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Tag: tips

Understanding the Costs Of Large Format Printing

Posted on by Jamie Xuereb

In this article, we take a deep dive into the real costs of large format printing, breaking down each factor to help you understand where efficiencies can be gained and why outsourcing to a trade printer like Mediapoint might be your best option.

By understanding these costs, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions about whether in-house production is feasible or if utilising a trade printer can offer better margins and operational efficiency.

Large Format Printing Equipment: Cost & Capacity

First, let’s talk about one of the biggest upfront costs—the equipment itself. Large format printers come with a significant capital expenditure, which needs to be factored into the cost of each print run.

Many businesses consider buying their own equipment to avoid outsourcing costs, but it’s important to remember that purchasing is just the beginning. You must also consider ongoing maintenance, repairs, and the lifespan of the machine.

At Mediapoint, we’ve invested in high-capacity large format printers designed to handle substantial volumes. The advantage of this investment is twofold: it lowers the cost per sheet and increases the number of jobs we can process per hour.

With streamlined batch processing and efficient operations, we can push more volume through in less time. This creates a cost-saving domino effect that benefits our trade clients by offering them greater margins when reselling.

For businesses handling high-volume orders, this efficiency is critical. However, smaller print shops might find it hard to justify the expense of purchasing and maintaining their own large format equipment when those same efficiencies are hard to achieve at a smaller scale.

How Ink Factors Into the Costs of Large Format Printing

It’s no secret that ink is a major factor in print production costs, especially in wide format printing where ink usage can be significant. Ink is priced per square metre, and while you can technically achieve good results with entry-level equipment, the ink consumption on these machines is typically higher.

At Mediapoint, we’ve chosen to run premium Durst printers, specifically optimised to handle large volumes while maintaining efficient ink usage. By operating with a consistent print mode across all batches, we ensure that our ink consumption remains predictable and cost-effective, helping our trade clients keep their pricing competitive without sacrificing print quality.

For print businesses, the difference in ink efficiency between an entry-level printer and a high-end machine like those at Mediapoint can significantly impact profit margins. Inefficient ink usage, over time, leads to higher costs, which directly affects your pricing and competitiveness in the market.

Space Costs for Large Format Printing

Another often overlooked cost is the space required to house large format printers. These machines aren’t just big—they require substantial floor space for handling stock, production processes, and dispatch areas. If your business is considering scaling up, this means you’ll need to factor in the cost of additional real estate or storage.

At Mediapoint, we operate in over 2,000 square metres of internal warehouse space. This allows us to handle high volumes safely and efficiently, ensuring that production doesn’t slow down due to space limitations. Our large facility also means we are future-proofed, with the ability to take on more capacity as our business (and yours) grows.

Smaller print businesses that have maxed out their floor space may find themselves having to rent or purchase additional premises to house new equipment, which can drastically increase overheads. In contrast, by outsourcing to a trade printer with ample space and capacity, you can avoid this significant cost.

The Hidden Costs of Large Format Finishing

Finishing is another vital but frequently underestimated component of the total cost of wide format printing. Finishing equipment, such as cutting or laminating machines, often comes with a price tag as high—or even higher—than the printing equipment itself. Add in labour costs, training staff, and the time needed to complete these processes, and the expenses continue to climb.

At Mediapoint, we’ve invested heavily in top-tier finishing equipment and optimised our processes for maximum efficiency. This not only ensures a flawless final product but also allows us to pass on savings to our clients by keeping production times short and costs low.

For print businesses weighing the pros and cons of in-house production, finishing is a critical factor. In-house finishing requires significant resources and expertise. Any inefficiencies or delays in this stage will affect delivery times and potentially customer satisfaction, making it harder to compete in the fast-paced world of trade printing.

Quality Assurance and Dispatch

When dealing with wide format prints, the sheer size and scale of the materials necessitate additional quality control measures. Unlike smaller print jobs, large format printing requires rigorous quality checks before dispatch to ensure that every print is up to standard. Furthermore, shipping large prints often involves custom packaging solutions, which adds complexity to the dispatch process.

At Mediapoint, we’ve refined our quality assurance processes to ensure that every order meets client expectations. From custom packaging to careful handling during dispatch, we ensure that our large format prints arrive safely and in pristine condition.

Additionally, we’ve integrated our operations with PrintIQ, an advanced system offering 24/7 live pricing and automated processing. This system allows our clients to get instant quotes and faster turnarounds, saving time and ensuring that projects are completed without delays.

