Today, we’re going to discuss the 5 common print mistakes that delay delivery and show you the best solutions for them. That way, print projects are completed correctly and delivered on time—every time.
Submitting incorrect or incomplete design files is one of the most common reasons a press run gets delayed—sometimes by days. A file error discovered after a job is plated can blow the entire campaign window. The most frequently seen file issues include:
For high-volume commercial projects, files typically need to meet strict specifications—correct bleed settings, proper resolution (300 dpi minimum), and print-ready formats—before a press run can begin.
One of the biggest mistakes you can make that delays delivery is taking too long for print approvals. If you’re working with a designer who does all the content work for you, the approval process and whether you meet timelines are still highly dependent on your team.
If your design requests approval by a certain day and time and you miss it, there’s a high chance that your prints won’t be done before the deadline. If your prints aren’t done, there’s no way you’ll meet the shipment and delivery deadlines you were attempting to meet.
If you’re printing your own messaging and simply need delivery services, the main priority is ensuring your prints arrive on time. Oftentimes, companies try to do this step on their own, only to discover they don’t have enough time to print the total number of materials necessary.
For seasonal commercial prints and other more time-sensitive prints, it’s imperative that you complete all the necessary steps well in advance. If you’re hoping to print election publications or holiday materials in the fall and winter, companies will often get a head start and will begin planning during the prior spring.
When it comes to highly time-sensitive materials, it’s important to be too early rather than too late.
When design, print, and delivery are handled by separate vendors, accountability falls through the cracks. If a file gets lost in handoff or a shipment misses its window, everyone points at someone else. Companies that piece together the cheapest option in each category often discover the hidden cost: the hours spent coordinating, re-briefing, and chasing updates across multiple partners.
While separating jobs out to save money sounds great in theory, the reality is that working with multiple partners can be incredibly time-consuming and disjointed. Most companies discover that the cheaper rates aren’t worth the hassle or extra time spent moving to the next step. Another thing to consider is that using a comprehensive print partner actually saves you money because you can bundle services and get a better deal.
Outsourcing shipping with another company adds an extra step and even more time to your already tight schedule. Very few print companies are big enough to offer their own shipping and delivery services, so companies are left choosing an outside shipping partner. For most companies, outsourcing shipping is the only option—because very few commercial printers have the infrastructure to handle large-scale distribution in-house.
If possible, find a partner who offers printing and shipping in tandem to save time and money in the long run.
Understanding the 5 common print mistakes that delay delivery is the first step to understanding why your print projects aren’t going to plan and staying timely. The next step is to find a solution and avoid print delays for good. These are the 5 best solutions to avoid print mistakes in the future.
Working with a professional commercial print design team means that your message stays on brand, your project files have a professional quality to them and files are created exactly how you need them for print. Incorrect or incomplete files will be a problem of the past when you work with a professional designer. Print design specialists know exactly how your files should be presented, the specific bleed requirements and other small details that matter in the long run.
When it comes to print projects, it’s better to be too early than to be late. The best way to ensure your projects are sent to the printer on time is to set small goals internally to get your prints prepped.
Start thinking about your project 3-6 months in advance (larger, more important projects will take more time), brainstorm messaging ideas, create your layout, add your content and images, and go through multiple rounds of feedback and reviews. Once your piece is perfected, you can send the final product to your preferred print partner to finish the rest.
Need ideas for your next print project?
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Finding the right print provider with advanced equipment that meets your particular needs is the next solution. While some companies choose to self-print, the final result often looks less professional and credible than when you utilize a quality print specialist.
The right print partner will have the equipment and capacity to run hundreds of thousands of pieces without compromising quality or speed. For organizations running regional or national campaigns, that scale isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a requirement.
The secret to your commercial prints and direct mail succeeding is utilizing comprehensive print services rather than a la carte options. While shopping around for the lowest quote appears to save you money, you end up spending so much more time and effort switching between the different partners.
A turnkey print partner streamlines the entire workflow under one roof—fewer handoffs, clearer accountability, and bundled pricing that often costs less than sourcing each piece separately.
When finding a great turnkey print partner, look for these services all included for faster, more professional results:
The best full-service print partners will excel in each of these areas and take the operational weight off your team. When every stage of production is handled by people who do this at scale every day, hitting deadlines stops being a scramble and becomes the baseline.
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While turnkey print services often offer the design, print and packaging, it’s rare to find everything you need, complete with shipping and delivery services. If you can find a location with its own delivery, it saves you immense amounts of time and can even save on shipping costs. Few print partners have everything, but when you find one you like, it can be incredibly beneficial for direct mail, high-volume print needs like brochures or election prints, educational materials and so much more.
If you’re able to find a high-quality print partner with fast, in-house shipping to match, it can improve your campaigns for the better.
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Understanding the 5 common print mistakes that delay delivery already puts you ahead of the competition. Taking it a step further and applying the appropriate solutions offers an even more effective way to improve your commercial print projects.
For businesses that want to make an easy change to improve their high-volume projects and marketing campaigns, working with an expert print partner is a great option. Here at Signature Graphics, we offer comprehensive commercial printing services that include design, print, assembly and delivery. If you’d like to reduce print production mistakes in your future campaigns, tell us about your next project and we’ll map out a production timeline that works.