step-by-step guide might include defining the project scope, evaluating quality demands, calculating budget limitations, and consulting with printing professionals to determine the most suitable method.

The Future of Printing for Businesses

Technological innovations.

The future of printing technology is promising, with innovations such as digital-to-offset hybrids, and advanced digital printing techniques enhancing capabilities and expanding possibilities. These advancements are set to bridge the gap between digital and offset printing, offering businesses more flexibility and efficiency in their printing operations.

Sustainability Trends

Sustainability is becoming a crucial factor in the printing industry, with both digital and offset methods adapting to environmental demands. This includes the use of eco-friendly inks and materials, recycling programs, and energy-efficient processes. The industry is moving towards more sustainable practices, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental impact and consumer preferences for eco-conscious options.

For businesses looking to make informed printing decisions, Disc Pro Graphics offers expert consultations and a range of printing solutions tailored to meet specific needs. Contact us today to explore how we can help you achieve your printing objectives and elevate your marketing and communication strategies.

For tailored advice and a customized quote that aligns with your specific printing needs and sustainability goals, get a quote from us today. Let Disc Pro Graphics help you navigate the future of printing with our innovative and eco-friendly solutions.

About Disc Pro Graphics : Located in Texas, Disc Pro Graphics is a Houston leader in the B2B commercial printing industry. With years of experience and a commitment to quality, we specialize in a wide range of custom, high-quality printing solutions.

Our expertise extends to booklets, brochures, business forms, banners, direct mail marketing materials, and more. We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the complexities of any project, offering tailored solutions to meet our clients' diverse needs.

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Printing Business

Back to All Business Ideas

How to Start a Printing Business

Written by: Howard Tillerman

Howard Tillerman is the Chief Marketing Officer for Step By Step Business and an award-winning marketing professional.

Edited by: David Lepeska

David has been writing and learning about business, finance and globalization for a quarter-century, starting with a small New York consulting firm in the 1990s.

Published on August 11, 2021 Updated on June 5, 2024

Investment range

$8,100 - $32,200

Revenue potential

$100,000 - $200,000 p.a.

Time to build

Profit potential

$50,000 - $100,000 p.a.

Industry trend

The global printing industry is worth more than $800 billion and presents a wealth of opportunities amid the shift to digital and 3D printing. You could grab a slice of this vast and growing market, but you may have to work hard and acquire the relevant entrepreneurial knowledge first.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place, as this in-depth guide lays out every step you’ll take to develop and launch your own successful printing business.

Let’s dive right in!

Looking to register your business? A limited liability company (LLC) is the best legal structure for new businesses because it is fast and simple.

Form your business immediately using ZenBusiness LLC formation service or hire one of the Best LLC Services .

Step 1: Decide if the Business Is Right for You

The first step is market analysis, to understand what’s happening in the industry and the prospects of building a successful business.

Pros and cons

Before you open a print shop, it’s best to weigh the pros and cons to help you determine if the risk is worth it.

• Highly profitable
• High customer retention rate
• Easy to start; work from home if needed
• Broad and exciting market
• Little experience required
• Cutthroat competition
• High overhead costs

Printing industry trends

The printing industry is seeing a rebirth. For starters, research firm Mordor Intelligence expects the global printing market to see steady annual growth of nearly 2.5% for the next five years.(( https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/commercial-printing-market )) 

That’s nothing compared to the explosive forecast for 3D printing, which is becoming more common in many sectors, including healthcare and manufacturing.

Industry size and growth

• Industry size and past growth – The US printing industry has seen a gradual decline in recent years and is valued at about $79 billion as of 2022, according to market analyst IBISWorld.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/market-size/printing-united-states/ ))  
• Growth forecast – The US digital print market is headed toward impressive annual growth of almost 7% through 2026(( https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/05/10/2226163/0/en/The-digital-printing-market-size-is-expected-to-grow-from-USD-24-8-billion-in-2021-to-USD-34-3-billion-by-2026-at-a-CAGR-of-6-7.html )) while the 3D printing market is seen to grow from $14 billion in 2021 to $51 billion in 2028 — a more than 350% expansion in just seven years.(( https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/3d-printing-industry-analysis ))
• Number of businesses – There are nearly 45,000 printing businesses in the US.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/number-of-businesses/printing-united-states/ ))
• Number of people employed – The industry employs more than 350,000 people.(( https://www.ibisworld.com/industry-statistics/employment/printing-united-states/ ))

Trends and challenges

Trends shaping the printing industry include:

• Growing preference for 3D and digital printing
• Emergence of erasable printing technology, security printing, and cloud printing

Challenges in the printing industry include:

• Declining demand due to adoption of digital technology
• High level of competition

What kind of people work in printing?

• Gender – Around 66% of all printers are male, while 34% are female.(( https://www.zippia.com/printer-jobs/demographics/#gender-statistics ))
• Average level of education – 36% of printers have a high school diploma and 28% hold a bachelor’s degree.(( https://www.zippia.com/printer-jobs/education/ ))
• Average age – The average age of an employed printer is 48 years old.(( https://www.zippia.com/printer-jobs/demographics/#age-statistics ))

How much does it cost to start a printing business?

The cost of starting a printing business depends on location, initial equipment, and upfront supplies.

You should expect to spend at least $40,000 for a barebones operation and up to $400,000 on the higher end. However, most in the printing business spend about $200,000 for a well-rounded print shop.

Signing on with a franchise such as the UPS Store boosts income. But if you’re not getting a franchise, your startup investment as an independent printing business will cover the following:

How much can you earn from a printing business?

Depending on industry segment and size of operation, a printing business tends to generate $100,000 to $200,000 in annual revenue, at a 50% profit margin. After costs, such as design software subscriptions, equipment maintenance, supplies, salaries, rent, and insurance, you’ll have a pre-tax profit of $50,000 to $100,000 per year.

Of course, if you add another printer, move to a larger space, or open a second and third location, you can make significantly more.

What barriers to entry are there?

The biggest barrier to entry in the printing industry is the high level of competition. Printing is a relatively popular market, attracting a lot of entrepreneurs. Your ability to offer competitive pricing and custom print options can help you gain a share of the market.

The high cost of equipment is another barrier. Printing equipment is expensive, and unless you have adequate capital, you’ll have a problem running a well-rounded service or outperforming your competitors.

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Step 2: hone your idea.

The second step to starting a printing business is to get more clarity about what you need to do to achieve success. Here’s what you need to do during this phase:

Market research will give you the upper hand, even if you’re already positive that you have a perfect product or service. Conducting market research is important, because it can help you understand your customers better, who your competitors are, and your business landscape.

Why? Identify an opportunity

Your competition will be other businesses offering the same services in your area. You will also be competing against larger companies with a nationwide presence, such as American Printing.

One of the easiest ways to establish a strong presence quickly in the printing industry is to leverage franchising. Partnering with printing franchises such as The UPS Store can provide your business a steady stream of business cards, brochures, and other marketing materials to boost income.

These materials are an integral part of fostering relationships during seminars, trade shows, and other promotional events.

What? Determine your services

Running a print shop typically involves providing one or more printing services, including screen, offset, 3D printed products , or digital printing. You could also offer a combination of services, such as screen and digital. Most printing businesses offer various specialized services such as T-shirt printing, signage, brochures, magazines, business cards, catalogs, and more.

Knowing which commercial printing service to start will help you determine your target customers, competition, and how to stand out.

• Digital printing involves creating designs on a computer and then printing it on various materials, including paper, canvas, fabric, and more. The leading digital printing technologies include inkjet and laser. Inkjet is commonly used for signages, short print runs, and posters. Laser printers are used for direct mails and brochures.
• Traditional offset printing, also known as lithography, is ideal for high-volume commercial jobs. Ever seen a video of newspapers running through big rollers? That’s offset printing.
• Screen or silk printing involves pressing ink through a stenciled mesh screen to create a printed design. It is popular for T-shirts, mugs, and billboards.
• The newest and fastest growing market segment is 3D printing, which involves the construction of a three-dimensional object from a computer design. This is not your grandfather’s printing method.

With a niche strategy, you can leverage your expertise in a particular area to stand out from your competition.

Think of it as a way to help you focus on printing services that your competitors aren’t offering in your area.

Decide whether you want to provide digital, screen, or offset printing services, or a combination of these services. That way, you won’t have a problem identifying your ideal customers.

While most print shops run from Monday through to Friday, operating hours depend on your current orders, which means you might work on weekends and late hours if you have a deadline to meet.

How much should you charge for printing?

Your pricing structure can make or break your printing business. Here are a few pricing strategies you can use:

Cost + markup pricing

This model involves determining the price by forecasting the cost of printing for a specific project then adding the desired profit markup on top.

Gain market share pricing

This strategy involves setting low prices to gain market share against competitors. The model works well if you’re offering multiple printing services.

For instance, you may lower prices for 3D printing to attract new customers knowing that you’ll later sell these clients more profitable services such as long-run offset printing. Research industry rates to help you determine the best pricing model for your business.

Once you know your costs, you can use this Step By Step profit margin calculator to determine your mark-up and final price points. Remember, the prices you use at launch should be subject to change if warranted by the market.

Who? Identify your target market

You’ve chosen your niche. The next thing you want to do is pinpoint your target customers. Targeting specific groups of potential clients can help reduce your marketing costs and maximize profits.

For instance, if you run a 3D printing business, your target customers would be display companies, ad agencies, marketing firms, and manufacturers. If you’re operating a screen printing business, your customers would include college students and T-shirt design firms.

When you know the printing customers to target, you can easily reach them, not to mention that you’ll be in a better position to provide quality services.

Where will your business be based?

While you can run your printing service from home, you’re better off with a storefront location. Ideally, you’ll want an area that’s visible and accessible.

Even if you don’t plan to attract many walk-in customers, a visible location can help spread the word about your business to local customers. You’ll also need a site that offers quick access to clients picking up their orders and people delivering supplies.

Also, as you evaluate a potential location for your print shop, consider zoning regulations to ensure that your chosen site allows for the legal operation of your business. Lastly, make sure that the cost of renting and running your selected location is within your budget.

You can find commercial space to rent in your area on Craigslist , Crexi , and Commercial Cafe . When choosing a commercial space, you may want to follow these rules of thumb:

• Central location accessible via public transport
• Ventilated and spacious, with good natural light
• Flexible lease that can be extended as your business grows
• Ready-to-use space with no major renovations or repairs needed

Step 3: Brainstorm a Printing Company Name

Here are some ideas for brainstorming your business name:

• Short, unique, and catchy names tend to stand out
• Names that are easy to say and spell tend to do better 
• The name should be relevant to your product or service offerings
• Ask around — family, friends, colleagues, social media — for suggestions
• Including keywords, such as “printers” or “digital printing”, boosts SEO
• Choose a name that allows for expansion: “Inkwell Printing Solutions” over “T-Shirt Printing Hub” or “Business Card Printing Solutions”
• A location-based name can help establish a strong connection with your local community and help with the SEO but might hinder future expansion

Once you’ve got a list of potential names, visit the website of the US Patent and Trademark Office to make sure they are available for registration and check the availability of related domain names using our Domain Name Search tool. Using “.com” or “.org” sharply increases credibility, so it’s best to focus on these. 

Find a Domain

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Finally, make your choice among the names that pass this screening and go ahead with domain registration and social media account creation. Your business name is one of the key differentiators that sets your business apart. Once you pick your company name, and start with the branding, it is hard to change the business name. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider your choice before you start a business entity. 

Step 4: Create a Printing Business Plan

Here are the key components of a business plan:

• Executive Summary: A concise overview of the business plan, summarizing key points and objectives.
• Business Overview: A detailed description of the printing business, including its mission, vision, and core values.
• Product and Services: Clearly outline the printing services offered, such as digital printing, offset printing, and additional services like graphic design.
• Market Analysis: Research and analysis of the printing industry, including target market demographics, trends, and potential opportunities.
• Competitive Analysis: Assessment of competitors in the printing market, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and strategies to gain a competitive edge.
• Sales and Marketing: Strategies for promoting and selling printing services, including pricing, advertising, and sales channels.
• Management Team: Introduction to key members of the management team, highlighting their skills and roles in the business.
• Operations Plan: Details on the day-to-day operations of the printing business, covering production processes, equipment, and workflow.
• Financial Plan: A comprehensive financial forecast, including startup costs, revenue projections, and a break-even analysis.
• Appendix: Supplementary materials, such as resumes, additional market research, or legal documents, supporting the information presented in the business plan.

If you’ve never created a business plan, it can be an intimidating task. You might consider hiring a business plan specialist to create a top-notch business plan for you.

Step 5: Register Your Business

Registering your business is an absolutely crucial step — it’s the prerequisite to paying taxes, raising capital, opening a bank account, and other guideposts on the road to getting a business up and running.

Plus, registration is exciting because it makes the entire process official. Once it’s complete, you’ll have your own business! 

Choose where to register your company

Your business location is important because it can affect taxes, legal requirements, and revenue. Most people will register their business in the state where they live, but if you are planning to expand, you might consider looking elsewhere, as some states could offer real advantages when it comes to printing. 

If you’re willing to move, you could really maximize your business! Keep in mind, it’s relatively easy to transfer your business to another state. 

Choose your business structure

Business entities come in several varieties, each with its pros and cons. The legal structure you choose for your printing business will shape your taxes, personal liability, and business registration requirements, so choose wisely. 

