Most of the time, a marketing project goes as planned. However, every now and then a print job runs into problems, a mail piece drops late, or an invoice doesn't reflect the quote.
You can avoid many delays , conflicts, and complications if you get a good start, and that means the quote. The more your vendor knows about a potential, upcoming job, the more accurately your vendor can provide a quote and the better the company can prepare. Omitting nitty-gritty details now --the type of file you're submitting, for example--may seem unnecessary, but they could end up derailing your schedule, increasing your costs, or sidelining your direct mail piece altogether if you catch your vendor unaware.
What should you include in a quote request? As much information as possible. For a printer, that means dates, data, delivery, and more:
· project name
· when you'd like the quote
· when you expect to submit the job
· when you'd like the job completed
· quantity
· file type/software used
· whether the job prints one side only or two
· platform used: Mac or PC
· how the artwork will be provided: hard copy, tiff, jpeg, PDF
· type of proofs required: bluelines, color proofs, or electronic proofs
· size: both flat and folded, including final size
· page count
· requested stock
· color(s): one, two, three, or 4-color process
· whether or not a cover coating is needed
· bleeds
· folding or binding
· how you want the final piece packaged: in cartons, on skids, polybagged, shrinkwrapped, etc.
· where the final products should be delivered and how
For a mail service provider, it means many of the same specifications, plus:
· size and weight
· format: flat, letter
· class: first class, presorted, non-profit
· postage payment method/type
· binding or inserting required
· number of lists, formats, and sources
· where the materials are coming from and when
· special work, including merge/purging, level of merge/purging, and approval process
· keycoding, if needed
· laser personalization: simplex or duplex, black only or spot color/four-color process
· sorting
· what to do with overage: return, store, or recycle
Allow enough time in your bidding and your production to enable your sales rep to provide you with a thorough and thoughtful quote, and be realistic in your projected schedule. Plan ahead, and save your "rush" jobs for true, last-minute campaign additions.
