If you’ve ever looked for professional prints, you’ve probably stumbled upon the term “print broker.” Maybe you’d worked with brokers in the past for your mortgage or insurance, so you could probably imagine what a print broker does. Or maybe you had no clue whatsoever what the term meant, and you landed on this article to find out.
At Integra Graphics Synergy, we’ve been in business as print brokers since 2005, and we can assure you: You’re not the only one with questions. Most people have them when they first start considering working with a print broker.
Before we begin, we want to assure any readers who have ended up here that we've left bias at the door. Of course we believe in the print brokerage model, but we also know that dishonesty would help absolutely no one. So to that end, we've answered these questions in as straightforward a way as possible.
Let's begin by defining "print broker" as a term, and from there, we'll answer the questions we hear most often!
What Is a Print Broker?
We did a deep dive into the definition of a print broker in a recent blog article on the topic. Feel free to read that piece, and in the meantime, we’ll give you a cliff notes version of the answer!
A print broker will act as an intermediary between you and print manufacturers. Unlike a traditional printing company that offers services from their own equipment, print brokers leverage their network of print suppliers to find the best match for every project. They can offer a wider range of products and often at better prices thanks to established relationships and volume discounts.
Can a Print Broker Save Me Money?
Print brokers can save customers money in several ways. First, their extensive network allows them to find the most cost-effective solution for any client’s specific needs. They can negotiate lower prices due to the volume of business they bring to printers.
Additionally, their expertise in the print industry means they can suggest alternative materials or methods that achieve the same results but at a lower cost.
In certain situations, albeit rare, print brokers aren’t able to bring the price down further than their online counterparts. For instance, if your batch is under 100 copies, you’ll likely find the same prices with an online print distributor vs. your print broker of choice.
What Types of Projects Can a Print Broker Help With?
Print brokers can assist with a wide variety of projects, including but not limited to:
- Business cards and stationery
- Brochures and flyers
- Banners and signage
- Custom packaging
- Promotional products
- Embroidered or heat pressed apparel
- Large format printing
- Direct mail campaigns
Essentially, if it can be printed, a good print broker can help you produce it.
Will My Project Take Longer With a Print Broker?
This one is a complicated question to answer, because it depends on a few factors — but we'll give you our best breakdown!
In the vast majority of cases, a print broker can find the materials and expertise to complete your project quicker than a traditional print house might. Even with rush jobs, they're likely to find at least one connection with an opening in the schedule.
You'll really see a print broker's timeline management in full force if your project is complex and has several moving parts. That type of work is a broker's bread and butter, allowing them to leverage their project management and negotiation skills on your behalf for a quicker turnaround than just about any other provider could match.
On the flip side, if your project is small — let's say 100 business cards — the speed factor won't stand out as much. You might be better matched with a same-day office supply print shop than a print broker, particularly if you haven't formed a relationship with a broker yet and still need to complete preliminary paperwork and secure a dedicated contact.
If you'd like to see what your timeline might look like with Integra, check out our turnaround calculator by clicking below.
Why Would Someone Use a Print Broker Instead of Going Directly to a Printer?
In many cases, choosing a print broker offers several advantages over working directly with a print house, including:
- Time savings: Instead of you having to source quotes and vet printers, your broker will do the legwork.
- Access to better deals: Brokers often have access to better pricing than you might get on your own.
- Quality assurance: These print professionals will ensure that the final product meets your expectations, handling any issues directly with the printer on your behalf.
- Expertise: Print brokers understand the ins and outs of the printing process and can guide you through complex decisions.
- Customization and flexibility: Brokers can more easily find printers who specialize in custom work or who can meet unique project requirements.
You can think of a quality print broker as an extension of your marketing team — without you needing to actually hire anyone, and without any strings attached.
How Do Print Brokers Make Money?
Print brokers typically make money through commissions or markups on the printing services they procure for clients. Because they bring a high volume of business to printers, they're able to negotiate lower prices, which still allows room for their markup without costing you more than if you went directly to the printer yourself.
Even with the amount a broker adds to the bottom line for their time and labor, you’ll often see significantly lower prices than a direct print house could offer.
Can a Print Broker Help With Design?
Many print brokers offer design services or have partnerships with graphic designers to help you with your project from concept to completion. They can coordinate the design process to ensure that the final artwork is optimized for printing, saving you time and potential headaches.
That said, not all print brokers are created equal, and some will not put design time into your work. Be sure to check with your broker about this matter before making any partnership decisions.
How Do I Choose the Right Print Broker?
Choosing the right print broker involves the consideration of several factors, such as:
- Experience: Look for a broker with extensive experience and a good track record.
- Network: A broker with a wide range of suppliers can offer more options and flexibility.
- Communication: Ensure that your broker understands your needs and can communicate clearly and promptly.
- Services: Confirm that your broker offers the services you need, from design to delivery.
- References: Ask for and check references to gauge each broker’s reliability and quality of work.
With a little extra effort on the part of due diligence, you can narrow your focus to the best print brokers for your specific needs.
What Should I Expect When I Work With a Print Broker?
You should definitely expect a consultative approach. Any print broker worth their salt will discuss your project in detail — including your goals, budget and timeline — before setting any printing presses in motion. They should then provide options and offer recommendations.
Once you've made your choices, your print broker will handle the rest, from placing the order with the printer to ensuring the finished product is delivered to your satisfaction. Let them know how little or much communication you would like along the way, and they’ll cater their updates to your preferences.
Should You Partner With a Print Broker for Your Printing Projects?
"Print broker" is a weird, shadowy word for people who are hearing it for the first time. It can feel nerve-wracking to trust a company defined as the "middle man," but the truth is that a print broker offers so much more than middle management.
For many print buyers, these professionals act as valuable partners in the printing process, offering expertise, cost savings and convenience. Now that you've seen some of the top print brokerage questions and learned the answers, you should be able to much more confidently determine whether this solution would be a good one for your business.
If you're still trying to decide which professional print business model would work best for you, feel free to read more about your options in our blog post on the topic.
If, on the other hand, you're sold on print brokers, your next step will probably be to learn about your options and select a broker. While you're on that journey, if you'd like to learn more about the ins and outs of working with Integra as your dedicated print broker, click below!
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