Here are the main options:

• Sole Proprietorship – The most common structure for small businesses makes no legal distinction between company and owner. All income goes to the owner, who’s also liable for any debts, losses, or liabilities incurred by the business. The owner pays taxes on business income on his or her personal tax return.
• General Partnership – Similar to a sole proprietorship, but for two or more people. Again, owners keep the profits and are liable for losses. The partners pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.
• Limited Liability Company (LLC) – Combines the characteristics of corporations with those of sole proprietorships or partnerships. Again, the owners are not personally liable for debts.
• C Corp – Under this structure, the business is a distinct legal entity and the owner or owners are not personally liable for its debts. Owners take profits through shareholder dividends, rather than directly. The corporation pays taxes, and owners pay taxes on their dividends, which is sometimes referred to as double taxation.
• S Corp – An S-Corporation refers to the tax classification of the business but is not a business entity. An S-Corp can be either a corporation or an LLC , which just needs to elect to be an S-Corp for tax status. In an S-Corp, income is passed through directly to shareholders, who pay taxes on their share of business income on their personal tax returns.

We recommend that new business owners choose LLC as it offers liability protection and pass-through taxation while being simpler to form than a corporation. You can form an LLC in as little as five minutes using an online LLC formation service. They will check that your business name is available before filing, submit your articles of organization , and answer any questions you might have.

Form Your LLC

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We recommend ZenBusiness as the Best LLC Service for 2024

Step 6: Register for Taxes

The final step before you’re able to pay taxes is getting an Employer Identification Number , or EIN. You can file for your EIN online or by mail or fax: visit the IRS website to learn more. Keep in mind, if you’ve chosen to be a sole proprietorship you can simply use your social security number as your EIN. 

Once you have your EIN, you’ll need to choose your tax year. Financially speaking, your business will operate in a calendar year (January–December) or a fiscal year, a 12-month period that can start in any month. This will determine your tax cycle, while your business structure will determine which taxes you’ll pay.

The IRS website also offers a tax-payers checklist , and taxes can be filed online.

It is important to consult an accountant or other professional to help you with your taxes to ensure you are completing them correctly.

Step 7: Fund your Business

Securing financing is your next step and there are plenty of ways to raise capital:

• Bank loans : This is the most common method, but getting approved requires a rock-solid business plan and strong credit history.
• SBA-guaranteed loans : The Small Business Administration can act as guarantor, helping gain that elusive bank approval via an SBA-guaranteed loan .
• Government grants : A handful of financial assistance programs help fund entrepreneurs. Visit Grants.gov to learn which might work for you.
• Venture capital : Offer potential investors an ownership stake in exchange for funds, keeping in mind that you would be sacrificing some control over your business.
• Friends and Family: Reach out to friends and family to provide a business loan or investment in your concept. It’s a good idea to have legal advice when doing so because SEC regulations apply.
• Crowdfunding: Websites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo offer an increasingly popular low-risk option, in which donors fund your vision. Entrepreneurial crowdfunding sites like Fundable and WeFunder enable multiple investors to fund your business.
• Personal: Self-fund your business via your savings or the sale of property or other assets.

Bank and SBA loans are probably the best option, other than friends and family, for funding a printing business. You might also try crowdfunding if you have an innovative concept.

Step 8: Apply for Printing Business Licenses and Permits

Starting a printing business requires obtaining a number of licenses and permits from local, state, and federal governments.

Federal regulations, licenses, and permits associated with starting your business include doing business as (DBA), health licenses and permits from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual properties, as well as industry-specific licenses and permits. 

You may also need state-level and local county or city-based licenses and permits. The license requirements and how to obtain them vary, so check the websites of your state, city, and county governments or contact the appropriate person to learn more. 

You could also check this SBA guide for your state’s requirements, but we recommend using MyCorporation’s Business License Compliance Package . They will research the exact forms you need for your business and state and provide them to ensure you’re fully compliant.

This is not a step to be taken lightly, as failing to comply with legal requirements can result in hefty penalties.

If you feel overwhelmed by this step or don’t know how to begin, it might be a good idea to hire a professional to help you check all the legal boxes.

Step 9: Open a Business Bank Account

Before you start making money you’ll need a place to keep it, and that requires opening a bank account .

Keeping your business finances separate from your personal account makes it easy to file taxes and track your company’s income, so it’s worth doing even if you’re running your printing business as a sole proprietorship. Opening a business bank account is quite simple, and similar to opening a personal one. Most major banks offer accounts tailored for businesses — just inquire at your preferred bank to learn about their rates and features.

Banks vary in terms of offerings, so it’s a good idea to examine your options and select the best plan for you. Once you choose your bank, bring in your EIN (or Social Security Number if you decide on a sole proprietorship), articles of incorporation, and other legal documents and open your new account. 

Step 10: Get Business Insurance

Business insurance is an area that often gets overlooked yet it can be vital to your success as an entrepreneur. Insurance protects you from unexpected events that can have a devastating impact on your business.

Here are some types of insurance to consider:

• General liability: The most comprehensive type of insurance, acting as a catch-all for many business elements that require coverage. If you get just one kind of insurance, this is it. It even protects against bodily injury and property damage.
• Business Property: Provides coverage for your equipment and supplies.
• Equipment Breakdown Insurance: Covers the cost of replacing or repairing equipment that has broken due to mechanical issues.
• Worker’s compensation: Provides compensation to employees injured on the job.
• Property: Covers your physical space, whether it is a cart, storefront, or office.
• Commercial auto: Protection for your company-owned vehicle.
• Professional liability: Protects against claims from a client who says they suffered a loss due to an error or omission in your work.
• Business owner’s policy (BOP): This is an insurance plan that acts as an all-in-one insurance policy, a combination of any of the above insurance types.

Step 11: Prepare to Launch

As opening day nears, prepare for launch by reviewing and improving some key elements of your business. 

Essential software and tools

Being an entrepreneur often means wearing many hats, from marketing to sales to accounting, which can be overwhelming. Fortunately, many websites and digital tools are available to help simplify many business tasks.  

You can use design software such as The Print Shop , Canva , and Printavo , to create professional print layouts, adding flair to your projects.

• Popular web-based accounting programs for smaller businesses include Quickbooks , Freshbooks , and Xero . 
• If you’re unfamiliar with basic accounting, you may want to hire a professional, especially as you begin. The consequences for filing incorrect tax documents can be harsh, so accuracy is crucial. 

Develop your website

Website development is crucial because your site is your online presence and needs to convince prospective clients of your expertise and professionalism.

You can create your own website using services like WordPress, Wix, or Squarespace . This route is very affordable, but figuring out how to build a website can be time-consuming. If you lack tech-savvy, you can hire a web designer or developer to create a custom website for your business.

They are unlikely to find your website, however, unless you follow Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) practices. These are steps that help pages rank higher in the results of top search engines like Google. 

Here are some powerful marketing strategies for your future business:

• Local Partnerships: Forge partnerships with local businesses, such as event planners, schools, and restaurants, to offer exclusive printing services, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
• Sample Kits: Develop eye-catching sample kits showcasing your printing capabilities and distribute them to potential clients, leaving a lasting impression and tangible evidence of your quality.
• Social Media Engagement: Leverage social media platforms by regularly sharing visually appealing content, highlighting your printing projects, and engaging with your audience through contests or polls to build a strong online presence.
• Referral Programs: Implement a referral program where existing clients receive discounts or perks for referring new business, turning satisfied customers into advocates for your printing services.
• Specialized Packages: Create specialized printing packages for occasions like weddings, corporate events, or product launches, demonstrating your ability to tailor services to specific needs.
• Community Events Sponsorship: Sponsor local events or community gatherings to increase brand visibility, and consider providing on-site printing services to showcase your capabilities directly to potential customers.
• Interactive Workshops: Host workshops or seminars on printing techniques, design trends, or DIY printing projects, positioning your business as an authority in the field and attracting a diverse audience.
• Customer Loyalty Programs: Develop loyalty programs offering discounts or exclusive deals for repeat customers, fostering long-term relationships and incentivizing clients to choose your printing services consistently.
• Targeted Direct Mail Campaigns: Design and execute targeted direct mail campaigns to specific industries or demographics, showcasing how your printing services can meet their unique needs.
• Testimonials and Case Studies: Collect and showcase client testimonials and case studies that emphasize successful collaborations, building trust and credibility with potential customers.

Focus on USPs

Unique selling propositions, or USPs, are the characteristics of a product or service that sets it apart from the competition. Customers today are inundated with buying options, so you’ll have a real advantage if they are able to quickly grasp how your printing meets their needs or wishes. It’s wise to do all you can to ensure your USPs stand out on your website and in your marketing and promotional materials, stimulating buyer desire. 

Global pizza chain Domino’s is renowned for its USP: “Hot pizza in 30 minutes or less, guaranteed.” Signature USPs for your printing business could be:

• Fastest printing service in town!
• If you can design it, we can print it
• No job is too small, or too big

You may not like to network or use personal connections for business gain. But your personal and professional networks likely offer considerable untapped business potential. Maybe that Facebook friend you met in college is now running a print shop, or a LinkedIn contact of yours is connected to dozens of potential clients. Maybe your cousin or neighbor has been working in printing for years and can offer invaluable insight and industry connections. 

The possibilities are endless, so it’s a good idea to review your personal and professional networks and reach out to those with possible links to or interest in printing. You’ll probably generate new customers or find companies with which you could establish a partnership. Online businesses might also consider affiliate marketing as a way to build relationships with potential partners and boost business.

Step 12: Build Your Team

If you’re starting out small from home, you may not need any employees. But as your business grows, you will likely need workers to fill various roles. Potential positions for a printing business would include:

• Designers and Printers
• General Manager
• Marketing Lead

At some point, you may need to hire all of these positions or simply a few, depending on the size and needs of your business. You might also hire multiple workers for a single role or a single worker for multiple roles, again depending on need. 

Free-of-charge methods to recruit employees include posting ads on popular platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, or Jobs.com. You might also consider a premium recruitment option, such as advertising on Indeed , Glassdoor , or ZipRecruiter . Further, if you have the resources, you could consider hiring a recruitment agency to help you find talent. 

Step 13: Run a Printing Business – Start Making Money!

In the near future, 3D printing and digital printing will likely come to dominate the market. Other trends to look out for include erasable printing technology, security printing, and cloud printing. A smart entrepreneur would get in now while the market is still taking shape.

You’re now ready to start printing and making money! Thought you might want to bookmark this page, just in case.

• Printing Business FAQs

Yes, you can. However, you’ll need to partner with the right people and stores. Also, you must have a well-thought-out marketing plan and, of course, sell high-demand products. One of the critical determinants of how much money you can make with a print-on-demand business is the quality of your designs – so create high-quality designs to attract customers.

The amount of revenue you can generate with a t-shirt business depends on several factors, such as your customer base and location. You can make about $573 with an average order of 72 custom t-shirts which takes one hour to print. Wages and materials cost about $169, leaving you with a profit of $304.

Yes, it is. Even so, revenue may vary depending on your target market and location. Industry insiders say the prospects look good since 3D printing is still at its infant stage. The trick is to invest in the right equipment to produce work that customers can buy at a premium price.

Printing companies can acquire clients through networking, referrals, online presence, direct marketing, local partnerships, and participating in industry events.

Digital prints can be profitable due to cost efficiency, quick turnaround times, and the ability to offer customized prints, but profitability may vary.

To make a printing business successful, focus on high-quality products/services, excellent customer service, strong branding and marketing, staying updated with industry trends, building relationships, expanding service offerings, efficient operations, and continuous improvement.

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• Decide if the Business Is Right for You
• Hone Your Idea
• Brainstorm a Printing Company Name
• Create a Printing Business Plan
• Register Your Business
• Register for Taxes
• Fund your Business
• Apply for Printing Business Licenses and Permits
• Open a Business Bank Account
• Get Business Insurance
• Prepare to Launch
• Build Your Team
• Run a Printing Business - Start Making Money!

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Executive Summary of a Printing Business: Template & Example

• February 29, 2024
• Business Plan , Executive Summary

A printing business plan needs a straightforward executive summary . This part of your plan is the first thing investors and partners see, and it should clearly outline what your printing business is all about. It’s where you explain what makes your printing business different and worth investing in.

We recommend using a two-slide PowerPoint format for this summary. The first slide should cover the basics of your business and the market you’re entering. Here, you detail your printing business’s offerings, location, and what sets you apart from others. The second slide focuses on your management team and your financial plans, highlighting the people behind the business and how you expect the printing business to grow financially.

This simple, two-slide approach ensures that your executive summary is easy to follow and covers all the essential points about your printing business.

Printing Company Business Plan

Fully editable 30+ slides Powerpoint presentation business plan template.

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Printing Business Executive Summary: Page 1

Business Overview

In your executive summary’s business overview , provide clear and concise information about your printing business. This includes the name of your company, the location of your facility, the technology you use, and a brief overview of your operations.

Detailing these aspects not only introduces your business but also sets the stage for showcasing its unique attributes. Your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) should be highlighted here, whether it’s your cutting-edge printing technology, wide range of services, or commitment to sustainability. Your USP is what captures the attention of your audience and showcases the unique value your business brings to the commercial printing industry.

Example: “Print Innovations Ltd.,” located in the heart of Silicon Valley, operates a 10,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art printing facility equipped with advanced digital and offset printers and finishing equipment. Our USP lies in our ability to provide rapid, high-quality printing solutions, from small customized orders to large-scale commercial projects, all while adhering to eco-friendly practices.

Market Overview

The market overview should provide a snapshot of the commercial printing industry’s size, growth trends, and key dynamics. Using data such as market value and growth rates can help paint a picture of the industry landscape. Discussing trends like the shift towards digital printing and sustainable practices can offer insights into the industry’s future and your company’s role within it.

