Thursday, November 19, 2009

The 5 Most Costly Mistakes When Purchasing a Banner


1. You Choose a Printer That Does Not Offer a Guarantee

The best printers guarantee their work. It’s really that simple. The reason the best printers guarantee their work is because they are confident in their abilities to complete the job to the customer’s satisfaction. If they make a mistake they are willing to fix their errors at no extra charge.



Ensure that you select a printer who guarantees their work. They usually offer the best quality and service, and any mistakes made by them will be fixed at no additional cost to you!

2. You Choose a Printer That Does Not Offer Free Proofs

Any printer worth his salt will supply you with a proof for no additional charge. Whether you are providing a digital file, or the printer is responsible for the design and layout of the banner receiving a proof is extremely important.
A good printer not only wants the job done, but wants the job done right! A printer who doesn’t provide a proof is doing so for several reasons. Either they don’t want to incur any extra cost, or they don’t want to be blamed for any potential mistakes.

Many things can go wrong before a banner is completed. Assuming a job will be completed to your standards without seeing it first could be a costly mistake. The best printers will provide you with a proof no matter the circumstance. Choose a vendor that can provide a hard copy proof, as well as an electronic proof (e-proof) just in case you can’t physically make it to the printer’s location.


3. You Choose a Printer Based Solely on Price and Location


There are numerous reasons why one banner may be less expensive then the other, but the fact is, more often then not, the real reason banner x is cheaper then banner y is quality, or a lack there of. It’s that simple old adage “you get what you pay for”. Confirm that you’ve chosen a vendor who uses the highest quality materials that will guarantee visibility and durability for years to come.
You shouldn’t feel like you have to choose a printer that is near you unless time is your greatest concern. Basing a buying decision on geography as opposed to quality and service could be a costly decision that you don’t have to make.

4. Understanding Your Needs

Purchasing a banner is a business decision and an investment that has many factors to consider before making a choice. Ask yourself the following questions: How big should my banner be? Can my banner hold up in harsh weather? How long will I use this banner? Size, style, design, material, and finishing are just some of the factors to consider before purchasing your banner. Picking the wrong type, size, or style of banner could end up costing you in the long run.

For many smaller businesses this is the way you will advertise to your community. Make sure that you understand your needs when buying a banner and if you are still unsure, choose a vendor that is reputable and knowledgeable so that they can tell you exactly what type of banner will best meet your requirements.

5. Choosing the Right Design

The design of a banner is the single most important factor in determining how effective that banner will be. Choosing the wrong design for your banner can lead to a sign that creates zero buzz and zero profit for your business. When you decide on a printer for your custom banner check out their website, or brochure to see how successful their previous designs are. Call the printer to ensure that they employ professional graphic designers who can assist you in creating the perfect design.

If you choose to use your own design follow these basic tips for success.

- Do not clutter your banner with useless or misleading information.
- Stick with contrasting colors to ensure your banner is aesthetically pleasing.
- Make the message concise and appealing. 3-5 words are ideal, but 5-7 is acceptable.
- Make sure to emphasize the most important message on your vinyl banner.
Keeping these tips in mind helps ensure high-quality and presentable vinyl banners for your business.

Stephen Hoey is President of KDF Reprographics, Inc. located in Rockleigh, New Jersey. KDF specializes in wide format services including banners, posters, wall murals and vehicle wraps. Stephen Hoey can be reached at 888-533-2667, Steve@kdf-comp.com or on the web at http://www.kdf-comp.com

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