Best Practice Archives

Printing Turnaround Time – A Resellers Competitive Advantage

Posted on December 19, 2024December 19, 2024 by Jamie Xuereb

Printing turnaround time can be your print business’ secret weapon. After all, clients naturally expect fast, reliable service. Any delays – or even perceived delays – can lead to unsatisfied customers, damaged reputation and lost business.

But if you as a printer get this right, by consistently meeting or exceeding turnaround expectations, you can gain a real competitive advantage.

So, read on to explore the factors that affect turnaround time and why improving it can be a game-changer for print resellers.

Key Factors That Affect Turnaround Time

Production Capacity
The production equipment and processes used by your wholesale printing partner significantly impact turnaround time.

State-of-the-art machines and efficient workflows ensure that jobs are completed on time, even during peak periods. If your partner’s capacity is stretched too thin, delays are inevitable.
Order Complexity

The complexity of the print job – such as custom sizes, finishes, or special materials – can affect how quickly an order is completed. Simple jobs, like standard-sized flyers, are quicker to produce, while intricate designs or high-touch processes may require additional time. Some of these elements aren’t controllable.

After all, what the client wants the client must get. But what is controllable is the 1) having all the necessary designs and files set up as per printer specifications and 2) turnaround time expectations.

Which brings us to…
Clear Communication and Accuracy

You can set expectations with your clients from the very beginning of a job. Give yourself a little breathing room on turnaround time and make it clear that these timeframes are based on specifications being met. At worst, you’ll meet the decent timelines you’ve set, and at best you’ll overdeliver. No customer has ever been upset by getting things too quickly!

Then, remember – errors or miscommunication with your partner during the ordering process on your side can cause delays. That’s why it’s important to really get to know your trade printer’s specifications, product / stock range and the ordering process.

We suggest taking the specifications and guidelines of your trade printer and saving them as templates in your own programs. Furthermore, white labelling them and making these available to your customers can minimise work even further.

Reducing any back and forth saves time and money. Print reselling is a margin game, and any time spent by your staff on fixing or revising artwork eats into your margin.
Volume of Orders

High order volumes, especially during seasonal peaks, can strain capacity. Wholesale printers with scalable systems and prioritised workflows are better equipped to handle surges without compromising turnaround times.

So if you’re yet to dip your toe into the world of trade printing – or you want to use a partner more efficiently – think about doing so around your peak periods.
Location and Logistics
The physical location of your printing partner may have an affects how quickly finished products can be delivered. Especially their process isn’t highly automated and digitised.

Working with a local or regional partner with robust logistics networks ensures shorter transit times compared to relying on overseas suppliers. So if you’re an Australian print reseller, you really want to be working with an Australian trade printer.

Their relationships with local courier services can save them money, which is then passed onto you, meaning you have even more margin to play with.

How Better Printing Turnaround Time Can Be Your Competitive Advantage

For print resellers, turnaround time is more than just a metric. It’s a promise to your customers. Faster and more reliable turnaround times create a ripple effect that benefits your business in multiple ways:

Customer Satisfaction and Retention: Clients are more likely to return if they know they can count on you for fast, dependable service. Meeting tight deadlines builds trust and solidifies long-term relationships.
Winning Time-Sensitive Projects: Many customers have urgent needs. For instance, events, product launches, or campaigns. By offering shorter turnaround times, you position yourself as the go-to option for time-sensitive projects, increasing your market share.
Differentiation in a Crowded Market: In an industry where many competitors offer similar products, exceptional turnaround time can set you apart. Highlighting your ability to deliver quickly and reliably becomes a unique selling point in your marketing and sales efforts.
Boosting Your Reputation: Positive word-of-mouth travels fast. Clients who are impressed by your efficiency will recommend you to others (and leave positive Google Reviews) enhancing your reputation as a reliable partner.
Operational Efficiency and Profitability: Faster turnaround times can also reduce operational bottlenecks and improve cash flow. Completing jobs quickly allows you to take on more projects, boosting revenue without compromising quality.

How Mediapoint Can Help With Printing Turnaround Times

At Mediapoint, we understand the importance of turnaround time for print resellers. We have a large range of products that can be ordered and dispatched within 1 business day.

We’ve invested in high-capacity production capabilities, reliable supply chains, and streamlined processes to ensure consistent, high-quality results with industry-leading turnaround times.

So if you want to deliver on your promises to your clients, grow your business, and stay ahead of the competition – order with us.

Australian Trade Printing: Quality, Service, and Innovation

Posted on November 13, 2024November 11, 2024 by Jamie Xuereb

The Australian trade printing industry moves fast, and keeping up with changing technology and customer demands can be challenging. Whether you’re a seasoned print reseller or just starting out, understanding what makes great trade printing can give you the edge in this competitive market.