The competitive landscape is also critical. This part should identify your main competitors and explain how your service distinguishes itself, whether through innovative solutions, superior quality, customer service, or environmental initiatives.

Example: Print Innovations is part of the $162 billion U.S. commercial printing industry, expected to grow at a 2.8% CAGR through 2030. Despite stiff competition, our company sets itself apart with its emphasis on digital innovation and sustainability, offering environmentally friendly printing options that appeal to a growing segment of eco-conscious customers.

Printing Business Executive Summary: Page 2

Management Team

The expertise and background of your management team are significant assets to your business. Highlight the key qualifications and experiences of your team members, emphasizing the industry knowledge and leadership driving your business.

Example: Led by co-founders Alex Johnson and Taylor Smith, Print Innovations benefits from a blend of entrepreneurial spirit and industry expertise. Alex, with over 15 years in digital printing technology, and Taylor, an expert in sustainable business practices, combine their strengths to position Print Innovations as a leader in innovative and eco-friendly printing solutions.

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should succinctly summarize your financial objectives and projections, including revenue targets and profit margins, to provide a clear picture of your printing business’s financial future.

Example: Print Innovations aims to achieve $2 million in annual revenue by 2028, targeting a 16% EBITDA margin. Our financial strategy focuses on expanding our service offerings and leveraging the latest printing technologies to increase efficiency and reduce costs, positioning us for sustained growth and profitability in the competitive printing industry.

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9 Tips on How to Start an Offset Lithography Printing Business

Starting an offset lithography printing business can be an exciting and rewarding venture for individuals passionate about the printing industry. Offset lithography is a widely used printing method known for its exceptional print quality, colour accuracy, and versatility. Whether you plan to offer commercial printing services, produce marketing materials, or cater to specific industries such as publishing or packaging, embarking on this journey requires careful planning, knowledge of the industry, and the right set of equipment.

In this article, we will explore the key considerations, steps, and resources necessary to start an offset lithography printing business successfully. From understanding the printing process and selecting the right equipment to establish a client base and implementing effective business strategies, this guide will provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the essential information to embark on a successful offset lithography printing business.

A comprehensive guide to starting an offset lithography printing business is crucial for entrepreneurs entering the industry. It provides valuable insights into equipment selection, production workflows, business considerations, and industry best practices. Having step-by-step instructions helps entrepreneurs make informed decisions about machinery, understand the printing process, and develop a solid business plan. It also provides tips and strategies from experienced professionals, enabling new business owners to navigate the complexities of the industry, avoid common pitfalls, and increase their chances of building a successful offset lithography printing business.

What is an Offset Lithography Printing

Offset lithography printing is a widely used and highly versatile printing method that has revolutionized the world of commercial printing. Similar to some other types of printing process , it involves the transfer of ink from a printing plate to a rubber blanket, and then onto the desired printing surface, typically paper. The term “offset” refers to the indirect nature of the ink transfer, where the image is first transferred to an intermediary surface before being applied to the final material.

This technique offers exceptional print quality, colour accuracy, and the ability to produce high volumes of printed materials quickly. Offset lithography printing has become the go-to choice for a wide range of applications, including brochures, magazines, books, packaging, and many other printed materials. Its widespread use is a testament to its efficiency, versatility, and ability to deliver consistent and professional results.

Steps to Start an Offset Lithography Printing Business

Starting an offset lithography printing business requires careful planning and execution. Here are the key steps to guide you through the process:

• Conduct Market Research : Identify your target market, analyze competitors, and understand the printing needs of potential customers. This research will help you determine your niche, pricing strategies, and marketing approaches.
• Develop a Business Plan : Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your goals, target market, services offered, pricing structure, marketing strategies, and financial projections. A solid business plan will serve as a roadmap for your business and help secure financing if needed.
• Acquire Equipment : Invest in high-quality offset lithography printing equipment that suits your business requirements. Consider factors such as print volume, color capabilities, sheet size, and automation features. Purchase from reputable suppliers like PRINTFINISH and ensure proper installation and training.
• Set Up the Production Workflow : Establish efficient processes for prepress, press operations, and post-press finishing. This includes file preparation, color management, plate-making, ink mixing, printing setup, and quality control measures.
• Hire and Train Staff : Recruit skilled professionals who have experience in offset lithography printing. Provide them with thorough training on equipment operation, printing techniques, safety protocols, and quality control procedures.
• Establish Supplier Relationships : Identify reliable suppliers for printing materials , inks, plates, and other consumables. Build strong relationships to ensure timely delivery, competitive pricing, and access to the latest industry innovations.
• Develop a Marketing Strategy : Create a marketing plan to promote your offset lithography printing business. Utilize various channels such as online platforms, print advertising, networking events, and direct outreach to reach potential clients. Showcase your expertise, quality, and unique offerings.
• Provide Exceptional Customer Service : Focus on delivering outstanding customer service to build long-term relationships and secure repeat business. Communicate effectively, meet deadlines, and exceed customer expectations in terms of quality, customization, and timely delivery.
• Monitor and Adapt : Continuously monitor your operations, track key performance indicators, and seek feedback from customers. Identify areas for improvement and adapt your strategies to stay competitive in the evolving printing industry.

By following these steps and maintaining a commitment to excellence, you can successfully start and grow an offset lithography printing business. Remember to stay updated on industry trends, invest in ongoing training and equipment upgrades, and nurture relationships with clients and suppliers for long-term success.

If you’re ready to start your offset lithography printing business and need guidance on selecting the best equipment, we’re here to help. Our team of experts specializes in providing tailored solutions for printing businesses like yours. Whether you’re looking for high-quality offset lithography printing presses, plate-making systems, or colour management tools, we have the knowledge and resources to assist you. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements, and let us guide you towards the best equipment that will set your offset lithography printing business on the path to success. Your journey to becoming a trusted provider of exceptional printed materials starts here.

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Offset Printing Business: A Beginner’s Guide to Launching Your Business

• Explore Ideas

Businesses widely utilize offset printing for creating high-quality prints, including brochures, business cards, flyers, and more, due to its popularity.The printing industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the demand for high-quality printed materials across various sectors. The main reason for this is the increasing use of packaging, labelling and print media for various products.  And, offset printing, known for its cost-effectiveness and ability to produce large volumes, has become the preferred choice for many businesses. By starting an offset printing business, you can tap into this growing market and provide printing solutions to clients in different industries. So, if you are looking to business into the printing industry and start your own business? If so, offset printing is a lucrative option to consider. In this article, we will guide you on how to start an offset printing business.

Table of Contents

Market Scope of Offset Printing Business

The market scope of the offset printing business remains robust, offering a diverse array of opportunities across various sectors. Despite the digital revolution, offset printing continues to thrive due to its cost-effectiveness for large-volume production and its ability to maintain high-quality results. In 2022, the global offset printing press market valued at USD 2,684 million and is projected to reach USD 3,595.8 million by 2031, experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.3%.

In industries such as publishing, advertising, packaging, and commercial printing, offset printing remains a preferred choice for its versatility and ability to handle a wide range of materials. Additionally, local businesses, schools, non-profits, and event organizers can As businesses continue to seek professional printing services, entering the offset printing market presents ample opportunities for growth and sustainability.

Investment Required for Offset Printing

Before starting an offset printing business, it is essential to assess the required investment. The initial investment primarily includes the cost of machinery, space rental or purchase, raw materials, licenses, and marketing expenses. Generally, a modest setup with essential machinery and workspace might necessitate an initial investment ranging from INR 5 lakhs to INR 15 lakhs. The amount of investment can vary depending on the scale of your operations and the quality of equipment you choose to purchase. So, It is crucial to conduct thorough market research and prepare a detailed business plan to estimate the investment required accurately.

Space Requirements for Business

To set up an offset printing business, you will need a dedicated space that accommodates your offset printing machines, cutting and binding equipment, storage for paper and supplies, as well as office space for administrative tasks. The space requirement will depend on the location, size and quantity of machines you plan to install. Typically, starting an offset printing business requires a modest amount of space, typically ranging from 200 to 1000 square feet for a small to medium-sized operation. Additionally, you will need storage space for raw materials and finished products. And, it is advisable to lease or purchase a location that is easily accessible for clients and has sufficient parking facilities.

Licenses and Permits for Business

To operate an offset printing business in India, zoning permits may be required based on the location of the business. The specific licenses required may vary depending on your location, but generally, you will need to register your business, obtain a GST (Goods and Services Tax) registration, and environmental clearances may be necessary depending on the scale of operations and the use of chemicals. And, depending on the location, a trade license from the local municipal authority is also required.  So, it is essential to consult with a local business advisor or visit the relevant government department to understand the specific licensing requirements for your area.

Raw Materials for Offset Printing

To start an offset printing business, you’ll need various raw materials including paper, ink, plates, chemicals for plate processing, and packaging materials. Paper is a primary requirement, available from wholesalers or directly from paper mills. Ink can be sourced from specialized suppliers or directly from manufacturers. Plates for printing are typically aluminium-based and can be obtained from printing plate suppliers. Chemicals for plates are available from chemical suppliers. Additionally, packaging materials can be sourced from packaging wholesalers. Alternatively, you can buy all these materials online from websites like Indiamart and Alibaba . , It is advisable to purchase raw materials in bulk to reduce costs and ensure a steady supply.

Required Machines for Offset Printing

To start an offset printing business in India, several essential machines are required. These include a printing press capable of offset lithography, pre-press equipment such as computer-to-plate (CTP) systems for transferring digital designs onto printing plates, plate-making machinery, a colour management system for accurate colour reproduction, and finishing equipment like cutting and binding machines. Additionally, peripherals such as computers, design software, and quality control tools are essential. These machines can be obtained from specialized suppliers and manufacturers catering to the printing industry.  Or you can be found through online sites like IndiaMART, Exportersindia and Alibaba websites. So, research reputable manufacturers and suppliers to find the machines that best suit your business requirements and budget.

Offset Printing Process

Offset printing is a sophisticated printing technique widely used for high-volume commercial printing. The process begins with creating a digital file containing the desired design or content. Next, the digital file is transferred to the printing press, where it is processed by specialized software. The press then uses electrostatic charges to transfer the ink onto a rubber blanket, which in turn transfers the ink onto the printing surface, typically paper. This indirect transfer process ensures precise and consistent printing results. Finally, the printed materials are dried using heat or air, resulting in vibrant and sharp images. Digital offset printing is renowned for its speed, versatility, and ability to produce large volumes of prints with minimal setup time.

Marketing Tips for Offset Printing Business

Now the next step to make this business successful is marketing. The entrepreneur can try different marketing methods to reach more people and get more customers. Firstly, it’s crucial to identify your target audience, which could include businesses, publishers, and individuals requiring high-quality printing services. Utilize online platforms like social media and create a professional website to showcase your services and portfolio. Networking with local businesses, attending industry events, offering promotional deals and distributing flyers or brochures in local business districts can also help in gaining visibility. Additionally, collaborating with graphic designers or advertising agencies can expand your reach. Apart from this, it is also important for the entrepreneur to know his competitors in that particular area.

Profit Margin from Business

The profitability of an Offset Printing Business can vary significantly based on various factors such as market demand, competition, operational efficiency, and cost management. Generally, a well-managed offset printing business can yield a substantial profit margin ranging from 30% to 50% on generated revenue. Therefore, your total monthly profit is subject to the amount of business you conduct within that specific month. If you have a substantial amount of business in a month, you can earn up to RS 50,000 per month after deducting all expenses.  However, success in this industry requires strategic pricing, efficient production processes, investment in quality equipment, and staying updated with technological advancements to maintain competitiveness and maximize profitability.

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How to Start a Printing Business: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Disclosure: Small Business Philippines strives to provide relevant and accurate information in all its articles. However, some information in our articles may differ or might be outdated from what you can see or read directly from the establishments’ or businesses’ websites. Please get in touch with us directly for any discrepancies.

A printing business refers to a commercial venture that offers various printing services, such as digital printing, offset printing, and large-format printing, to individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Why Start a Printing Business?

When to start a printing business, where to start a printing business, step 1: define your niche, step 2: develop a business plan, step 3: secure funding, step 4: register your business, step 5: acquire equipment and materials, step 6: build a skilled team, step 7: develop marketing strategies, 1. implementing efficient workflow systems, 2. embracing digital printing technologies, key takeaways.

Embarking on the journey of starting your own printing business in the Philippines can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. In this guide, I will walk you through the essential steps and provide you with valuable insights to help you establish a successful printing business.

Starting a printing business requires careful consideration of various factors. Assess the current market demand for printing services, economic conditions, and your personal readiness to take on the responsibilities of entrepreneurship. This section will guide you in making an informed decision on the ideal timing to launch your printing business .

Selecting a strategic location for your printing business is crucial for attracting customers and ensuring operational efficiency. Discover key considerations, such as proximity to target customers, accessibility, and local regulations, to help you find the perfect location for your printing business.

How to Start a Printing Business in 7 Easy Steps

Identifying your target market and determining the specific printing services you will offer are essential steps in establishing a successful printing business. Learn how to conduct market research, analyze competitors, and carve out your niche in the printing industry.

Creating a comprehensive business plan is vital for outlining your goals, strategies, and financial projections. This section will guide you through the process of crafting a solid business plan, including market analysis, marketing strategies, pricing models, and more.

Obtaining adequate funding is often a crucial step in starting a printing business. Explore various financing options available in the Philippines, including loans, grants, and investor partnerships. Learn how to prepare a convincing business proposal to attract potential investors or secure loans from financial institutions.

