Somewhere along the line, the term “broker” got a bad rap. When you hear the word, you might think of a middleman who exists in the equation solely to make money. And wouldn’t we all be better off without that middleman taking a slice of the pie?
In some cases, the answer is an absolute, resounding yes. When a product is simple, you can buy it straight from the distributor, oftentimes at a lower cost than you’d otherwise pay. It’s kind of like buying products you need in bulk at a wholesale price rather than visiting a retailer.
But in some situations, brokers don’t deserve the flak. Those situations are the ones in which buying is complicated and involves lots of factors you wouldn’t necessarily want — or know how — to navigate on your own. Take insurance, for instance. If you’ve worked as an insurance agent yourself and already know the ins and outs, you’d be okay buying on your own. But if you’re new to the scene, you’re going to deal with every insurance company trying to upsell you and tell you their company is the best on the market.
A broker can step in and use their relationships with actual winning companies, along with their industry knowledge, to make sure you don’t get screwed. They’ll find the right fit for you based not on a cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all solution, but on the bases you actually need to cover. And the same goes for reliable print brokers. The answer to your question “Will a print broker cost me more money?” is “No, they’ll usually cost you less.”
Now, to address the elephant in the room right away, we are print brokers, so of course we’d say that. But you don’t have to blindly take our word for it — we’ll lay out the way print brokers operate in the context of how they cut costs for their clients. That way, not only will you understand the incentive structure, but you’ll be able to carefully vet any brokers you consider working with to make sure they’re on the up and up.
What Is a Print Broker?
A print broker, often referred to as a print management company, acts as an intermediary between clients seeking printing services and the print suppliers capable of executing those jobs.
Unlike a traditional print house that may be limited by its own equipment and capabilities, a print broker has the flexibility to source the best provider for each specific project. This means they can match your project with a print supplier who offers the optimal balance of cost, quality and turnaround time, tailored to your unique needs.
How Could a Print Broker Save You Money?
The most common ways print brokers can save money for their customers include:
- Access to a wide network of suppliers: Print brokers maintain relationships with a diverse network of suppliers. This extensive network enables them to obtain competitive quotes and negotiate better prices than you might get on your own. Since they bring a high volume of business to these suppliers, they can often secure discounts that are passed on to you.
- Expertise and efficiency: With their specialized knowledge, print brokers can quickly identify the most cost-effective solutions for your project. They understand the intricacies of print production, including materials, processes and finishing techniques, which means they can advise on how to achieve your desired outcome without unnecessary expenses.
- Time savings that lead to cost savings: The time you'd spend researching printers, soliciting quotes and managing logistics can be significant. By handling these tasks on your behalf, a print broker frees you up to focus on your core business activities. This indirect cost saving can be just as valuable as direct savings on your print jobs.
- Customized solutions: Print brokers don't offer a one-size-fits-all solution; they tailor their services to each client's specific needs. This customization ensures you're not paying for services or products you don't need. Whether it's a small, highly customized job or a large-scale production, they'll find the most cost-effective approach.
- Avoidance of costly mistakes: Mistakes in printing can be expensive, whether it's choosing the wrong material, incorrect sizing or a misunderstanding of the print process. Print brokers leverage their expertise to foresee and mitigate these risks, ensuring your project is done right the first time.
But What About the Broker's Fee? Won’t They Make My Prints Cost More?
It's true that print brokers make their money by marking up the cost of printing. However, because of their ability to source competitively priced services and their expertise in print management, the overall cost to you, including their markup, is often lower than if you had sourced the printing yourself. Moreover, the value they add by saving you time, reducing errors and providing expert advice can far outweigh the cost of their services.
How Choosing the Right Print Broker Will Affect Your Prices
Not all print brokers are created equal. When considering working with a broker, look for transparency in their pricing structure, a proven track record of successful projects, and positive testimonials from other clients. A reputable broker will be upfront about how they can save you money and should be willing to provide references upon request
Choose Print Services That Make Sense for Your Budget and Goals
While the concept of paying a middleman might initially seem like an unnecessary expense, the reality is that a good print broker can save you money in the long run. By leveraging the network, expertise and efficiencies they bring to the table, you can enjoy lower costs, higher quality and less hassle in your print buying process.
Just like with any other service provider, the key is to do your homework and choose a broker you trust to deliver value that exceeds the cost of their fee. If you'd like to learn more about Integra Graphics Synergy, you can read about our business and work philosophies by clicking below.
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