The difference between Print Management and Print Brokering and how both work within my business.

A print manager can work for their clients in two ways:

They can operate for their clients as an internal resource or employee without the need for ongoing salaries:

If this client is you, before our meeting I would ask you to go through all the printed items your company has produced over the past 12 months and I then carry out a print health check. This health check enables me to thoroughly understand your needs and business goals and to transform these into effective and efficient print procurement strategies. Together we will then produce a forecast of your print projects which I will review with you regularly over the next 6 to 12 months and at all times focus on the profitability of the projects and to provide hassle free solutions for you.

Or

They can work for a client on an ad hoc basis providing print as and when the client needs it, finding the most efficient and effective way to accomplish each printing task.

If you are not looking for the full print management service because you have local printers for your run of the mill print items, business cards, stationery etc. when you are looking to produce your glossy catalogue or brochure or you require help with the production of your literature folders and inserts you can call on me for help. I am happy to work with your graphic design team to advise on the most cost effective but print efficient way to produce the required item or alternately I have a number of great graphic designers who I am more than happy to refer to you. This early advice can definitely save you hassle later on and will certainly save you money in the long run.

A Print Broker matches their client’s requirement with the right printer for the job and really their responsibility ends there.

As a print manager I also broker print as I work for a number of graphic design and marketing agencies and they do not require the full management service. In this instance I still continue to monitor the job throughout the print process and ensure that it is delivered in a timely manner and acceptable quality as I do with all my clients.

If you are interested in anything I have written above please give me a call.