Understanding Trade Printing Partnerships

Let’s face it – a good trade printing partnership can make or break your business. It’s not just about getting the best price (though that’s important). You need a printer who understands your challenges, responds quickly when you need help, and consistently delivers quality that makes you look good to your clients. Think of it as having a silent partner who’s got your back, helping you win and keep more business.

The best trade printers in Australia offer transparency in their pricing, clear communication channels, and robust quality guarantees that protect both you and your clients.

Guess who does that? Mediapoint, of course!

Professional Print Technology

Modern trade printing is a world away from the old days of hoping for the best with your print job. Today’s technology means consistent, high-quality results every time. Digital presses handle jobs with incredible precision, impressive speed and quality.

And when it comes to wide format printing, the latest tech delivers everything from eye-catching retail displays to construction signage that can handle whatever the Australian weather throws at it.

Australian Paper Stock and Materials

Getting the right material for your job makes all the difference. From papers that tick the sustainability box to premium coated stocks that make your marketing materials pop, material choice can elevate a good print job to a great one.

Remember that Australian weather conditions can be harsh – especially for outdoor materials. That’s why having access to weather-resistant options and speciality materials is crucial for certain jobs. Whether it’s synthetic papers for durability or specialised adhesives for versatile display options, choosing the right option is key to project success.

The application of any print job is always an important factor in material / process selection – but nowhere more so than Australia. That’s why utilising a domestic partner, with experience in preparing print for this region, ensures you’re getting products that last.

Print Quality Standards for the Australian Market

Quality isn’t just a buzzword – it’s what keeps clients coming back. Modern colour management systems ensure brand colours stay consistent no matter what you’re printing. Regular calibration and testing mean you can trust the output will match the proof every time.

Plus when it comes turnaround for Australia resellers – timing is everything. That’s why we’ve honed our systems through automation and aligned or processes to help you meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality. Many of our most popular products can be dispatched within one business day; utilising a wide range of courier options to ensure prints reach their destination on time. Whether that’s to your own office or blindshipped directly to the client.

An Australian Trade Print Partner Like No Other

Running a print reselling business is easier when you’ve got the right support. We’ve developed a client-centric system (and process) over the last 18 years. We’re confident that using Mediapoint’s ways of working, and our online ordering portal will provide you with the best experiences you’ve had with a trade printer.

So if you want to see what Australian trade printing can do for your business – jump on board with a trade account. Join the 1000s of Aussie print resellers who’ve already discovered the Mediapoint difference.

A Quality-Focused Guide to Large Format Print

Posted on November 11, 2024November 11, 2024 by Jamie Xuereb

Large format print requires an attention to detail and comprehensive technical knowledge. Hence why having an experiences trade printing partner gives you a competitive advantage.

But it pays to also keep in mind a few elements that impact the quality of any signage, banners, trade show displays, or stickers you’re looking to create.

Let’s take a look at the elements that make the difference between an average result and an exceptional print quality.

Material Selection: The Foundation of Large Format Print

Material choice is one of the most critical decisions in large format print. Different materials not only affect the final appearance but also determine durability, application, and importantly, visual impact. At Mediapoint we offer an extensive range of options:

Banner Vinyl: A versatile and durable material ideal for outdoor advertising, featuring weather resistance and excellent colour reproduction. Available in different weights and finishes, banner vinyl can withstand various environmental conditions while maintaining visual appeal.
Self-Adhesive Stickers: Perfect for window displays, and floor graphics when completed in a large format. Our stickers come with different adhesive strengths and properties (like reverse adhesive application) allowing for both temporary and permanent applications with clean removal when needed.
Fabric: Increasingly popular for retail displays and exhibition graphics, fabric mesh offer elegant draping properties and are lightweight for easy transportation. They also provide excellent color saturation and can be backlit for dramatic effect.
Rigid Boards: Including materials like foam core, PVC, and aluminium composite panels, rigid boards offer stability and durability for permanent indoor and outdoor installations. These materials provide a professional finish and can be cut to precise shapes.

Print Resolution and Viewing Distance

There’s an intricate relationship between resolution and viewing distance in large format printing. It directly impacts both the final visual quality and production efficiency. However just because your resolution may be lower, that doesn’t mean you’re going to minimise visual impact. The viewing distance principle operates on a sliding scale – as viewing distance increases, the required resolution can decrease without compromising perceived quality.

You’ll find that large-scale signs (like billboards or building signage), that are meant to be read from longer distances, often look pretty ugly up close. Remember to keep application in mind when proofing and submitting designs. Luckily, Mediapoint provides clear specifications to ensuring you can easily provide artwork that will perfectly match the application.

Colour Management for Impact

Colour accuracy represents one of the most crucial aspects of professional large format print. Achieving consistent, vibrant colours requires sophisticated colour management systems and careful attention to detail throughout the printing process. A well-calibrated colour management system is essential for delivering professional results.