Navigating the legal requirements and registering your printing business is necessary to ensure compliance and establish credibility. Discover the necessary permits, licenses, and registrations needed to operate a printing business in the Philippines.

Investing in quality printing equipment and materials is essential for delivering high-quality products and services. Learn about the different types of printing equipment, their functionalities, and the necessary supplies you need to kick-start your printing operations.

As your printing business grows, assembling a competent and dedicated team becomes crucial. Understand the key roles within a printing business, from graphic designers to production staff, and learn effective hiring strategies to attract and retain talented individuals.

Promoting your printing business effectively is vital for attracting customers and generating revenue. Explore various marketing channels, both online and offline, and learn proven strategies to reach your target audience, build brand awareness, and secure clients.

Examples and Tips for Successful Printing Business

Discover how streamlining your printing processes, from order intake to final delivery, can enhance productivity, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction.

Explore the benefits of digital printing and how incorporating digital printing technologies can provide your business with a competitive edge in the market.

• Identify your niche and target market to differentiate your printing business.
• Develop a comprehensive business plan to guide your operations and attract investors.
• Secure the necessary funding and register your business to ensure compliance.
• Invest in quality equipment and materials to deliver excellent printing services.
• Implement effective marketing strategies to promote your business and attract clients.

Starting a printing business in the Philippines requires careful planning, market analysis, and strategic decision-making. By following the step-by-step guide and implementing the provided tips, you can establish a thriving printing business that meets the needs of your target market and achieves long-term success.

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How to start a Printing Business in India?

• by SBH Team
• February 10, 2023

The printing business is always an evergreen business. From inviting people to marketing businesses, you require printed products for everything.

Although online products have been increasing in recent times, printed products have not lost their demand.

In this article we will give you complete information related to the printing shop business, which includes the printing business plan, machine and software required, licenses required, printing business cost, profit margin, etc.

In this Post

Printing business plan

A proper business plan is very important to start any business. You should consider the following points before starting a printing business.

Choosing a good location:

The first step in printing a business plan is to choose a good location for your business. The best places are like high footfall areas, near office parks, near colleges etc.

Make sure your shop has good visibility. Also, look for demand and competition for this business in that location.

Space required for the shop:

You need at least 150 square feet of commercial space to start a printing shop business. Your store should be able to accommodate 2-3 customers at a time and keep printing machines and computer systems.

For this business, a shop rental of 10,000 to 18,000 rupees can be considered safe. It depends on the location and the total space.

Manpower required:

This business requires at least 2 to 3 employees. You can set salaries between 15,000 and 20,000 rupees per month.

In your workforce, you need someone who specializes in design and can use design software like Photoshop. One more person to operate a printing machine.

Service quality is very important:

In the printing business, your success depends mainly on the quality of your design and customer service. You need to stay up to date with the trending and new designs available in your field.

If you provide a good service, you can easily do business by word of mouth over time. You can also do offline marketing, for example, distributing flyers and social media marketing.

Deciding on printing products available in your shop?

With an offset printer, you can print a wide range of products in bulk.

You can add invitation cards, brochures, restaurant menu cards, magazines, flyers, bill books, brochures, visiting cards, small circulars, certificates, business cards, etc.

Licenses and registration required

To start a printing business, you require these licenses and certificates,

• Shop and Establishment Certificate
• GST Registration (required only if your annual turnover is more than 40 lakhs)
• Business Registration – Sole proprietorship is enough
• Business insurance if required

If you require a business loan then you can approach banks like SIDBI .

Machines and software required

• Offset printing machine -> 4 lakhs to 6 lakh rupees (depending on the model)
• paper cutting machine -> 15,000 rupees
• Computer system -> 50,000 rupees
• laserjet printer -> 15,000 rupees
• Editing software – 50,000 rupees per year ( Adobe Photoshop, Adobe page maker, CorelDraw etc )

Printing business cost

To start a printing business in India, you require an investment of 6 lakhs to 7 lakhs rupees.

Here is the breakdown of the above-said amount,

• Offset printing machine -> 4 lakhs to 6 lakhs
• Computer system & printer -> 65,000 rupees
• Paper cutting machine -> 15,000 rupees
• Editing Software -> 50,000 rupees per year
• Supply and materials -> 10,000 rupees ( ink, paper, folders etc )
• Shop interior & Exterior -> 20,000 rupees ( table, chairs, racks, signage board)
• Marketing & registrations -> 10,000 rupees
• Shop security deposit -> 35,000 rupees ( Varies according to location )

Ongoing monthly expenses are shop rent, employee salary, material purchases, utility bills, etc.

Related: How to start Xerox Shop Business in India?

Printing business profit margin

In the printing business, you can expect a profit margin of up to 30% to 50% on your revenue.

So your total monthly profit is determined by the total business you did in that particular month. If you have enough business in a month, you can earn up to 50,000 a month after deducting all expenses.

Of course, if you run the business on a large scale, then you can earn more profit.

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• Stationery Business in India | Complete Guide
• Battery Shop Business in India | Complete Guide

FAQ about printing business

How much space is required to start a printing business.

you require a minimum of 150 square feet of space to start the business.

How much investment is required to start a printing business?

You can start with a 6 lakh to 7 lakh rupees investment.

What is the profit margin in the printing business?

You can expect a profit margin of up to 30% to 50% on revenue.

I hope this article has resolved many of your doubts related to the printing business. If you have any suggestions feel free to mention them in the comment box below.

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• Snack Boxes
• Takeout boxes
• Truffle Boxes
• Bandages Boxes
• Face Mask Boxes
• Hand Sanitizer Boxes
• Medicine boxes
• Pharmaceutical Boxes
• Supplement Boxes
• Hosiery Boxes
• Shirt Boxes
• Wallet Boxes
• Bottle Boxes
• Cannabis Edible Boxes
• Cannabis Flower Boxes
• Child Resistant Boxes
• Cigarette Boxes
• Concentrate Boxes
• Delta 8 Packaging
• E Liquid Boxes
• Pre Roll Boxes
• Tincture Boxes
• Bath Bomb Boxes
• Candle Boxes
• Reed Diffuser Boxes
• Tissue Boxes
• Christmas boxes
• Favor Boxes
• Flower Boxes
• Invitation boxes
• Presentation Boxes
• Valentine Boxes
• Wedding Card Boxes
• Branded Boxes
• Business Card Boxes
• Large Boxes
• Postage Boxes
• Product Boxes
• Shipping Boxes
• Small Boxes
• Archive Boxes
• Banker Boxes
• Pencil Boxes
• Bracelet Boxes
• Necklace Boxes
• Boxboard Boxes
• Chipboard Boxes
• Paper Boxes
• Custom Printing Products
• Sample Prototype
• Structural Engineering

The Offset Printing Process: How it works

Introduction

In the world of print, the offset printing process stands as an industry staple. The method is responsible for creating crisp, clear images that make everything from magazines to offset printing packaging a treat for the eyes. But how does offset printing work? Let’s delve deeper and discover the intricate steps and science behind this popular printing technique.

Understanding the Offset Printing Process

The principle behind offset printing.

The offset printing process operates on a simple principle: water and oil do not mix. This seemingly rudimentary science is the basis of a sophisticated process that delivers unparalleled results in print.

The Step-by-Step Process

In offset printing, the image to be printed is first transferred, or “offset,” from a plate to a rubber blanket, and then finally to the printing surface. The key here is the intermediate step involving the rubber blanket, which ensures the image quality is maintained during transfer.

How Does Offset Lithography Work?

The role of plates and blankets.

In offset lithography, an image is burned onto a plate. The plate is then soaked in ink and water. The ink adheres to the image area (which is oil-based), while the water clings to the non-image area, creating a perfect separation of elements.

The Lithographic Triangle

The lithographic triangle, consisting of ink, water, and the printing surface, forms the backbone of how offset lithography works. The right balance between these elements is key to achieving a high-quality print.

Also Read About: Printed Display Boxes: Showcasing Products with Style and Impact

The Working of an Offset Printing Machine

Feeding the paper.

The offset printing process begins with the feeding of paper into the printing press. The paper is then guided through a series of rollers where the magic begins.

Plate Making

The next step is plate making, which involves burning an image onto the plate. This plate then interacts with ink and water to distinguish image areas from non-image areas.

The Printing Phase

Lastly, in the printing phase, the inked image is transferred first to a rubber blanket and then to the paper, thus creating the final printed image.

Offset Printing Packaging: An Industry Standard

Benefits in packaging.

Offset printing packaging is an industry standard due to its high print quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, especially for high-volume print runs. It also allows for customization, providing brands with the flexibility to create packaging that reflects their unique identity.

Examples in the Market

From cosmetic boxes to cereal cartons, offset printing is behind the vibrant, crisp images that adorn product packaging across supermarket shelves.

Offset Printing Explained: Common Myths Busted

Myth 1: offset printing is too expensive.

While offset printing might have higher setup costs than other methods, its cost per unit drops significantly in large volume print runs, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses.

Myth 2: Offset Printing is Outdated

Despite the rise of digital printing, the offset printing process remains the preferred choice for many businesses due to its superior print quality and efficiency.

The Offset Printing Technique: Applications and Variations

Sheetfed offset printing.

This variation of offset printing uses sheets of paper, making it suitable for a wide range of products including brochures, stationery, and packaging.

Web Offset Printing

Web offset printing, on the other hand, uses rolls of paper and is often used for large-scale projects like newspapers and magazines.

Offset Printing vs Digital Printing: Making the Choice

When it comes to selecting a printing method, businesses often find themselves torn between offset and digital printing. Both methods have their advantages and potential drawbacks, and the choice largely depends on your specific needs.

Offset printing, with its high image quality, cost-effectiveness for large print runs, and flexibility in terms of material and color options, is an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize print quality and have a substantial quantity requirement. It’s ideal for producing professional-grade brochures, magazines, packaging, and stationery.

On the other hand, digital printing, which doesn’t require any setup fees or plates, might be a more practical solution for small businesses and individuals needing short print runs or variable data printing.

Innovations in Offset Printing

With advancements in technology, the offset printing process is continually evolving. Modern offset presses are integrated with digital technologies, offering better control over the printing process and results. For example, computer-to-plate systems have dramatically improved the quality of the printed image while reducing the time and cost involved.

Also Read About: What Are Custom Pizza Boxes And How Do They Work?

Moreover, advances in offset inks and coatings have opened new doors for creativity and innovation in print. Metallic, fluorescent, and special effect inks, along with various coatings and varnishes, allow businesses to create print pieces that truly stand out.

The offset printing process has long held a crucial role in the printing world. Its complex yet precise operation produces high-quality prints that have served countless businesses in their quest to impress customers. From understanding how offset lithography works to discovering how an offset printing machine works, the journey is fascinating and enlightening. At Plus Printers , we utilize this proven process to deliver superior packaging solutions that make a lasting impression.

Whether it’s creating offset printing packaging for your newest product line or providing you with high-quality printed marketing materials, our team of experts ensures precision and excellence at every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating your packaging queries just got easier. Our FAQ section provides you with clear answers to most commonly asked questions.

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How to Start a Printing Business

Last Updated: May 7, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Helena Ronis . Helena Ronis is Co-founder and CEO of AllFactors, a unified web analytics software to drive company's marketing and business growth. She has worked in product and marketing in the tech industry for over 8 years, and studied Digital Marketing & Analytics at the MIT Sloan School of Management Executive Program. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 518,856 times.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most printing business enterprises employ fewer than 10 people. As more printing business owners utilize digital printing equipment, fewer skilled technicians will be needed to operate this machinery. Modern digital printing equipment is smaller and more affordable than ever before and practically anyone with capital can purchase and operate digital printing equipment, even from a home office.

Finding a Printing Niche

• One of the best examples of this strategy can be seen by the success of franchise sign printing businesses, which target budget-minded business owners who only need occasional signs and banners, which can be spotty (inconsistent demand) or loaded with competition. They do not attempt to offer anything but quick-turnaround signs and leave brochures and envelope printing to traditional offset printing businesses. [2] X Research source

• Product match, excellent quality – very precise color, hue, and tone for high end products.
• Color match, excellent quality – usually precise Process Matching System (PMS Colors) by screen values (tones created by dot sizes) of the 4 process colors (cyan, magenta, process yellow, and black).
• Or just pleasing color , of medium quality – which is not so precisely matched. Caution : that means pleasing to the customer , not to you.
• Commercial quality printing is probably a cut above desktop publishing, done in your-office (above typical office printer, copier, or duplicator quality). It requires sharp line art and text – fineness of line work does not vary from page to page, screen color or halftone detail is consistent.
• Any choice of printing process (or brand of paper) shown on a quote to your customer is for them to choose. No, you can not substitute a more profitable method or material. Unless they agree in writing to a change, they can demand that it be redone at your expense -- if you did not follow written specifications precisely.

Determining What Equipment You’ll Need

• At the very least, you’ll need a desktop computer, some design software, and a high-quality digital printer that is able to handle jobs up to 11in x 17in. [3] X Research source

• You should familiarize yourself with Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements, including their and other agencies such as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) “postings” (required posters about safety and employment opportunity, etc.).
• If you only use independent, outside printing contractors to do occasional printing that you cannot do personally, then you could be a "printing broker" (non-affiliated, wholesaler) and not have employees.
• Quarterly estimates of income, record keeping, reporting of actual proceeds, and paying your personal proprietorship or corporate (limited liability corporation [LLC]) taxes and social security for yourself is your responsibility to learn and complete each year.

