What kind of operation you are running.
WHAT FORMS EXIST
- Digital printing: short runs, fast turnaround
- Offset printing: long runs, lower unit cost
- Large format: banners, posters, vehicle graphics
- Signage: fabrication, lightboxes, lettering
Screen printing and garment decoration Embroidery Promotional items and branding
Finishing services: binding, lamination, cutting
WHY THE DISTINCTION MATTERS
Equipment, minimum viable volumes and economics differ entirely.
WHAT DIGITAL SUITS
Small quantities, variable content, urgency.
WHAT OFFSET SUITS
Large quantities of the same thing.
WHERE THE CROSSOVER SITS
At a quantity you can calculate, and it determines which jobs you should take.
WHAT MOST OPERATIONS DO NOT KNOW
Their true cost per impression or per square metre.
WHY IT MATTERS
Quoting without it means some jobs lose money.
WHAT DETERMINES PROFITABILITY
Equipment utilisation Material waste Reprints caused by error Getting artwork right before printing Getting paid
WHY REPRINTS DOMINATE LOSSES
A reprint consumes materials and machine time twice and earns once.
WHAT CAUSES MOST OF THEM
Artwork and approval failures, not machine problems.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH FIRST
A proofing process nobody bypasses.