Advanced spectrophotometry and calibration tools ensure colours match exactly across different print runs and materials, which is essential for maintaining brand consistency. Different substrates can affect how colours appear, requiring specific colour profiles and adjustments to maintain consistency across various materials. Through professional colour management, the final printed piece accurately reflects the designer’s vision, with rich, saturated colours and precise detail reproduction.

This level of colour control isn’t just about looking good – it’s about delivering predictable, repeatable results that meet exacting brand standards and client expectations. Each project benefits from careful colour calibration and monitoring throughout the production process, ensuring that whether you’re printing one piece or thousands, the colours remain true to the original design

Finishing Options for Large Format Print

The application of appropriate finishing techniques can dramatically enhance the visual impact and durability of large format prints. Modern finishing options provide both protective and aesthetic benefits:

Matte Lamination: Provides a sophisticated, non-reflective surface perfect for environments with bright lighting. This finish also offers protection against fingerprints and UV damage.
Gloss Finishing: Creates a high-shine surface that makes colors appear more vibrant and saturated. Ideal for photographic reproductions and displays requiring maximum visual impact.
UV Coating: Offers superior protection against sun damage and environmental factors, making it essential for outdoor applications where longevity is crucial.

Installation Considerations

There’s more to large format projects than just the printing itself. Actually installing and displaying the print takes some planning too. You need to factor in a few things to ensure optimal results from the outset:

Surface Preparation Requirements: Different substrates require specific preparation methods, from cleaning and degreasing to primer application and temperature conditioning.
Environmental Factors: Temperature, humidity, and exposure to elements must be considered when choosing materials and how you’re going to install
Installation Method: Each material requires specific installation techniques and tools, from tension systems for banners to application fluids for vinyl graphics.

Keeping the above front of mind is key so as not to impact on the quality of your print or the intended audiences perception of your product / service.

Large Format Print Quality Control Standards

Professional large format printing requires comprehensive quality control measures throughout the production process:

Pre-print File Checks: Thorough examination of artwork files for resolution, color space, and formatting ensures optimal print quality.
Colour Calibration Verification: Regular testing and adjustment of printing equipment maintains colour accuracy and consistency.
Material Inspection: Careful examination of substrates before printing prevents defects and ensures material compatibility.
Post-print Quality Assessment: Detailed inspection of finished prints under proper lighting conditions confirms accurate colour reproduction and print quality.

Experience the best in large format print firsthand – create your trade account today and unlock exclusive pricing, instant quotes, and access to our complete range of large format solutions. Join the growing number of print professionals who trust us with their most demanding projects.

Why is Cutting Important to Sticker and Label Printing

Posted on October 17, 2024October 13, 2024 by Jamie Xuereb

In this article we take a quick look at an often overlooked element of sticker and label printing – the cutting technique.

With their vast array of applications, it is crucial that labels are printed optimally to minimise waste and extend application life. Whilst it may seem like a trivial, simple feature of a label or sticker – it can in fact make a significant difference in the product you receive.

The importance of how stickers and labels are cut often gets missed by sub-par operators. Also, certain technologies (like rear-cutting laser) are too expensive of an investment for some trade printers.

At Mediapoint we precisely cut and crafted our stickers and labels using this cutting-edge (no pun intended) technology to provide our print resellers the best outcomes. Here’s how and why we have invested into getting sticker and label cutting right.

Sticker and Label Cutting Influences Perceived Quality

Precision cutting is the foundation for creating stickers and labels that are both visually appealing and functional. A well-cut label not only enhances the overall appearance of a product but also ensures its durability and longevity.

When cut properly a label will have crisp edges that provide a clean finish and reduce the likelihood of issues during peeling from the roll. With precision cutting, stickers and labels can be crafted into various shapes and sizes, allowing for greater customisation and creativity.

Cutting technique also influences cost-effectiveness of sticker and label printing. Good cutting minimises waste material and reduces the need for reprints. That means faster turnaround and less production costs – giving you more margin.

Why Laser Cutting on the Rear Side Is Best

Laser cutting on the rear side is the optimal choice for sticker and label printing. It offers numerous advantages over traditional cutting methods, yet aside from Mediapoint there are few trade printers offering this in Australia.

So what does it offer?

Precision and Accuracy: Laser cutting provides unparalleled precision, allowing for intricate shapes and designs that might be impossible to achieve with other cutting methods.
Minimal Material Damage: By cutting from the rear side, the laser avoids direct contact with the sticker or label’s printed surface, significantly reducing the risk of damage or distortion to the artwork. A print job with front-cut will often have white edges around artwork do accomodate the burning effect of the laser. This wastes material and requires a compromise on artwork.
Enhanced Efficiency: Laser cutting is a non-contact method, eliminating the need for physical cutting tools. This results in faster production times so you can get jobs faster.
Flexibility: Laser cutting is highly adaptable, capable of working with a wide range of materials and thicknesses, making it suitable for a variety of sticker and label applications.