• After you become established and have enough credit and show volume and potential, you might be able to lease equipment, which can bring flexibility, but leases may have penalties and balloon notes, etc. to return or to keep the item, respectively.

Offering Profitable Services

• You can look at locations online via realtor websites or hire a realtor to help you find the perfect location for your new printing business.

Community Q&A

• Plan to outsource complimentary services you cannot do in-house. If you can print business cards but lack a good paper cutter, establish relationships with a local print shop who has one. Instead of competing with one another for business, learn how to work together to partner on jobs and create more prosperity for both printing businesses. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ http://www.technifoldusa.com/bindery-success-blog/bid/34727/How-Can-I-Generate-More-Sales-in-My-Printing-Business
• ↑ https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140829080534-39488528-the-emerging-digital-printing-business-versus-offset-printing/
• ↑ http://www.entrepreneur.com/businessideas/digital-printing-service
• ↑ https://www.sba.gov/business-guide/launch-your-business/pick-your-business-location
• ↑ http://www.noobpreneur.com/2012/06/11/how-to-start-a-successful-printing-business-with-minimal-investment/

About This Article

To start a printing business, start by finding a niche that fulfills a specific need for your customers, such as digital printing or budget-friendly sign printing. Then, find a location for your business that’s easy to get to and is large enough for your equipment. Once you have a storefront, research the equipment that you’ll need to buy, such as a computer, design software, and a high-quality printer. Next, create a menu of services to offer customers exactly what they need, such as a portable tabletop sign that can be used for events or sales meetings. For advice on how to promote your printing business online and in your community, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Digital vs. Offset Printing: Which is Right for Your Business?

In the ever-evolving landscape of printing technology, choosing between digital and offset printing can be a daunting task. This comprehensive guide has delved into the key aspects you need to consider: cost, quality, turnaround time, customization, and environmental impact. Whether you're a small business looking for quick, personalized prints or a large enterprise in need of high-quality, large-volume prints, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each method can help you make an informed decision tailored to your specific needs.

Time for Designs

Introduction

In a world where every impression counts, the quality and method of your printing can make or break your brand's impact. Whether you're printing marketing collateral like brochures and business cards, or you're an artist looking to reproduce your masterpieces, the choice between digital and offset printing is more than just a technical decision. It's a strategic one that affects your bottom line, the quality of your prints, and even your brand's sustainability goals.

But let's face it, unless you're in the printing business, the terms "digital" and "offset" might sound like jargon. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate these two dominant printing methods. We'll delve into the nitty-gritty of digital vs. offset printing, comparing them on various fronts such as cost, quality, turnaround time, and more. By the end of this post, you'll have all the information you need to make an informed decision that aligns with your business objectives and quality standards.

So, are you ready to become a savvy decision-maker in the realm of printing? Let's get started!

What is Digital Printing?

Digital printing is a modern printing technique that has revolutionized the way we think about quick, cost-effective, and customizable print jobs. Unlike traditional methods that require plates and a lot of setup, digital printing is direct, transferring a digital file straight to the printer. This technology leverages advanced inkjet or laser printers to produce high-quality prints with incredible speed and precision.

The Mechanism

At its core, digital printing is all about translating digital files—be it PDFs, TIFFs, or JPEGs—into printed material. The process begins with a digital image being sent directly to the printer, which then deposits tiny droplets of ink onto a wide array of substrates like paper, fabric, or even metal. Because it's a direct process, digital printing eliminates the need for a printing plate, thereby reducing setup time and costs.

Typical Use-Cases

Digital printing shines in a variety of scenarios:

• Short-Run Projects:  Ideal for small quantities, as it's cost-effective for low-volume orders.
• Customization:  Perfect for projects that require individual customization, like personalized marketing materials or variable data printing.
• Quick Turnaround:  When you're up against tight deadlines, digital printing is your go-to option for its rapid production times.
• High-Quality Photographic Prints:  The method excels in reproducing vibrant, high-resolution images.
• Prototyping:  Businesses looking to produce prototypes or samples often opt for digital printing for its flexibility.

Why It Matters for Your Business

Understanding digital printing is crucial for any business or individual looking to make informed decisions about their printing needs. Whether you're a start-up needing cost-effective marketing materials, an artist seeking high-quality reproductions, or a large corporation with varied printing requirements, digital printing offers a versatile solution that can be tailored to meet diverse needs.

What is Offset Printing?

Offset printing, often referred to as offset lithography, is a time-tested printing method that has been the industry standard for producing large volumes of high-quality prints for over a century. Unlike digital printing, which prints directly from a digital file, offset printing uses plates to transfer an image onto a rubber "blanket," and then finally onto the printing surface. This indirect method is renowned for delivering exceptional quality and colour fidelity.

The offset printing process is a bit more complex compared to its digital counterpart. It starts with the creation of a plate that holds the image to be printed. This plate is inked and then pressed against a rubber blanket, transferring the image. The rubber blanket, in turn, rolls the image onto the substrate—usually paper, but it can also be fabric, plastic, or other materials. Because the image is first transferred, or "offset," to the rubber blanket, this method is known as "offset" printing.

Offset printing is particularly well-suited for:

• Large-Volume Projects:  The unit cost goes down as the quantity goes up, making it cost-effective for large runs.
• High-Quality Requirements:  Known for superior image and colour quality, it's the go-to for high-end publications and packaging.
• Specialty Inks and Colours:  Offset allows for the use of custom inks like metallic and Pantone colours, offering more versatility in design.
• Various Substrates:  Capable of printing on a wide range of materials, from premium papers to cardboard and plastics.
• Consistency:  Once set up, offset printers can produce consistent, high-quality images over long runs.

If your business requires large quantities of print materials, or if you're focused on delivering the highest quality and colour accuracy, offset printing is likely your best bet. It's a proven method that many industries rely on for their most critical printing needs, from high-end magazines to intricate packaging designs.

Key Differences

When it comes to choosing between digital and offset printing, understanding their key differences is crucial. Below is a table that outlines these differences, giving you a snapshot to help make an informed decision.

Why This Table Matters for Your Business

This table serves as a quick reference guide for businesses and individuals alike, helping you weigh the pros and cons of each method at a glance. Whether you're looking for a cost-effective solution for a small project or aiming for the highest quality in large quantities, this table can be your go-to resource for making a well-informed choice.

Advantages and Disadvantages

When it comes to printing, one size doesn't fit all. Both digital and offset printing have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages that make them suitable for different types of projects. Let's break it down:

Digital Printing

• Quick Turnaround:  With minimal setup requirements, digital printing offers faster delivery times.
• Cost-Effective for Short Runs:  Ideal for small quantities, as there's no need for plates or extensive setup.
• High Customization:  Allows for variable data printing and easy customization without slowing down the process.
• Low Initial Costs:  No need for plates or other setup materials, reducing initial costs.
• Eco-Friendly:  Generally uses less material and produces less waste compared to offset.
• Limited Material Range:  Restricted to the printer's capabilities, which may limit your choice of substrates.
• Quality Variability:  While generally high, the print quality can vary, especially for complex colour schemes.
• Higher Cost for Large Volumes:  Not as cost-effective as offset printing for large quantities.
• Colour Limitations:  Restricted to standard CMYK colours, limiting the range of available hues.

Offset Printing

• Exceptional Quality:  Known for high-quality prints and excellent colour fidelity.
• Cost-Effective for Large Volumes:  The more you print, the cheaper the cost per unit.
• Versatility in Materials:  Can print on a wide range of substrates, including specialty papers and inks.
• Custom Inks:  Allows for the use of custom inks like metallic and Pantone colours.
• Consistency:  Once set up, it offers consistent quality over long runs.
• Longer Setup Time:  Requires the creation of plates, increasing the setup time and initial cost.
• Limited Flexibility:  Customization can be costly and time-consuming.
• Not Eco-Friendly:  Generally uses more materials and may produce more waste.
• Higher Initial Costs:  The need for plates and setup materials can make small runs expensive.

Cost Comparison

When it comes to printing, the bottom line often plays a significant role in deciding which method to go for. Both digital and offset printing have their own cost structures, influenced by factors like volume, material, and customization. Let's delve into the cost-effectiveness of each method to help you make a financially sound decision.

Cost Structure

Digital printing is generally billed per piece, meaning the cost remains relatively constant regardless of the volume. This makes it an excellent choice for short-run projects where the quantity is low.

When It's Cost-Effective

• Short-Run Projects:  If you're printing fewer than 500 pieces, digital is often the more cost-effective option.
• Customization:  For projects requiring individual customization, like personalized marketing materials, digital printing allows for this without significantly increasing the cost.
• Low Initial Costs:  With no need for plates or extensive setup, the initial costs are usually lower.

Hidden Costs

While digital printing is generally straightforward in its pricing, be aware of potential hidden costs like design changes or rush orders, which could increase the final bill.

Offset printing has a higher initial setup cost due to the need for plates and other materials. However, these costs are distributed over the entire print run, making the cost per unit decrease as the volume increases.

• Large-Volume Projects:  For print runs exceeding 500 pieces, offset printing often becomes more cost-effective.
• High-Quality Needs:  If your project requires exceptional print and colour quality, the higher initial cost of offset printing can be justified.
• Specialty Materials:  When using specialty inks or papers, offset printing can be more economical in large volumes.

Be mindful of additional costs like plate replacements or changes in design, which can add to the overall expense.

Quality Comparison

When it comes to printing, quality isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. The look and feel of your printed materials can significantly impact your brand's perception. Both digital and offset printing offer high-quality outputs, but there are nuanced differences that could make one a better fit for your specific needs. Let's dive into the quality aspects of each.

Quality Aspects

• Resolution:  Digital printing typically offers high-resolution prints, making it suitable for detailed graphics and photographs.
• Colour Accuracy:  While digital printing provides good colour accuracy, it may not match the exactness of offset printing, especially for specialized colours.
• Material Limitations:  The quality can be affected by the type of material you choose, as digital printers have some substrate limitations.
• Consistency:  Digital printing generally maintains a consistent quality, but there may be slight variations in colour and alignment over large runs.
• Photographic Prints:  The high resolution makes digital printing ideal for photographic reproductions.
• Short-Run Projects:  For smaller quantities, digital printing offers a quick and high-quality solution.
• Custom Projects:  If each piece needs to be different, digital printing allows for high-quality customization.
• Resolution:  Offset printing offers extremely high-resolution output and is known for its exceptional detail and clarity.
• Colour Accuracy:  The use of custom inks, including Pantone and metallic colours, allows for unparalleled colour fidelity.
• Material Versatility:  Offset can print on a wider range of materials without compromising quality.
• Consistency:  Once the setup is complete, offset printing provides consistent, high-quality prints over long runs.
• High-End Publications:  Magazines, catalogues, and other high-end publications often rely on offset for its superior quality.
• Large-Volume Projects:  The consistency in quality makes offset ideal for large runs.
• Specialty Prints:  For projects requiring special inks or materials, offset is the go-to method.

Turnaround Time

In today's fast-paced world, time is often as valuable as money. Whether you're rushing to meet a project deadline or trying to launch a marketing campaign, the turnaround time for your printing needs can be a game-changer. Let's examine how digital and offset printing stack up in terms of speed.

Time Factors

• Setup:  Digital printing requires minimal setup time, as it eliminates the need for plates and other preparatory steps.
• Printing:  The actual printing process is generally quick, especially for smaller runs.
• Drying:  Most digital prints are ready almost immediately, with little to no drying time required.
• Last-Minute Projects:  If you're up against a tight deadline, digital printing is your best bet.
• Short-Run Projects:  For projects with smaller quantities, digital printing can often deliver within the same day or next day.
• Setup:  Offset printing requires more time upfront for plate creation, alignment, and other preparatory steps.
• Printing : Once set up, the printing process is relatively fast but is optimized for larger runs.
• Drying:  Offset prints often require additional drying time, which can extend the turnaround time.
• Planned Projects:  If you have the luxury of time, offset's quality might be worth the wait.
• Large-Volume Runs:  For large quantities, the initial setup time becomes less significant, making offset a viable option.

Customization and Flexibility

In an era where personalization is king, the ability to customize your print jobs can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's variable data for targeted marketing campaigns or unique design elements for specialty products, the flexibility offered by your chosen printing method can make all the difference. Let's explore how digital and offset printing fare in this regard.

Customization Capabilities

• Variable Data Printing : Digital printing excels in variable data printing, allowing you to change text or graphics from one piece to the next without slowing down the printing process.
• Design Flexibility : With digital, making last-minute design changes is easier and more cost-effective.
• Short-Run Custom Jobs : Ideal for projects that require high levels of customization but are limited in quantity.

Flexibility Factors

• Material:  While digital printing offers some flexibility in material choices, it's generally limited to what the specific printer can handle.
• Colour:  Standard CMYK colours are readily available, but specialized colours may be limited.
• Specialty Inks and Finishes:  Offset printing allows for custom inks like metallic, fluorescent, and Pantone colours, as well as specialty finishes like varnishes and coatings.
• Complex Designs:  Offset is well-suited for intricate designs that require high levels of detail and colour accuracy.
• Consistency:  Once set up, offset printing can maintain consistent customization over large runs.
• Material:  Offset offers a broader range of material options, including specialty papers and other substrates.
• Colour:  The ability to use custom inks provides greater flexibility in colour choices.

Environmental Impact

In a world increasingly concerned with sustainability, the environmental impact of your printing choices can't be ignored. Whether you're a business aiming for a greener footprint or an individual looking to make eco-friendly choices, it's essential to know how digital and offset printing stack up in terms of environmental impact.

