Short Run Prints

Printing has traditionally been most affordable in larger, longer print runs. Due to the nature of the setup and equipment involved offset printing has meant expensive plate making that is justified when hundreds or thousands of the same piece is being printed. We have all seen the video clips of the big presses churning out printed material by the thousands. The latest digital presses, however, now make it economical to produce short run prints that are high quality and reasonably priced. Typically, if your quantity is less than 50 of a printed piece, it is considered “short-run”. Since offset plate making can be expensive, most short run printing jobs rely on digital printing capabilities. Typical materials printed in short runs might be business cards, glossy flyers and posters. However, the world of printing has changed – and much to the benefit of the small business of late. In fact, most small businesses do not need to have thousands of anything printed at one time – and thus the large inventory sitting around for months. Ideally, a small business could print a handful of brochures and large format posters to get their message out – yet; small quantities printed often means a much higher cost per unit. Short run prints are the answer. Just what you need printed – when you need it most. Ideally, without breaking the bank in the process. Over the last few years, many printers have actually “ganged” smaller short run print jobs together to attempt to gain some efficiency in the setup and production process. These batch orders can be printed nearly as cost effectively as traditional longer runs. In any case, we now live in an age where you can order nearly exactly what you want printed without any excess inventory.