How We Conduct Label and Sticker Printing

At Mediapoint, we’re committed to delivering superior quality at the best cost for any print job. That dedication extends to sticker and label printing. Here’s a quick recap of why print resellers and brokers choose us as their trade printing partner:

We utilise the latest technology to ensure quality printing. When it comes to stickers and labels we’re one of the only trade printers to offer rear-cut options that offer the highest level of precision.
Our ordering system is online, self-service and fully-automated. This provides 24/7 live pricing and ordering. This means resellers and brokers can make the most margin whilst getting jobs completed faster.
We have almost 2 decades experience in the Australia print industry meaning our processes are optimised to a tee – ensuring quality results and the fastest turnaround times.
We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality. We implement rigorous quality control measures so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Just follow our ordering prompts, proof artwork online and leave it it us.

So if you’re looking to offer your customers quality stickers and labels, and need a trade print partner to take care of the volume – talk to us.

How to Grow a Print Business – Your #1 Priority

Posted on October 13, 2024October 13, 2024 by Jamie Xuereb

Looking to grow a print business? In this article we discuss what the top priority should be and how utilising a trade printer can make growth a reality.

The Australian print industry continues grow and become more competitive each year. That means margins (and repeat customers) are harder and harder to come by. For those looking to grow a printing business, a delicate balance of operational efficiency, production capacity, and client satisfaction is necessary. It’s no longer just about having the right printing equipment.

It’s about streamlining processes and making smart partnerships that enable growth without overwhelming your resources. One key strategy that can significantly boost a print business’s growth is partnering with a trade printer.

Now, of course we’re somewhat biased – but we also know that it’s proven to work. We’ve seen Australian print shops grow rapidly thanks to this approach. As much as we’d like these all to be our own clients – that’s not the case. But the fact remains that trade print partnerships are crucial for print resellers.

Wholesale printing allows businesses to scale their operations without the massive overhead that typically accompanies expansion. So let’s dive into why operational efficiency should be the top priority and how utilising a trade printer (like Mediapoint) to make it happen.

Efficiency in Scaling Operations: The #1 Way to Grow a Print Business

When a print business decides to scale, it often faces several hurdles. Expanding the business isn’t as simple as adding more orders to the queue. In fact, this is often the worst thing you can do as it can lead to bottlenecks, delays, overwhelmed staff, equipment breakdown, and damaged reputation.

Efficient expansion involves managing increased demand while maintaining high-quality output, fast turnaround times, and excellent customer service.

Achieving efficiency requires a reduction in wasted materials, optimised labour hours, and equipment running at its highest potential. If print businesses don’t prioritise efficiency, they risk growing too quickly and falling into operational chaos.

The goal of all of this? Being able to handle larger volumes of orders without increasing costs at the same rate.

So what’s stopping resellers from just turning on the ‘money tap’ when trying to grow a print business?

Common Growth Challenges

Limited Production Capacity: As demand grows, businesses may find that their existing equipment and workforce can’t keep up. New machinery is expensive, takes up physical space that may not even be available, and requires a long lead-time to become operational.

Many Australian printers find that physical capacity is what caps their ability to grow.
Maintaining Quality: With increased orders comes the challenge of maintaining consistency in output. The pressure to speed up production can lead to quality dips or purchasing cheaper materials to keep up with demand, causing dissatisfaction among clients.

A good reputation is a significant advantage within this competitive industry. So, Australian print shops can ill-afford to tarnish perceptions.
Rising Operational Costs: Expanding production typically means higher costs—whether it’s purchasing new machinery, hiring additional employees, or extending working hours to meet deadlines.

These expenses can erode profits, especially if the business is not operating efficiently. New machinery is expensive, and training new staff takes time. Both of these stall growth and – over the short term – keep costs rising at a similar rate to new revenue.

Accessing High-Volume Production Without High Overheads:

Here’s where working with a trade printer is of major benefit. Printers gain the ability to undertake large-scale production capacity without the need to invest in costly new equipment. Mediapoint, for example, has invested heavily in industry-leading printing technology – allowing us to handle high-volume orders.

Plus, since the capacity is ‘shared’ by many other print shops and we can access volume discounts on raw materials, we can offer printing to our clients at competitive prices.

This means that smaller or medium-sized print businesses can take on bigger clients and larger jobs without having to make substantial investments themselves. It’s a win-win for everyone. We get more orders, the print shops can take on more work with out expense, and the end customer receives a quality product, faster.

Essentially, you can grow a print business without the typical overhead that expansion entails. It is not a pipedream!

Focus on Your Core Business Strengths

Whilst increasing capacity is a huge boon to Aussie printers, growing print businesses also need to get new orders to fill. It is in customer relationship management that most independent print shops really shine.

Businesses need to focus on building customer relationships, marketing their services, and improving overall business operations. Handling large print jobs internally can distract business owners and managers from these core activities.

So, when partnered with a trade printer, organisations can offload time-consuming production tasks, allowing them to redirect their focus.