Eco-Friendly Aspects

• Less Waste:  Digital printing generally produces less waste as it doesn't require plates or other setup materials.
• Chemical Usage:  Typically uses fewer chemicals compared to offset printing, reducing its environmental impact.
• Energy Efficiency:  Modern digital printers are often more energy-efficient, consuming less electricity during the printing process.

Limitations

• Ink Disposal:  The inks used in digital printing may not always be eco-friendly and could require special disposal methods.
• Material Restrictions:  Limited to specific substrates that the printer can handle, which may not always include recycled or eco-friendly options.
• Bulk Efficiency:  When printing in large volumes, the per-unit environmental impact can be lower.
• Recyclable Materials:  Offset printing often uses inks and materials that are recyclable.
• Advanced Technologies:  Newer offset machines are incorporating eco-friendly technologies to reduce waste and energy consumption.
• Chemical Usage:  Offset printing often uses more chemicals, including for the plate-making process, which can be harmful to the environment.
• Waste Production:  The setup process for offset printing can produce more waste, including test prints and plates.

Which is Right for Your Business?

After diving deep into the intricacies of digital and offset printing, you might still be wondering, "Which method is the best fit for my business?" The answer isn't one-size-fits-all; it depends on various factors like your project's size, budget, quality requirements, and even your company's environmental stance. Let's summarize the key considerations to help you decide:

Consider Digital Printing If:

• You're on a Tight Schedule : Digital printing's quick turnaround time makes it ideal for projects with looming deadlines.
• Your Project is Small to Medium-Sized : If you're printing fewer than 500 pieces, digital is often more cost-effective.
• You Need High Customization : For variable data or personalized marketing materials, digital printing is your go-to option.
• You're Eco-Conscious : Generally, digital printing is more eco-friendly, producing less waste and using fewer chemicals.

Consider Offset Printing If:

• Quality is Paramount:  If you require the highest quality and colour accuracy, offset printing is hard to beat.
• You're Printing in Bulk:  For large-volume projects, the cost per unit becomes more economical with offset printing.
• You Need Special Inks or Materials:  Offset allows for custom inks and a wider range of substrates.
• You Can Plan Ahead:  Offset printing requires more setup time, so it's best for projects where you can afford to wait a bit longer.

Final Thoughts

Your choice between digital and offset printing should align with your business goals, project requirements, and brand values. By weighing the pros and cons of each method against your specific needs, you can make a well-informed decision that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.

Case Studies

Sometimes, the best way to understand the impact of a decision is to see it in action. Below are real-world examples of businesses that reaped significant benefits by choosing the right printing method for their specific needs.

Case Study 1: A Local Boutique's Marketing Campaign (Digital Printing)

The Challenge : A local boutique wanted to launch a targeted marketing campaign for their summer collection. They needed 300 personalized flyers within 48 hours.

The Solution : They opted for digital printing due to its quick turnaround and high customization capabilities.

The Outcome : The campaign was a hit, with a 20% increase in foot traffic and a 15% boost in sales for the summer collection.

Case Study 2: A Magazine Publisher's Journey to Quality (Offset Printing)

The Challenge : A niche magazine publisher was looking to improve the quality of their monthly issues to attract premium advertisers.

The Solution : They switched from digital to offset printing to take advantage of its superior quality and colour accuracy.

The Outcome:  The magazine saw a 30% increase in premium advertisers and received positive feedback on the improved print quality.

Case Study 3: An Eco-Friendly Start-up’s Branding (Digital Printing)

The Challenge:  An eco-conscious start-up needed branded stationery and business cards but wanted to minimize their environmental impact.

The Solution : They chose digital printing, which offered eco-friendly ink options and produced less waste.

The Outcome : The start-up successfully conveyed their brand's eco-friendly ethos and attracted a customer base that valued sustainability.

Case Study 4: A Food Manufacturer's Packaging Overhaul (Offset Printing)

The Challenge : A food manufacturer needed to print 10,000 packaging labels with intricate designs and custom colours.

The Solution : Offset printing was the clear choice for its ability to handle large volumes and custom inks.

The Outcome : The new packaging was well-received, leading to increased shelf visibility and a 25% increase in sales.

Choosing between digital and offset printing is no small feat; it's a decision that can significantly impact your project's success and your business's bottom line. To recap, digital printing shines in scenarios requiring quick turnarounds, high customization, and short runs. On the other hand, offset printing is your go-to for unparalleled quality, large volumes, and specialized materials.

Remember, the right choice depends on your unique needs, goals, and values. If you're still unsure which method is best for you, don't hesitate to reach out to us for personalized advice tailored to your specific project. We're here to help you make the most informed decision possible.

Q: Is digital printing cheaper than offset printing?

A: It depends on the volume. Digital is generally more cost-effective for short runs, while offset becomes economical for large volumes.

Q: Can I get the same quality with both methods?

A: While both methods offer high-quality prints, offset printing provides superior colour accuracy and detail, especially for complex designs.

Q: How eco-friendly are these methods?

A: Digital printing is generally more eco-friendly due to less waste and fewer chemicals. However, advancements in offset technology are making it increasingly sustainable.

Q: What's the best method for last-minute projects?

A: Digital printing is ideal for last-minute projects due to its quick turnaround time.

Q: Can I use specialty inks and materials with both methods?

A: Offset printing offers more flexibility for specialty inks and a wider range of materials.

  Ready to take your printing project to the next level? Whether you're leaning towards digital for its speed and flexibility or offset for its unmatched quality, we're here to help you make the right choice. Contact us today for personalized advice and solutions that align with your business goals. Let's turn your vision into a vibrant reality!

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Flex Printing Press Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » B2B Sector

Are you about starting a flex printing press company? If YES, here is a complete sample flex printing press business plan template & FREE feasibility report.

As an aspiring entrepreneur who is looking towards starting a business, one of the businesses you can choose to start is a flex printing business. Starting up a flex printing business needs significant investment capital, solid planning, and attention to detail in order to keep your business profitable.

In recent time, the demand for the services provided by flex printing press maybe on the decrease because of load options that are available.

So, if you have decided to start your own flex printing press business, then you should ensure that you carry out thorough feasibility studies and market survey. This will enable you properly locate the business in a good location; a location with the right demographic composition and then hit the ground running.

Business plan is yet another very important business document that you should not take for granted when launching your own flex printing business. Below is a sample flex printing business plan template that can help you to successfully write your own with little or no difficulty.

A Sample Flex Printing Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

The printing industry is indeed a very large industry with many subsets and flex printing press is one of the active lines of business in the industry.

Flexible printing refers to sign printing of vinyl banners. Flexography is a form of printing which utilizes a flexible relief plate. Digital printing cum flex printing has a higher cost per page than more traditional offset printing methods, but this price is usually offset by avoiding the cost of all the technical steps required to make printing plates.

It also allows for on-demand printing, short turnaround time, and even a modification of the image (variable data) used for each impression. Over the past decade, the rise of online media has provided fierce competition for operators in printing-related industries.

Despite this trend, and in some ways because of it, the Digital Printing industry has recorded growth. As commercial printers have experienced declining demand, they have increasingly adopted digital printing techniques over more traditional printing press operations, since these services lower overhead costs and enable operators to offer customers greater flexibility.

As a result, Digital Printing industry participation and revenue have surged, but represent the conversion of existing printers to digital operations, rather than new entrants into the printing market.

The Digital Printing Services Industry is indeed a very large industry and pretty much active in all the parts of the world. Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone, there are about 7,047 registered and licensed digital printing services (flex printing press inclusive) responsible for employing about 50,447 people and the industry rakes in a whooping sum of $11 billion annually.

The industry is projected to enjoy 3.6 percent annual growth and the Digital Printing industry has no companies with major market shares.

Research carried out by IBISWorld shows that the over the past five years, the Digital Printing industry that flex printing is a part of has grown by 3.6 percent to reach revenue of $11 billion in 2019. In the same time – frame, the number of businesses have grown by 5.5 percent and the number of employees by 4.8 percent.

If you are looking towards starting your own flex printing business, then you should endeavor to learn the trade. The truth is that the technology and processes involve in this line of business will require a period of time (months) to learn.

Over and above, the flex printing business is pretty much open to new entrepreneurs and investors to come in and build a successful business. But they must first and foremost ensure that they conduct thorough feasibility studies and market survey before situating the business in any location.

2. Executive Summary

Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. is a standard printing press. We have been able to secure a well – positioned office facility in a busy business district in Greater Los Angeles Area – California. We are a world class flex printing press that is set to compete in the highly competitive digital printing services industry not only in the United States market, but also in the global market.

Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. will be involved in the all aspect of flex printing used for large board, Digital banner, paper, PVC, mesh fabrics, and foot cloth, Indoor wall paper, ceiling films, Textiles, Car sticker, bus shelters and related printing services.

Our business goal is to become one of the leading flex printing press businesses in the United States and we will make sure that every flex printing job that leaves our press can favorable compete with the best in the industry.

Our workers are going to be selected from a pool of talented and highly creative printers in and around Greater Los Angeles Area – California. We will make sure that we take all our workforce through the required training that will position them to meet the expectation of the company and to compete with leading flex printing services companies in the United States.

At Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. our client’s best interest come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by delivering excellent and neat jobs and also meet our client’s needs precisely and completely.

Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. is a private business that is owned and managed by Mr. Leonard Phil and his immediate family members. Leonard Phil studied Printing Technology at Illinois Institute of Technology and he has over 10 years of hands-on experience working with one of the leading flex printing companies in the United States of America.

3. Our Products and Services

Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. was established with the aim of maximizing profits in the digital printing press industry.

We want to compete favorably with the leading flex printing press companies in the United States of America which is why we have put in place a competent quality assurance team that will ensure that all our flex printing services for large board, Digital banner, paper, PVC, mesh fabrics, and foot cloth, Indoor wall paper, ceiling films,

Textiles, Car sticker, bus shelters and other related printing services rendered meet and even surpass our customers’ expectations and match up with international best practices.

We will work hard to ensure that Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. is not just accepted in Greater Los Angeles Area – California but also nationally throughout the United States of America.

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to establish a standard and world class flex printing press whose services and brand will not only be accepted in Greater Los Angeles Area – California but also throughout the United States of America.
• Our mission is to build a world class flex printing press that will be known to execute top notch flex printing projects and to become the number one choice for branding, advertising and promotion agencies and other stakeholders in the industry. We want to build a flex printing business that can favorably compete with other leading brands in the industry.

Our Business Structure

Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. is a flex printing press business that intends starting small in Greater Los Angeles Area – California, but hopes to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading flex printing companies in the industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world class business we want to own, this is why we are committed to only hire the best hands within our area of operation.

At Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc., we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, creative, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all our stakeholders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer (Owner)
• Accounting Clerk / Cashier

Flex Printing Machine Operators

Client Service Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results and developing incentives
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Creating, communicating, and implementing the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defining job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carrying out induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Oversee the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Accounting Clerk/Cashier:

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensuring compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc.
• Serves as internal auditor for Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc.
• In charge of operating flex printing machines
• Liaising with clients to determine their requirement and budget
• Responsible for negotiating fees and setting schedules for the project
• Responsible for researching and drawing up rough plans
• Responsible for developing detailed designs and choosing materials
• Responsible for preparing drafts or material based on an agreement brief.
• Research and advice the organization on style, genre and other trendy info as it relates to flex printing et al.
• Welcomes clients and visitors by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to potential clients when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Distribute mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. employed the services of a core professionals in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured flex printing business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive digital printing services industry.

Part of what the business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc.;

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of creative and highly proficient workforce, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in the printing industry. Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected workers, we have some of the latest flex printing machines and equipment and of course our work output and services will be guided by international best practices in the industry.

As a new flex printing press business in Greater Los Angeles Area – California, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from the government and other high-profile clients in the already saturated and highly competitive digital printing services industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Another weakness is that we may not have the required cash to promote our business the way we would want to.

• Opportunities:

No doubt, the opportunities in the digital printing services industry is massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations that would need the services of flex printing companies. As a standard flex printing press business, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that is available in the industry.

A major threat that is common to businesses such as ours is the fact that printing-related industries have generally suffered due to competition from digital media and the fact that print advertising expenditure in the United States of America is expected to decline in 2019, posing a potential threat to the industry.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

A notable trend in this industry shows that as commercial printers have experienced declining demand, they have increasingly adopted new digital printing techniques. As a flex printing business with the aspiration to favorably compete in the industry, you are expected to keep tabs with new trends and products that are always coming up in the industry.

It is important to state that in recent time, for any flex printing press business to continue to stay in business and grow, they must continue to come up with highly creative design and concepts and also engage in other printing related services.

8. Our Target Market

Before starting our flex printing business, we are certain that there is a wide range of clients who cannot successfully carry out promotions and branding of their products and services without engaging the services of a flex printing press. We will ensure that we develop strategic pacts with corporate organizations, advertising and branding agencies, and religious organizations et al. This will give us several options to generate revenue for our company.

In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations and individuals who we know can’t afford to do without our services. We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that all our flex printing services are well accepted in the market place.

Below is a list of the people and organizations that we will specifically market our products and services to;

• Corporate Organizations
• Manufacturers and Distributors
• Real Estate Owners, Developers, and Contractors
• Research and Development Companies
• The Government (Public Sector)
• Schools (High Schools, Colleges and Universities)
• Sport Organizations
• Religious Organizations
• Political Parties
• Television Stations
• Branding and Advertising agencies
• Aspiring celebrities
• Entrepreneurs and Startups

Our competitive advantage

The competition in the flex printing industry is getting stiffer by the day, you have to be highly creative and come up with appealing designs and concepts and very neat jobs in order to survive in the industry. The flex printing line of business is indeed profitable and at the same time a highly competitive; it enjoys strong demand as organizations and individuals continue to print materials for promotional purposes. Clients will only engage your services if they know that they can get nothing but the best from you.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the business means that you are not only expected to be able to deliver neat jobs, but you must be able to meet set targets. No one would want to engage your services if don’t always meet up with the target date of completion of projects.

