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Here at Omega, we’ve processed many rush jobs for our clients. And we get it! There are a multitude of reasons as to why a client might be strapped for time when it comes to receiving their print. However, when tight deadlines need to be met, there are quite a few actions that you can take in order to see your print through to completion as quickly as possible. By taking the measures we’ve outlined below, you’ll be sure to crush those deadlines every time!
Early & Clear Correspondence
In order to ensure your print is executed as quickly as possible, it is crucial to contact your printer as early on as possible, and maintain a clear and open line of communication. Be sure to ask for their input on your design, approximate delivery time, and any other details that directly impact your production times. Once you are able to ascertain all of this important information, you’ll be able to prepare a work schedule that you should strictly adhere to.
Keep it Simple
Not every print project is created equally, when it comes to how quickly they can be completed. When faced with tight deadlines, it does not serve you to implement an over-the-top or extravagant design. Instead, you should aim for something more simplistic, and therefore, easier to print. Try to use basic graphics, or, if at all possible, implement designs and/or templates that you already have in your possession. Such can act as a good foundation for new projects, and can be easily modified as needed.
Use Standard Paper Sizes
You will want to use standard paper sizes for any project that needs to be made post-haste. This often constitutes paper with dimensions that are multiples of 8.5 x 11 inches. More often than not, your printer already has this type of paper in stock, cutting the time it would’ve taken to order the materials your print requires. And if they don’t, standard sized paper is a lot quicker to get a hold of than less common sizes.
Proof Your Designs
If you want to avoid delays after sending your design over to your printer, be sure to proof it before you do so. You want to steer clear of making any alterations after your printer has received your files, because this will only prolong the time it takes to see your print completed. Once you have thoroughly checked and vetted the design you intend to use, there should be no reason for further revisions, and the production process can start that much faster.
Offset vs. Digital
It’s important to know what type of printer will give you the quickest turnaround for your particular project. For small jobs, your best bet is Digital Printing. Most modern Digital printers can print roughly 100-200 pages per minute. In addition, this mode of printing takes virtually no time to set up, and is especially helpful for speedily printing multiple originals. However, for larger jobs, offset is definitely the way to go. While it does take longer to set up, the machine itself works exponentially faster than Digital, cranking out up to 4,800 pages per minute.
Making sure you receive your print by an impending deadline can be an extremely stressful experience. Sometimes, the need to rush your print job is inevitable, or through no fault of your own. However, it doesn’t negate the possible consequences you could face by not having your job completed on time. That’s why it’s crucial to follow the tips mentioned above. By doing so, you can take a deep breath knowing you have just substantially cut down the turn around time of your print!
Written by Omega High Impact Print Solutions’ Digital Marketing Manager, Emily Steel