Shifting to core areas like sales, customer service, and strategic planning that require a human touch (more than just more machines) is a much better use of your time.

This focus on core strengths ultimately makes the business more competitive in the marketplace and more appealing to new clients.

Grow a Print Business with Reduced Risk and Increased Flexibility

Investing in new equipment and hiring more staff comes with financial risks—what if demand drops after the investment? Or what if a new machine isn’t fully utilised for months? After all, we mentioned how the industry is becoming more and more competitive. That means the trading trends are also more volatile.

Wholesale printing offers a flexible solution. Rather than making permanent investments, print businesses can scale up or down as needed by outsourcing to a wholesale partner.

This flexibility helps mitigate the financial risks associated with traditional business growth strategies, ensuring that businesses only pay for the production they need, when they need it.

We take on a bulk of the risk – which is offset by the number of (satisfied) clients we support.

Maintaining Print Quality and Turnaround Times

Many businesses worry that outsourcing will lead to a loss of control over the production process. However, with a reliable wholesale printer, you can maintain high standards while benefiting from the efficiency and expertise of a larger production operation.

By partnering with a trusted trade printer, businesses can be confident that clients will receive high-quality products with quick turnaround times. In fact, it’s likely that both these things will improve when you work with a reputable trade printer.

Mediapoint for example offers next-day turnaround on a majority of it’s products. You can even take advantage of blind-shipping to further expedite delivery and delight clients!

This is yet another example of the advantage trade printers provide. We’ve made the investment in top-of-the-line equipment, keeping bulk stock on hand, and working from a large warehouse. That means we can offer a range of services for clients that would often eat up a majority of their margins – or are simply just not feasible.

With Mediapoint you get a flexible, scalable solution that allows print businesses to grow in a sustainable way. Whether you’re a small print shop looking to expand or a medium-sized business ready to take on larger orders, our services can help you achieve your growth goals without the typical financial risks associated with expansion.

If your print business is ready to scale, but you’re not sure where to start, reach out to Mediapoint today.

Why CMYK Reigns Supreme in Commercial Printing

Posted on March 12, 2024March 12, 2024 by Jamie Xuereb

In the vibrant world of commercial printing, colour plays a pivotal role in capturing attention and conveying messages. Yet, the colours you see on your screen don’t always translate directly onto paper.

This discrepancy lies in the fundamental difference between the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) colour model used by electronic displays and the CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Key/Black) colour model that dominates commercial printing.

Understanding why CMYK is the industry standard over RGB is crucial for anyone looking to produce printed materials that accurately reflect their vision. Whilst much of this will be taken care of thanks to software default settings / your graphic designers – it’s handy to understand why this colour model is used.

The Basis of CMYK in Printing

The CMYK model is essentially a subtractive colour model used in colour printing. Unlike RGB, which adds light to create colours (additive colour model), CMYK works by subtracting brightness from white light, reflecting specific colours back to the eye.

This process is more aligned with the way printed materials are consumed—through the reflection of light rather than the emission of light.

1. CMYK is Complementary to the Printing Process

Commercial printing equipment is designed to apply inks in the CMYK spectrum. This system is a direct descendant of the four-colour printing process, where each colour layer is applied separately to build up the final image.

The use of CMYK inks is tailored to this process, allowing for a wide range of colours to be produced by overlaying these four basic colours in varying intensities.

2. Greater Material Versatility

The CMYK model’s reliance on physical ink makes it highly adaptable to a variety of printing surfaces, whether it’s paper, cardboard, fabric, or even plastic.

This versatility is crucial for commercial printing, where the demand spans across numerous types of materials, each with its own ink absorption and colour reflection properties.

3. Cost-Effectiveness of CMYK

Printing in CMYK is economically more viable for mass production. The RGB model, with its reliance on light to create colours, is not suitable for printing on physical media.

CMYK inks, on the other hand, can be mixed in precise quantities to achieve the desired hues without the need for additional colours, keeping the production costs manageable.

Addressing the Limitations of RGB in Printing

RGB’s primary limitation in the context of printing lies in its design for digital displays, which can produce a broader spectrum of colours by combining light.

When RGB images are converted for printing, for things like (signs, stickers or labels) some colours may appear muted or different because the CMYK colour space is inherently narrower.

This can lead to discrepancies between the on-screen preview and the final printed product, emphasising the importance of designing in CMYK for materials intended for printing.

Navigating Colour Conversion Between CMYK & RGB

The transition from RGB to CMYK can be managed with careful planning and understanding of colour spaces. Designers often work within this colour space when creating materials for print to ensure what they see on their screens closely matches the final output.

So if you or a customer have got a designer creating work for you it’s highly likely this is already taken care of. But it never hurts to double check!

Advanced software and colour management tools can also aid in predicting how colours will change during this conversion, allowing for adjustments before the printing process begins.