The Benefits of Trade Printing

Now that we’ve broken down the various costs involved in large format printing—equipment, ink, space, finishing, and quality assurance—it’s clear that in-house production comes with a hefty price tag. For many businesses, these costs can be prohibitive, especially when considering the high volumes needed to make the investment worthwhile.

Trade printing, on the other hand, offers a cost-effective alternative. By partnering with Mediapoint, print resellers and brokers can take advantage of our investments in technology, space, and processes, without having to shoulder those expenses themselves. This enables you to offer competitive pricing and superior quality to your clients, while still maintaining healthy profit margins.

Why is Cutting Important to Sticker and Label Printing

Posted on 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?

  1. Precision and Accuracy: Laser cutting provides unparalleled precision, allowing for intricate shapes and designs that might be impossible to achieve with other cutting methods.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 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 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 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.

Key Considerations For Label Print Quality

Posted on 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.

6 More Benefits of Trade Printing

Posted on by Jamie Xuereb

The benefits of trade printing extend even further than just cost and labour reduction. In this blog, we look further into how resellers and brokers can partner with us to unlock growth.

Trade Printing is Cost-Effective

One of the primary benefits of trade printing is its cost-effectiveness. By partnering with a trade printer, businesses can take advantage of wholesale prices, which are often significantly lower than retail prices. This means that businesses can produce high-quality printed materials without breaking the bank, allowing them to allocate more resources to other aspects of their operations.

Access to Specialised Equipment + Expertise

Through long-term supplier relationships, we have state-of-the-art equipment that few trade printers have access to. Even better, over 16 years in business means we are well-versed in the equipment best practices. Plus, we understand the various nuances of print reseller / broker requirements.

When evaluating a trade printer, a key consideration is that they not only have the equipment to manufacture to your requirements – ideally they will also be able to support you in making informed decisions on the best methods for specific project. Solid expertise combined with access to quality equipment leads to better outcomes for you as the reseller and your clients at no extra cost.

Turnaround Times Are Another Benefit of Trade Printing

The potential for improved turnaround times is another significant advantage of trade printing. Trade printers focus solely on printing services, so we complete jobs quicker than businesses than in-house print production.

Mediapoint relies on a highly automated ordering system that requires our customers to provide (and proof) artwork online. This enables us to cut down turnaround as well as pass on the savings that come from not having design services. It also provides resellers more lead-time for projects and increases the possibility of delivering on last-minute orders received from their clients.

Wider Range of Print & Product Options

Trade printers offer partners access to a wider range of product options than doing things in-house. Unless the reseller has a significant amount of space or capital to outlay it is highly unlikely that most print shops can compete on our scale.

By partnering with a trade printer, a print shop can offer more options on stock, finishes, cuts, and products to its customer base. This adds a competitive advantage in a crowded market without the requirement of purchasing / holding more inventory.

Increased Scalability

By outsourcing their printing needs to a trade printer, businesses can scale their operations more effectively. We have the capacity to handle large-volume orders, allowing businesses to ramp up their marketing efforts and focus on strengthening existing customer relationships.

Once again this is without having to invest in additional equipment or staff. This scalability can be particularly beneficial for growing businesses or those experiencing seasonal fluctuations in demand.

Trade Printing Simplifies Logistics

Rather than having to manage the entire printing process in-house, businesses can rely on a trade printer to handle everything from production to shipping. This can free up valuable time and resources, allowing businesses to focus on their core operations and strategic growth initiatives.

A Final Note on the Benefits of Trade Printing

Trade printing offers a wide array of benefits for businesses looking to optimise and scale their operations without forsaking quality or revenue. By partnering with a reliable and experienced trade printer, you can unlock expansion and drive your business forward.

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.

3 Major Trends in Print Reselling

Posted on by admin

Jamie recently visited our major equipment supplier (Durst) in Europe and got the lowdown on the latest trends in print reselling. Watch the above video keep an eye out for more content to learn more ahead of 2023.

As a trade printer, we are committed to keeping our clients informed of market movements. During our visit with Durst (and nearby customer factories) we learnt of several noteworthy trends for our print partners.

Packaging (including Stickers and Labels) is a Fast-Growing Product Segment

One of the most significant trends was the growing demand for packaging, stickers, and labels. This is a product line that has seen significant growth in recent years. It is showing no signs of slowing down!

This is likely due to the fact that packaging, stickers, and labels are becoming increasingly crucial to businesses in order to stand out in the crowded, global marketplace. Branding is a key aspect of customer experience and perception for both eCommerce and traditional shopping experiences – packaging influences both these areas heavily.