We can boast of having well – trained staff that is ready to deliver and we have some of the latest and efficient digital printing machines and equipment and of course our work output and services will be guided by international best practices in the industry.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

We are not ignorant of the stiff competition in the flex printing industry; there are loads of flex printing press and other digital printing companies jostling for contracts which is why we have been able to hire some of the best freelance marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their set targets and the overall business goal of Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc.

Our goal is to grow Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. to become one of the leading flex printing companies in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategies that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Greater Los Angeles Area – California but also in other cities in the United States of America.

Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients and win flex printing contracts;

• Introduce our flex printing press business by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, advertising and branding agencies, religious organizations and key stake holders in and around Greater Los Angeles Area.
• Promptness in bidding for flex printing contracts from the government and other cooperate organizations
• Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV and radio stations
• List our business on yellow page ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver excellent flex printing services
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Join local chambers of commerce and industries to network and market our services
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

Sources of Income

Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the flex printing services industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to meet and surpass the expectations of all our clients.

Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. will generate income by offering flex printing used for large board, Digital banner, paper, PVC, mesh fabrics, and foot cloth, Indoor wall paper, ceiling films, Textiles, Car sticker, bus shelters and other printing related services.

10. Sales Forecast

We are well positioned to take on the available market in flex printing industry and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income/profits from the first six months of operation and grow our flex printing press business to enviable heights.

We have been able to examine the flex printing market, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Greater Los Angeles Area – California.

Below are the sales projections for Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc., it is based on the location of our business and of course the wide range of our services and target market;

• First Fiscal Year: $150,000
• Second Fiscal Year: $300,000
• Third Fiscal Year: $650,000

N.B : This projection was done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same flex printing services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to become the number one choice for clients in the whole of the Great Los Angeles area and beyond which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our flex printing press business.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc.;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community – based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn. Twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our services
• Install our Bill Boards in strategic locations all around Greater Los Angeles Area – California
• Engage in roadshow from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• List our flex printing press business in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our flex printing press business in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and trucks are well branded with our company logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

If you are conversant with the flex printing cum digital printing services industry, you will realize that the pricing structure ranges from fixed price rate to per square foot billing and even to the quantity of materials to be printed on.

At Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. we will adopt all the pricing system as is obtainable in the industry but we will ensure that we keep the prices of our services a little below the average market rate for all of our customers by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance. In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our customers at regular intervals.

We are aware that there are some one – off flex printing services jobs or government contracts which are always lucrative, we will ensure that we abide by the pricing model that is expected from contractors or organizations that bid for such contracts.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America.

Here are the payment options that Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment via Point of Sales Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via check

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our clients make payment for our services without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

From our market research and feasibility studies, we were able to come up with the following financial projections as it relates to establishing our own standard and world class flex printing press business in the United States of America;

• Business incorporating fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for Liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring an office space or warehouse that will accommodate the number of employees for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $50,000.
• Equipping the office (computers, flex printing machines and equipment used for large board, Digital banner, paper, PVC, mesh fabrics, and foot cloth, Indoor wall paper, ceiling films, etc. servers/internet facility, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $25,000
• Amount required to purchase the needed software applications – $ 3,500
• Launching an official Website will cost – $500
• Amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $25,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000

We will need about one hundred twenty thousand (120,000) U.S. dollars to successfully set up a medium scale but standard flex printing press business in the United States of America.

Generating Funds/Startup Capital for Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc.

Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. is a family business that will be owned by Mr. Leonard Phil and his immediate family members. They decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the business to just three major sources.

• Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $50,000 (Personal savings $35,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $70,000 from our bank. All the papers and document have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

One of our major goals of starting Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our flex printing services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

Crystal Clear™ Flex Printing Press, Inc. will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken care of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and re – training of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

We know that if we effectively execute all that is stated above, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check : Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Securing a standard office facility plus renovation of the facility: Completed
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the startup capital from the founders: Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of Logo for the business: Completed
• Secure trademark for our products: In Progress
• Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed flex printing machines: Completed
• Purchase of the needed furniture, office equipment, software applications, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in the industries: In Progress.

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Quality Printing Since 1932

Albison’s Printing has been a family owned business since 1932. Our goal is to provide you with the best quality service available. We offer offset printing, letterpress printing, digital color and black printing. We provide direct mailing services, personalized rubber stamps, invitations, and embossers.

Albison’s Printing is a full service print shop providing offset printing and digital color or black copying. From one color to 4 color, business cards, business forms, labels, continuous forms and other printed materials. We offer free local pick up and delivery. We also can ship your job to you via UPS, FedEx or USPS.

No job is too big or too small. Our printing experience allows us to deliver quality printing and copying at a competitive price with a fast turnaround. Let Albison’s use it’s old school values and modern technology to improve your business’s advertising plan and professional reputation.

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• Business Plans Handbook
• Business Plans - Volume 01
• Printing Company v1 Business Plan

Printing Company

BUSINESS PLAN

MASTER PRINTER AND PARTNERS PRINTING

52 James St. Grace, NM 84753

6924 Auburn Dr. Grace, NM 84753

June 23, 1990

This business plan outlines a two-store operation offering a full range of printing services and supplies. The joint enterprise will improve efficiency through the use of Total Quality Management (TQM). Following is a description of the ways in which the companies will employ extensive use of strategic, operational, and financial planning, as well as ways they intend to incorporate TQM methods into their businesses .

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Business description, company history, market analysis, marketing strategy, job flow description, management and organization, goals and objectives, historical financial analysis and operational goals, financial information, balance sheet, supplemental documents.

There are two components to this company: Master Printer of Grace and Partners Printing of Theadora. Master Printer has been owned, all or in part, by Shawn Russell since 1981. Ms. Russell started Partners in 1990 to increase market share and penetrate the Theadora market. The firm lost a major contract in 1991. This experience caused the first major loss in eight years. It is our goal to diversify the sales to the extent that we will never be dependent on one customer to that degree again. In addition, we will improve our efficiency and effectiveness through the implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM).

The two stores offer a full range of printing services and supplies. We have the ability to operate as a "quick printer" when necessary. A full list of services is included in the Business Description section.

The market is divided into commercial taxable and nontaxable accounts. We are currently identifying the number of potential accounts. The main competition is Charter Stationary, Langston Printing, and Monroe's Print Shop in Grace, and Penny Printing and Paper Supplies and Priceless Printing in Theadora. Our company will emphasize service, quality, price, and speed of service to compete in the market place. The printing industry is growing at a rate of 8 to 11 percent a year. We estimate our market share to be 34.2 percent and plan to increase that to 44.4 percent in five years through the implementation and annual revision of this plan.

Master and Partners have the ability to offer full-line printing services. The labor force consists of 13 people who have 150 combined years of printing and/or sales experience. We will use a delivery service to get the products to our customers in the outlying areas and for customers who need rush service.

We presently have a need for the following funds:

We would like to have this loan over a 12-year term at 8.34 percent interest.

This business plan makes extensive and exhaustive use of strategic, operational, and financial planning. An essential element of this plan is the installation of the TQM method.

Master Printer and Partners Printing offer a range of services, including:

• Offset printing
• Limited in-house full-color
• Job out balance of full-color
• Books, manuals, brochures
• Computer typesetting with Apple Macintosh and Varitype
• Letter press

At the current time our regular customers are:

• Percy's Restaurant
• Jim's Video Arcade
• Grace School System
• Pine Acres Rest Home
• Government Printing Facility
• Sarah's Stitchery

In addition to the few accounts listed above, we have approximately 100 accounts not listed (i.e., churches, businesses, clubs, etc.).

Master Printer is a local commercial printing company that has recently expanded to Theadora, New Mexico. Master was established in Grace, New Mexico in 1889 as a local newspaper printer, along with a job print shop. It was created to meet the printing needs of the local community.

After a period of time, the job print shop was sold as a commercial print shop. It was owned and operated as Grace Printing Company by Mrs. Dorothy Simmons.

In 1935, an employee, Drake Master, purchased Grace Printing Company and changed the name to Master Printer. During 1945, Mr. Master had a building erected at 52 James Street. This site remains the location of the present shop.

Master Printer was operated by Mr. and Mrs. Master until 1972. A few years after the death of Mr. Master, the shop again changed hands. It was sold to Mrs. Jane Appleton, who had been an employee of the company for 20 years.

In January 1981, Ms. Appleton sold Master Printer to two employees, Arthur Banes and Jack Wilson. Annie Reese became a junior partner.

Master Printer operated under this general partnership until it was dissolved in October of 1984. It was during this time that Shawn Russell became the sole proprietor of Master Printer.

In October of 1990, Shawn Russell expanded to Theadora, New Mexico. She opened a print shop under the name of Partners Printing. The two locations are full service printing companies and offer a wide range of printing products and services.

Potential Customers:

In addition to our current customers, I have identified the following businesses that will help diversify our revenue base:

• Tandy Toy Store
• Wednesday's
• Thomas, Bailey, & Hardy
• Jamie's Boutique
• Ralph White's Hardware

Small customers that have been overlooked in the past, such as physicians, young professionals, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses in our market area will be identified by next December.

Estimated Printing Market Size and Competition:

• Selection of Service
• New Business

The threats within the local market are:

• New print shop(s)
• New and better copiers, for in-house do-it-yourselfers

These are only potential threats, so no plan of action is necessary at this time. It is important to recognize and monitor these items for future strategy.

Target Markets

We are going to strengthen our local market by concentrating on increasing our smaller business accounts, as mentioned above. We estimate that by concentrating on maintaining our existing accounts and securing new accounts, our market share will increase as follows:

We intend to price our services and products just below or equal to our competition. The goal is to accomplish this while maintaining superior service over our competitors. We can accomplish this through efficiency, company training sessions, and by concentrating on quality control.

We will emphasize our perceived competitive advantage of service, quality, and price, to penetrate the market. To accomplish this, our promotion plan will include:

Public Relations

We intend to have periodic meetings and training sessions teaching employees how to communicate effectively with customers on the phone, and in person. One of our aims, in hopes of satisfying our customers, is to demonstrate alternative ways to do their printing. This should, in many cases, save them time and money. These training sessions are scheduled on the master calendar. (See Supplemental Documents section for information about the company calendar).

Advertising and Sales Incentives

We will develop a series of radio commercials that will be effective in exposing both companies to our market areas. We plan to have periodic promotions offering discounts or specials on various printing items (i.e. business cards, envelopes, letterheads, etc.). We will be able to determine what means of advertising will be most effective for our companies by utilizing these promotions at different intervals on various types of media. Campaigns will be initiated at the monthly Marketing Evaluation Meeting as scheduled on the monthly calendar.

Outside Sales

Outside sales has been a weak area. It has been targeted as a major area of emphasis. We are presently utilizing certain employees who we feel are qualified to work in outside sales. By readjusting production and work schedules, we are certain that the volume of business should noticeably increase for both companies.

We will survey present customers and potential customers in an effort to find the weak and strong areas of our products and services. This will be accomplished by utilizing outside sales people and the mail service. Through this survey, we should be able to gain valuable information giving us a competitive edge over our competition. Surveys are also scheduled on the master calendar. A sample survey has been provided in the Supplemental Documents section.

If the marketing goals, as outlined above, are not within 25 percent of projection by February 1, 1994, then the following strategy will be implemented immediately:

• Additional emphasis will be placed on outside sales by doubling our sales efforts.
• A 25 percent increase in radio advertising will be initiated.
• Additional promotional incentives will be implemented.
• A conference will be held with our accountant and banker.

If the marketing goals are still not met by July 1, then a marketing consultant with proven experience in the printing industry will be hired to implement a successful strategy.

The printing plants are located at 52 James Street for Master Printer and 6924 Auburn Drive in Theadora for Partners Printing. The combined labor cost for both companies is $121 per hour. Our operations consist of the following procedures:

First, the customer places the order. The employee taking the order should get as much information from the customer as possible (filling out the job worksheet should be sufficient). Also, at the time the employee receives the order a reasonable time should be determined for completing the job. The customer should be notified of any changes occurring with the order.

Second, the job ticket with all the information should be completed and documented in the job log book. The typesetter should be notified if typesetting is needing or the job should be taken directly to layout if all of the information is camera-ready. If the job is a repeal order, it should also be taken to layout.

Third, the typesetter should typeset any required copy as specified by the customer. Questions or problems should be directed to the person who took the order. No work should leave the typesetter until it has been properly proofed by two or more employees.

Fourth, every time typesetting is done for a customer, the customer must see a proof before printing is done. Therefore, the client is to be called in for proofing and they should sign a proof slip after reviewing the completed work. A customer who is proofing the typesetting that we have done should be encouraged to check spelling, phone numbers, etc. for accuracy.

It is a good idea, and should be a regular practice, for an employee to go over the proofing process with the customer and review the printing specifications as they are printed on the job ticket. Take nothing for granted and never ASSUME anything.

Fifth, after the proofing and correction stage, the job should go to layout, where logos and art work are added, an original is made, and a plate is prepared for printing.