7 Considerations of Quality Label Printing

Posted on February 29, 2024November 11, 2024 by Jamie Xuereb

We discuss these key considerations for delivering quality label printing services to our clients (and their customers).

Labels play a crucial role in the world of packaging, branding, and product identification. As a result, customers generally demand high quality from any label printing jobs. For printers, this means paying close attention to several important factors that can influence the quality of the final product.

So let’s take a look a the top elements that guide our label and sticker printing offering.

The Foundation of Quality Label Printing: Material Selection

The choice of label material has a significant impact on the overall quality and performance of the final product. Printers must carefully consider factors such as the intended application, environmental conditions, and required durability when selecting the right material.

Common materials include paper, film, foil, and various synthetic substrates, like BOPP. Each has unique properties and advantages that cater to specific labelling needs.

Label Adhesive Choice

Choosing the appropriate adhesive is critical to a label’s performance and longevity. Printers need to consider the surface on which the label will be applied and any environmental factors that may affect the adhesive’s performance, such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to chemicals.

Permanent, removable, and repositionable adhesives are some common options, each designed to meet different application requirements.

Printing Method: Balancing Quality, Speed, and Cost

Selecting the right printing method is crucial for achieving high-quality labels. Printers must evaluate the specific needs of a project, such as required print resolution, color accuracy, and print speed, to determine the most suitable method.

Flexographic, digital, offset, and screen printing are some of the popular methods, each with its own set of advantages and limitations that cater to various label printing scenarios.

Achieving Consistent Colour In Your Labels

Colour management plays a vital role in maintaining consistency and accuracy in label printing. Printers should calibrate and profile their printing equipment and use standardised colour systems (e.g., Pantone, CMYK) to ensure accurate colour matching.

Effective colour management is essential to maintain brand consistency and produce visually appealing labels that meet client expectations. We pride ourselves on offering consistent and true-to-design colour matching thanks to our use of quality equipment. Plus, our online portal for ordering and proofing enables you to understand the output upfront.

What Finishing Techniques Do Your Labels Require?

Finishing techniques can significantly improve a label’s appearance and functionality. Printers should explore various options such as varnishes, laminates, and specialty coatings to enhance durability, protect labels from environmental factors, or add visual effects (e.g., gloss, matte, holographic). These finishing touches can elevate a label’s aesthetic appeal and provide added value for clients.

For instance, utilising white ink under the CMYK layer can really make colours pop. Check out this example from our range:

Quality label with white ink in outdoor application — *See how the sticker on the left utilises a white ink to make the colours really stand out.*

Quality Label Printing Requires Precise Cutting

Precision matters for creating labels with clean, consistent edges and the desired shape and size. Printers must ensure precise cutting to avoid issues such as misalignment or excess waste material. The converting process, which includes steps like slitting, rewinding, and sheeting, should also be carefully managed to maintain label quality and functionality.

Mediapoint is one of only a few printers that can offer labels laser-cut from the backside. This leads to the most precise finish on labels / stickers. No excess material or white edges to ruin the work you’ve put into design.

Quality Control Processes

To maintain the highest quality in label printing, printers should implement a comprehensive quality control system. This may involve prepress checks, regular equipment maintenance, and thorough inspection of the final product. By identifying and addressing potential issues early in the process, printers can minimise waste, reduce production costs, and ensure customer satisfaction.

Of course, when you outsource printing, production QC is managed by your trade printer. Your main responsibility as a print reseller, or designer if you’re completing in-house, is to proof artwork ahead of submission. As a Lean organisation ourselves, we also recommend reviewing your design processes regularly to eliminate wasted time, effort and avoidable mistakes.

By focusing on these key considerations you can deliver quality labels to your clients. At Mediapoint we’ve taken all of these into account to determine our offerings. This means you can have peace-of-mind that labels and stickers printer with us will be durable, visually appealing, and functional.

We have a commitment to quality, and attention to detail, that will not only enhance customer satisfaction but increase your reputation too.

If you’re a print reseller and yet to register for a Trade Account with Mediapoint – you can sign up here. Access 24/7 live pricing, industry-leading turnaround and a wide range of products.

Setting Up Special Thru-Cut Custom Cut Print and Spot Colours

Posted on February 27, 2024February 27, 2024 by Jamie Xuereb

Looking to order some custom cut print options? Want to ensure artwork is approved and you don’t get delayed by proofing? Jason Xuereb, co-owner and Head of Production, has shared some quick tutorials to show you how to set up your design for hassle-free printing.

Special Thru Cut Custom Cut Print

In the example above Jason utilises a ‘selfie frame’, which involves a rectangle cut on the inside and another on the outside.

For simple cut shapes, it’s crucial to include the full cut data in the file, ensuring the complete shape desired for cutting is present, rather than relying on the trim box.