Print resellers specialising in this product line can expect demand for new, innovative packaging products. There is a significant opportunity to expand offerings and increase revenue in 2023. It’s a good thing that we’re on the front foot at Mediapoint.

We have new, specialised equipment on the way. This will enable our wholesale print partners to capitalise on this growth and deliver high-volume, high-quality, packaging solutions.

Some Trends in Print Reselling Will Continue

Another trend we observed was the continued demand for outsourced, large format printing. Business overheads continue to skyrocket, capital for assets is hard to come by, and supply chains still remain somewhat fragile. So, we will continue to see businesses outsourcing large format printing rather than keeping things in-house.

Large format printing requires specialised equipment, expertise, and experience that many companies do not possess. A quick cost-benefit analysis leads many retail-customers (and traditional print shops themselves) to see that outsourcing is generally the most effective option.

Turnaround for Print Equipment Manufacture is Accelerating

In good news for us (and our clients) the manufacture of specialised print equipment is returning to pre-covid volume. Plus, turnaround time continues to decrease on new equipment. That enables our network to take advantage of growing product lines by having the right equipment in place ahead of peak demand. As mentioned above we have some new machines on order. These should be in place to extend our offerings by Q2 of 2023.

It’s also an encouraging sign for the industry as a whole. We can infer that the market for wide format, flatbed, and specialised printing solutions is getting back on track.

Positive Outlook for Print Reselling

Overall, our visit highlighted a return to normality for trade printers and print resellers globally. We forecast that trends in the print reselling that were interrupted by COVID-19 will continue unabated through the next couple of years. Print brokers who can move fast, establish good connections with trade printers, and identify new customers looking for growing product lines are in for solid growth through to 2025 and beyond.

If you’d like to learn more about our current packaging production capabilities, or be first in line for new stickers and label products, make sure you sign up for a PrintIQ account.

The Future Of Trade Printing

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We discuss the future of trade printing and how Australian print resellers can stay ahead of the curve

The world of trade printing is constantly evolving, and it is important for print resellers and brokers to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the industry. So here’s what we’ve uncovered through our recent research trip to European hubs.

The Future of Trade Printing Is About Volume

One of the key trends in the future of trade printing is the increasing demand for volume and capacity. As businesses and consumers continue to rely more heavily on print materials, print resellers and brokers will need to find ways to produce more materials in less time. This will require investment in new equipment and technology that can handle larger volumes and faster turnaround times.

Thankfully, Mediapoint has continually sought new equipment, optimised production processes and strong supplier relationships. We’ve also designed out trade printing facility with expansion in mind. This allows us to meet the growing demands of trade print clients well into the future.

Optimising each element of our value stream means we have the capacity to do more for our clients with less waste. Less waste means more savings in time, money and resources. This creates a closed loop that leads to purchasing better equipment, optimising production and increasing output.

Print brokers should be evaluating a trade printer based on their capacity, equipment and capabilities. Doing so now enables resellers to capitalise on emerging trends and demands of retail customers.

Older Equipment Won’t Service High Volume Resellers

This increasing demand for volume and capacity means traditional print shops will need to find ways to produce more materials in less time. In order to meet this demand, they’ll need to identify trade printers who have the knowhow and equipment. This ability to meet expectations also requires innovative technology such as automation tools (like our PrintIQ portal), Lean processes and effective operations teams. Each of these elements helps to streamline production and improve efficiency. This leads to better outcomes for both reseller and customer alike.

Trade printers who do not invest in key areas will struggle and may not be able to offer the level of quality and service that clients are expecting. Additionally, as the market evolves, these laggards will be unable to access the technologies and techniques that emerge falling further behind.

Bespoke and Custom Printing Solutions Will Move In-House

Despite the future of trade printing moving prioritising volume there will still be a need for bespoke and custom print solutions. Some trade printers may choose to focus on filling production gaps in these areas. However, these jobs will be more likely to be produced in-house due to the decreasing costs of necessary equipment.

At Mediapoint we are very focused on how and who we support when it comes to trade printing. We have a specific definition of a trade client and don’t intend on changing. What we do intend on, however, is continually evolving to meet their needs and helping them grow.

If you’re a high volume print reseller or a print shop looking to grow your capacity, set up a PrintIQ account or contact us to discuss your needs.

Maintaining Relationships With Suppliers

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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.

Mutually Beneficial Knowledge Sharing

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.

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