Sixth, the plate is taken to a pressman. The pressman's job is to pull the stock required for the job and then print it to the specifications on the ticket. Again, the pressman should not assume anything. If there is any question or doubt as to the specifications of printing the job, the pressman should take the questions to the shop foreman for clarification.

Seventh, the job is printed and then goes to the bindery for any bindery work needed (i.e. collating, numbering, padding, cutting, gathering, packaging, etc.). When all bindery work is done and the job is complete, it should either be delivered or taken to the front office for pick-up.

Eighth, the delivery person or the front office employee should get a signed delivery receipt and/or a signed in voice when the job is picked-up. The delivery receipt should then be placed in the job envelope and the envelope filed in the completed box. The invoice also has its assigned place and should be filed there without fail.

Personnel in each department should be aware of the delivery dates requested by customers. The work schedules should ensure that these dates are met. Should a job be held up in a department that will affect the delivery dates, the customer should be notified to help maintain proper public relations.

Also, it is the responsibility of the bookkeeper to make sure that all customers are invoiced weekly and that statements are in the mail at the proper time. Any time an invoice can be delivered with the job, it should be, as this will eliminate unnecessary postage and work load in the front office.

The managers' duties are quite encompassing, as they oversee all shop employees. Therefore, this job requires knowledge of operational procedures, people skills, and a very broad knowledge of shop equipment maintenance. Further duties and responsibilities are:

• Management of each department supervisor
• Ordering supplies and all paper stock
• Overseeing the completion of jobs and ensuring quality control
• Maintaining schedules
• Cost controlling and waste management which requires shop personnel to use stock that is cut and left from previous jobs, instead of cutting down new stock
• Responsible for monitoring job flow and ensuring that each order is on schedule
• Taking job orders, answering the phone if the front office needs help, and waiting on customers

A listing of all management goals that have been derived as a result of this plan are listed in the Supplemental Documents section.

When the previous months financial statements are received, these procedures will be reevaluated and appropriate changes will be made. If the cost containment measures are not effective, then changes will be made. Financial reviews are scheduled on the monthly calendar.

Target percentages for the line items that will be monitored for containment are:

TQM will be instituted after management is educated on the benefits and short comings of the process. TQM has been scheduled on the master calendar.

Management Goals

• Recapitalize through loan proceeds.
• Initiate a plan of action to create a better working atmosphere.
• Reduce cost and increase profits.
• Through new formats and procedures, increase profitability.
• Strengthen present customer base and expand customer base to outside areas (Rosemond, Alareado, Mansfield, etc.).
• Update equipment to expand into more specialized areas of the printing market.
• Increase employee benefits.

Operational Goals

Cost contain.

• Contain all costs within FRA guidelines where applicable.
• Establish a regular insurance audit to determine needs and reduce cost where applicable.
• Install TQM in phases as indicated on the master calendar.
• Examine costs on a regular basis during monthly financial review.

Implement the following accounting changes:

These items are projected to be purchased in the following time frame:

Productivity/Efficiency Goals

• Contain waste through regular management meetings, at the present time and through TQM methods in the long-run.
• Install employee suggestion box with cash incentives for suggestion that result in cost savings on increased productivity. This will lead to a team based presentation program through TQM in the long-run.
• Outline Quality Control Procedures. (See subsection on Production and Quality Control).

Business Plan complete - September 21st

Loan Funded - October 2nd

A management calendar has been developed to indicate projection dates for reaching strategic decision goals. It is also used to schedule strategic planning sessions, evaluations, and general meetings.

Information about obtaining the comprehensive historical income statements can be found in the Supplemental Documents section. The following text is a summarized version of these statements.

An analysis of the 12-year trend indicates an increase in revenue for 11 of the past 12 years. The year, 1981, is the exception to this trend.

In 1981, Shawn Russell was adjusting to making management decisions, while continuing her work as a presswoman. The work force consisted of the two general partners, one junior partner, one full-time employee, and occasional part-time help. The high number of employees resulted in lower salaries and wages for that year.

In 1982, there was a considerable salary increase without a corresponding increase in sales or gross profit. The difficulties experienced in the partnership limited sound management decisions. This salary increase, along with the absence of an active sales force, contributed to a decrease in gross profits for the company by 1984.

In August of 1984, the partnership realized that it needed to disband. It was dissolved in October of 1984. After the dissolution of the partnership, the shop has realized steady growth.

Several expense line items have been analyzed and have provided opportunities for cost containment.

Cost of Goods

This item appears to have been out of proportion at certain periods. To remedy this, several steps have been and will be taken.

• Procedures are being taken to monitor material waste. Waste due to errors can be considerably reduced by implementing and enforcing policies on quality control.
• Pricing updates will be made more often to reflect price increases on papers and supplies. Price lists have recently been updated and modified to simplify pricing procedures for employees. This will be a major help in eliminating pricing errors.
• Each department will be responsible for recording time spent on each job. This will show what types of printing jobs are more or less profitable, and indicate what measures should be taken to increase profitability.

Wages (including owners)

Wages have averaged 28.6 percent over the 12 year history. Current labor expense is high, 37.3 percent of gross sales, due to the loss of the Hillman Equipment contracts. The figures are ½ actual and ½ projection. One employee has been terminated and one employee quit. As a result, this percentage should be lower by year end. The FRA (Financial Research Association) comparison for a like-size business indicates a 35.98 average. Therefore, Master Printer and Partners Printing are only 1.32 percent above this industry average. Increases in productivity brought about through the implementation of this plan will bring this figure to below the industry average.

Payroll Taxes

Payroll taxes have increased from .7 percent in 1981 to 3.7 percent in 1992. However, this line item is only controllable indirectly through total labor.

Advertising

Advertising is .7 percent on average and is above the FRA average of .39 percent for small-sized businesses. In order to increase our penetration in the market, this item will have to remain above this average for a short time. However, we do feel that by utilizing an effective advertising strategy, our advertising dollars will yield a greater return than in the past.

Auto Expense

Auto expense was .8 percent in 1982, and 1.9 in 1992, or a 237 percent increase. There are no industry averages for this line item, but it is deemed to be high.

The increase is contributed primarily to the frequent trips and distance from Grace to Theadora. These trips should be less frequent due to the loss of certain Hillman contracts. Therefore, this expense should decrease without an action plan.

Bad debts have not been a significant problem in the past, but we will continue to monitor accounts receivable to avoid developing any problems in this area.

Insurance costs have escalated from .4 percent of gross to 1.2 percent and are in line with the FRA industry average of 1.78 percent.

Interest has moved from 2.3 percent of gross to 2.8 percent in 1991, which is a 21.7 percent increase in 11 years. We hope to reduce our interest expense by obtaining a loan at lower interest rates than we are presently paying.

Lease Expense

Lease expense has fluctuated over the years, starting at 4.6 percent in 1981 and decreasing to 2.3 percent in 1991. We hope to reduce this expense even further by purchasing equipment, rather than acquiring it on lease options. The purchases will be evaluated with our accountant to determine what items will be most advantageous at the time.

Repairs and Maintenance

Repairs and maintenance increased significantly from 1981 through 1988. This was due in part to service agreements on new equipment. From 1988, however, this expense has significantly decreased from .77 percent of revenues to .37 percent.

Pro-forma income statement projections and balance sheets are available from the main office of Harris, Ridder, & Manny, Inc., 6734 Desert Drive, Grace, NM 84753. The following is a summary of their findings and recommendations.

Two pro-forma income statements were constructed for the purpose of analysis. One is based on the current debt structure and the other focuses on a capital restructuring program. The first indicates a net cash position of $18,348 at year end, while the second reveals a new cash position of $25,016. The capital restructuring program is as follows:

Of the $25,000 in operating costs, $10,000 will be placed in a money market account and marked for emergency use only. This account will be built to a level of $26,000, which is ten percent of gross profit. It will be maintained at that level in accordance with the gross profit figures.

Historical growth has occurred at 15 percent over the last 11 years. However, for purposes of this analysis, the growth rate was held to ten percent. The actual year to year growth rate varies in accordance with the ebb and flow of the local economy. The 1995-1996 fiscal year shows an actual decrease in sales, something the company has experienced only once in the past 11 years.

Owing to greater efficiencies and economies of scale, the net cash available grows from $25,223 in 1993-1994 to $80,404 in 1994-1995.

A FMV balance sheet was constructed because of the extensive depreciation the company currently has on the books. A market analysis was obtained from the company (See Supplemental Documents) to establish the value of the real property. The value of the equipment was estimated using replacement costs, instead of new costs, as a guideline. Value was given to the leased equipment only if it was projected to pay out in less than six months. The owners' equity in FMV terms is 34.5 percent.

Cash was used as a plug figure from the income statements. Accounts receivable and inventory were increased at five percent per year, and this amount was subtracted from cash because no allocation was made in the pro-forma income statements. The capital purchases were also subtracted from cash. Depreciation was estimated at the current rate for the life of the projection. After the current period, the payables were reduced to $1,000.

Since the business has a substantial amount of equipment depreciated out or almost out, the net worth figure was modified by adding the FMV net to arrive at an adjusted figure.

Major Assumptions

• Economy of Grace and Theadora remain relatively the same.
• No "significant" new competition.
• No large capital purchases within two years.
• TQM will be implemented within one year, with resultant efficiencies.

Company Calendar

The Master Calendar is a long range planning tool for company managers. It is a five year record of management meetings and programs. Some of the items included on this calendar are: Insurance Audits, Financial Review Sessions, Policy and Procedure Meetings, a schedule for implementation of the TQM Program, and Quarterly Management Summary Meetings.

A copy of the Master Calendar can be obtained from the Master Printer office.

Organizational Chart and Management Resumes

A chart illustrating the management hierarchy has been prepared by the owner, Shawn Russell. Please contact Ms. Russell for a copy.

Management resumes and references are available upon request.

Financial Documents

Tables containing sales figures, gross profit, operating expenses, other income, and net income over the past 12 years have been prepared by Harris, Ridder, & Manny, Inc., 6734 Desert Dr., Grace, NM 84753.

The firm of Harris, et al has also compiled additional financial statements and supplementary schedules including: a proprietorship balance sheet; a table illustrating the proprietor's capital for the one month and eight month period that ended in August of 1993; and other related statements of income. Please contact the main office, at the address listed above, for copies of these financial documents.

Market Analysis

A Market Analysis of local properties has been completed by the Benchman Company, 7483 Riverside Dr., Grace, NM 84753. The report revealed the estimated market value of both single family dwellings and retail office space. The homes ranged from $45,000 to $105,00 and the office facilities were between $9,500 to $70,000. A copy of the full analysis is available upon request.

Employee Guidelines and Production and Quality Control

Production and Quality Control is everyone's responsibility.

Dealing with Customers

Be polite and cordial

A prerequisite and requirement to taking orders is being friendly and cordial, regardless of how bad a day you may have had. Make each customer feel he or she is important and welcome. Every customer is important, so be careful not to be rude or brash.

When a customer arrives, know in advance who is going to deal with their order. Wait on customers immediately. DO NOT keep them waiting. If more than one customer comes in get someone in the back to help.

Receiving Jobs or Information (in person or on the phone)

Write everything down (use the work order form)

• Record person's NAME, TIME of call, and DATE.
• Get the address and phone number if possible.
• Type, color, and weight of stock
• Size or sizes of stock
• Color or colors of ink
• Types of bindery required (if necessary)
• Job due date
• Question information that is vague
• Quantity or quantities of order
• Record price quoted if possible
• Do not quote the customer a price unless you are sure of it. Double check the price with someone if possible.
• When receiving information concerning jobs already in production, write down the change and send it immediately to the appropriate department. Make sure that the change is recorded on the job ticket.
• Watch for Obvious Errors: Always check name, dates, and phone numbers.

After information on Page One has been obtained and recorded, the old job ticket should be pulled and a new ticket should be filled out. Someone other than the person taking the job should call the customer to verify information recorded, including the price.

After a proof is ready, with respect to the due date, the customer will be contacted, or proof will be delivered to the customer. If proof has not been picked up or OK'd in a reasonable time, with respect to the due date, a follow-up call needs to be made to the customer.

The same shall apply to completed jobs waiting to be picked up by the customer.

If supplies that have been ordered have not arrived in a reasonable amount of time, a follow-up call is to be made to the company. This also applies to orders shipped outside of the print shop.

• If it is clear where the fault lies, due to carelessness or negligence, the cost of the job may be charged to the person or persons responsible for the error.
• Communicate effectively
• Work together
• Keep your mind and thoughts on your job

Reducing Expenses

• Utilized supplies efficiently
• Avoid cutting too much stock
• Be conservative when using supplies. Use only what is needed.
• Designated persons will be responsible for cutting papers and stocks for each job prior to printing
• Each job ticket will be attached to a production control sheet. Each person and department will be responsible for recording the time the project was started and the time it was completed.
• Utilize time efficiently
• Strive to produce 8 hours of quality production daily
• Work overtime only when necessary
• Overtime is encouraged when the level of production justifies it.
• Inform the front office when you are making up time or working comp-time or overtime.
• Regular Maintenance on equipment is required: Equipment will be lubricated on a regular basis. Operators of each piece of equipment will set up a regular maintenance schedule for each piece of equipment. These schedules will be submitted and reviewed at the end of each month.
• Equipment will be cleaned and kept clean daily.
• Each person will be responsible for keeping his or her immediate work area neat and organized
• An organized work space will create a more efficient work environment

It is in everyone's best interest to be efficient and to reduce costs as much as possible. If you see something that needs to be done, inquire about it, and see that it gets done. Each person working at this company is a valuable and important part of our success.

CUSTOMER SURVEY FORM FOR MASTER PRINTER

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