The critical step is to apply a stroke correctly with the name “Thru-cut” set as a spot color. To do this:

Use a swatch named “Thru cut” which is designated as a spot color.
Verify in the swatch details that it is indeed a spot color named “Thru-Cut”
It is important to use the specific naming convention of capital “T,” lowercase “h, r & u.” Followed by “-cut”

In the example, the rectangle on the outside must also have the “Thru-cut” spot colour applied. This is done by selecting the rectangle tool, applying the shape, and ensuring the “Thru-cut” spot color is applied to this outer rectangle as well.

Setting Up Your Spot Colours for Print

Mediapoint uses five main spot colours for different products and printing purposes:

Thru-cut: To cut fully through the media.
Score: To partially cut through the media.
Crease: To use the creasing wheel for creating a fold line.
Hole: To cut small holes using the POT tool.
White: To print white ink on labels.

Custom cut print makes it essential to correctly set up these colours in your artwork. Here’s a step-by-step based on the video above:

Select and set up the swatches in the design software.
For setting up a spot colour (e.g., Thru-cut), select any colour, go to the swatches palette, and ensure the name is correctly spelled and the colour type is set to spot.
The actual colour of the swatch does not matter as it will be removed by the Mediapoint automated production system during pre-press.
To create the remaining spot colours (score, crease, hole, and white), repeat the process by selecting the new colour, clicking new, typing the specific name, selecting spot, and confirming.

If you’d prefer not to create these spot colours manually, we’ve got you covered. Mediapoint offers a swatch file library on-demand. Just follow these steps:

Email trade@mediapoint.com.au to request the swatch library.
Once received, load it into Illustrator by going to the swatch libraries menu, selecting other library, and locating the swatch file.
This process will make the five spot colours readily available for use in your files.

With these tips in hand, you’ll be able to organise your artwork for seamless custom cut print in no time, saving on double ups, money, and headaches.

Key Considerations For Label Print Quality

Posted on May 27, 2023February 29, 2024 by Jamie Xuereb

We review the elements of label print quality using our new equipment to help you understand, compare and evaluate options.

The quality of label printing significantly influences the overall appeal and effectiveness of the product. For ourselves, and our print resellers, it also has an effect on reputation and customer satisfaction. As such, label print quality should never be an afterthought. Producing high quality stickers and labels, for whatever application a customer requires, can be a real boon for business.

What to Consider When it Comes to Label Print Quality

When considering print quality for labels and stickers, several factors come to play. We’ve addressed some key considerations in a sample print run on our new addition, the Durst Tau 330 RSC E to highlight these for you.

So let’s get into it…

Resolution: The Foundation of Label Print Quality

Perhaps the biggest consideration of any print job is resolution. Stickers and labels are no exception. Getting sharp imagery and legible text means using the right equipment and technology for the application.

When it comes to labels, you generally want a high DPI (Dots Per Inch) count and small drop size. The higher the DPI the more nuance you can give designs, and the smaller drop size the less dot gain occurs – leading to crisp print details.

The Durst Tau 330 RSC E boasts a resolution of 1200dpi and a 2 picoliter drop size. That combination results in a market-leading label print quality. Just check out the quality sheet below. It’s an A4 paper showcasing ‘worst case’ scenarios, pushing a machine to its least effective print mode. Design details still pop and the varying elements don’t bleed into each other.

Legibility of Small Text

Small text has always been a tricky element to print clearly. On par with colour richness and image resolution, text issues are the most noticeable label print quality defects. Naturally, a majority of label and sticker printing jobs require small text. You don’t want packaging and branding details being missed – especially in applications that fall under strict regulations.

The smaller you can print text, the more you can play around with text on a design. Plus, the more peace-of-mind you’ll have of information being accessible to the end audience.

Taking this to the extreme, we’ve been able to print text on the Durst at 1 point size. That’s text that requires a loupe to read. This text is illegible to the naked eye, but the legibility under magnification is a testament to the printer’s precision.

Even better, italicised text also come out beautifully. Even ‘reversed out’ printing still yields good results. See the images below from our test outcomes.

When designing sticker and label printing or evaluating your printer options, these elements really open up the range of applications.

Scannability of QR Codes & Barcodes

The ability to produce legible, scannable QR codes is of great concern to printers. It’s in high demand from the customers of print resellers post-2020. That’s thanks to take up of QR code functionality and how they can be used in packaging or marketing applications.

Again, when it comes to labels, these generally need to be printed at small sizes. The clarity of the code print influences its scannability – you can’t have lines bleeding into each other.

In the above example you can see that under a loupe, the clarity of a 5mm QR code remains impeccable. This is the smallest size QR code that we have seen scan through any of our presses. Whilst not all applications will require such small sizing, it’s a testament to what’s possible using leading-edge tech. It opens up many options too for our print resellers and their customers.

Barcodes in Any Direction

This leads me to a quick note on something often overlooked – directionality of barcodes. Due to the setup of generic label printers, printing barcodes often requires a change in orientation to ensure scannability. That means compromising on design and often extra work for designers. This can lead to lower customer satisfaction and longer lead times.

With the Durst Tau 330 RSC E, we can print barcodes in any direction. That gives our customers the confidence to submit label and sticker designs knowing codes will scan perfectly.

Rich Solid Colours

Colour richness is another instantly obvious aspect of label print quality that can significantly enhance overall appeal. It’s a factor influenced by the printer’s colour reproduction capabilities, ink quality, and the interaction between the ink and the printing medium.

The Durst Tau 330 RSC E, leveraging the advanced inkjet tech we mentions before, excels in this regard. Colours are both rich and vibrant, giving printed labels a high-end, premium look and feel.

Durability and Useful Life

Many of the applications of stickers and labels require the product to maintain quality label printing over a long term. Furthermore, the products are usually regularly handled, exposed to light, and outdoor conditions.

So printing equipment that utilises ink sets specifically for these purposes, in combination with durable stock, can greatly affect useful life. Our stickers and labels are printed with UV resistant ink sets that don’t require lamination and withstand outdoor conditions for up to two years. This, of course, isn’t necessary for every use case but it provides peace-of-mind to the end user.

It also unlocks a wide range of applications in combination with custom size options (stickers of up to 1m in length), a large die library, and the aforementioned label print quality.

Our Aim for Label Print Quality

As you can see there are some clear pillars of label print quality when it comes to stickers and labels. Taking these into consideration when selecting a print partner for jobs can save you money and frustration.

At Mediapoint we’re not just addressing these concerns but pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital label and sticker printing. Whether it’s resolution, colour richness, readability of small text, scannability of QR codes and barcodes, or length of useful life. Our label and sticker solutions provide peace-of-mind and quality customers will love (at prices you’ll love).

We’re not just improving the quality of our customer’s labels; we’re enabling them to elevate their brand and offer an enhanced experience and wider range to customers.

If you’re a business in need, or a print reseller / broker, looking for quality label and sticker printing – put us to the test. Register for a trade account today to access exclusive pricing and online ordering.

Maintaining Relationships With Suppliers

Posted on January 21, 2023February 24, 2023 by admin

Jamie discusses the benefits gained from maintaining relationships with suppliers in the print industry. Read on to learn more.

As a trade printer that specialises in working closely with print resellers and print brokers, we understand the importance a solid customer-supplier relationship. This is why we make it a priority to maintain strong partnerships with several leading equipment manufacturers. One of our longest, and most beneficial, relationships is with Durst. We recently visited their HQ in Europe to learn more about new equipment, print industry trends. It was also another opportunity to experience firsthand the benefits that a solid relationship provides ourselves and our customers alike.

Maintaining Relationships with Suppliers Leads to Savings for All

One of the biggest benefits of having a close relationship with equipment suppliers is the ability to pass on savings. The biggest of these are reduced turnaround time on new equipment, minimised equipment costs, and priority access to efficient equipment.

Thanks to having a good working relationship with our suppliers, we can often negotiate better prices and priority ordering. This allows us to offer our trade printing clients in Australia more competitive pricing per square metre. It also enables them to offer new product SKUs, higher volumes, and better pricing to their own customers ahead of the competition. This is of significant advantage in the fast-paced, competitive print industry.

Print Equipment Suppliers Prefer to Work With Us

It’s not just Australian print resellers and print brokers who prefer to work with us. Another advantage of maintaining relationships with equipment suppliers is that we can leverage our reputation, experience, and size. By partnering with us they benefit from having their equipment showcased in a best practice facility. Plus, they can see how the equipment works in a high-volume environment and get solid feedback. Just as we want be utilising the best equipment, large format equipment suppliers want to work with the best trade printers.

As a reputable trade printer, operating for over 18 years, we’ve become known for our reliability and professionalism. This reputation helps us to secure better deals from suppliers that others can’t match, leading to more savings for our clients.

Our size also allows us to make larger purchases and access equipment that isn’t viable for in-house production. Smaller print shops can then access the products they need through us without the capital outlay for new equipment.

Another key benefit is the sharing of trade printing best practices and trends. We can work closely with our suppliers to stay informed about the latest trends in the industry. This knowledge allows us to provide our clients with the most current and effective solutions. Plus, since we’re maintaining relationships with suppliers in other markets we often see trends well in advance of Australia.

Our suppliers also benefit from our knowledge and experience in the industry,. This enables collaboration on new product development, and sharing of best practices for improved efficiency and quality.

Both parties are able to stay ahead of the curve and offer innovative products / solutions. This is particularly important in a still evolving industry like printing. New technologies and techniques are constantly being developed – early adopters have a distinct advantage.

Maintaining relationships with suppliers is crucial for our business, and it also offers many benefits to our clients. Through the combination of our experience and their knowledge we can secure better equipment and better deals. This all leads to customer value for you and the retail client.

To see just how competitive these relationships make our prices – sign up for a PrintIQ account today.