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National brands face unique challenges in commercial printing. Unlike local or one-off projects, national campaigns demand consistency, scalability, speed, and reliability across multiple locations, markets, and timelines. The printer a national brand chooses is not simply a vendor but an extension of the brand itself. At Schiele Group, we have spent more than seventy years working with organizations that require precision at scale. From nationwide event rollouts to multi-loc

When organizations request quotes for commercial printing services, the first instinct is often to compare prices line by line and select the lowest number. While cost is always a consideration, focusing on price alone can lead to compromised quality, missed deadlines, and costly reprints. At Schiele Group, we have worked with clients across the United States who initially chose a printer based on price and later discovered that not all printing quotes represent the same valu

A well-written Request for Proposal can be the difference between a smooth, successful print project and one filled with delays, revisions, and unexpected costs. Organizations often assume that issuing an RFP automatically leads to competitive pricing and strong results. In reality, the quality of the RFP itself directly impacts the quality of the bids received. At Schiele Group, we have responded to commercial printing RFPs for decades. Some lead to productive long-term part

Request for Proposal documents play a major role in how organizations choose a commercial printing partner. From national brands and institutions to marketing teams and procurement departments, RFPs are often the first step in identifying a printer capable of handling complex, high-volume, and high-visibility projects. At Schiele Group Printers, we have reviewed and responded to countless RFPs over more than seventy years in commercial printing. We understand why RFPs exist,

When organizations undertake printing projects, whether for marketing materials, packaging, direct mail, technical documentation, or branded collateral, one of the most foundational strategic decisions they face is vendor structure . Should you consolidate all print work with a single‑source printing partner , or distribute projects across multiple vendors based on specific needs? Both approaches have merit, but when it comes to total cost of ownership , consistency, and ope

In today’s competitive marketplace, organizations are under constant pressure to stretch every marketing dollar. Yet many companies continue to treat print procurement as a transactional process, comparing bids, selecting the lowest cost vendor for each project, and hoping for the best. What if there was a better approach? What if your print vendor could be more than just a cost item on a quote sheet, but a strategic partner that actually helps reduce your annual marketing co

When evaluating print vendors, many companies make the same mistake: choosing the lowest bid . On the surface, a low price seems like a smart financial decision — until it isn’t. What looks like immediate savings can quickly turn into hidden costs, quality issues, and long‑term headaches that impact budgets, timelines, and brand reputation. At Schiele Group , we help organizations make strategic vendor decisions that balance cost, quality, and performance. In this blog, we’

Selecting the right printing vendor is more than just comparing prices or turnaround times. For businesses, finding a printer that aligns with operational standards, quality expectations, and compliance requirements is crucial. Making the wrong choice can result in delayed shipments, subpar materials, or even reputational damage. At   Schiele Group , we understand the importance of partnering with reliable, efficient, and professional printing vendors. This guide explores wha

You’ve poured time, creativity, and resources into designing the perfect marketing materials, crafting compelling products, or planning an impactful event. But what happens after the printing presses stop? The journey of your brand message isn’t complete until it reaches its intended recipient, in perfect condition, on time, and making the right impression. This "last mile" of  package distribution  is often overlooked, yet it’s a make-or-break moment for your brand.   Imagin

Introduction: The Unseen Complexities of Print For many businesses, print is a critical component of marketing, operations, and sales. Yet, the process of acquiring and distributing printed materials often goes unnoticed until something goes wrong. Behind every brochure, direct mail piece, or custom package lies a complex web of design, production, inventory, and distribution. If this "print supply chain" isn't optimized, it can quietly drain resources, delay campaigns, and e

Introduction: The Ever-Changing Landscape of Print Needs For decades, the typical approach to printing was straightforward: forecast demand, print in large quantities to get the best per-unit price, and store the surplus for future use. Although this method had its advantages, today's business environment is much more dynamic. Product cycles are shorter, marketing messages change quickly, and customization is now expected rather than optional. In this context, printing thousa

The Juggling Act of Modern Marketing In today's fast-paced business world, marketing teams are often stretched thin, managing a dizzying array of print materials – from brochures and business cards to event signage and direct mail campaigns. If you’re a marketing manager at a mid-sized corporation, a franchise owner juggling multiple locations, or a business with a sprawling sales team, you know the challenges intimately. Ensuring brand consistency across every piece of colla

Preparing files for commercial printing can feel overwhelming, especially if you're unfamiliar with print production specifications. Whether you're a graphic designer, marketing manager, or business owner working with a Chicagoland printer, understanding proper file preparation is essential for ensuring your printed materials look exactly as intended. At Schiele Group, we've reviewed thousands of files for commercial printing projects, and we've developed a comprehensive chec

Event signage is often underestimated as a marketing tool, yet it plays a crucial role in attracting attendees and guiding foot traffic throughout your venue. Whether you're organizing a trade show, grand opening, festival, or corporate event in the Chicagoland area, strategic signage design can dramatically increase visibility and engagement. At Schiele Group, we've worked with countless event organizers to create signage solutions that not only capture attention but also co

When it comes to printing projects, even small mistakes can result in wasted time, money, and resources. Whether you're a business owner managing marketing materials or an individual tackling a special project, understanding common printing mistakes can save you from costly reprints and disappointing results. At Schiele Group, we've worked with thousands of clients across Chicagoland and seen just about every printing error imaginable. In this comprehensive guide, we'll share

Digital marketing does a different job. It delivers speed, flexibility, and repeated exposure. You can launch a campaign fast, test different messages, and adjust based on performance. Digital also lets you stay present in your audience’s day-to-day life through social platforms, search, email, and retargeting ads. But here is the key: digital works best when it is not working alone. Print gives digital campaigns something physical and memorable to anchor to. Digital gives pr

Choosing a printing method can feel like choosing the right vehicle for a trip. A compact car is perfect for a quick commute. A truck is better for hauling heavy loads over long distances. In printing, the method you choose shapes everything from cost and speed to quality and finishing options. And at Schiele Group, we know that decisions matter because they affect how your brand shows up in the real world. We talk with customers every day who are planning everything from eve

If you have been in marketing for any length of time, you have probably heard some version of “print is dead.” And yet, here we are in 2025 watching  direct mail  surge back into the spotlight, delivering strong response rates, real customer attention, and measurable return on investment. At Schiele Group, we are seeing it firsthand. Businesses that once shifted heavily toward digital-only campaigns are coming back to print with fresh energy. Not because they are nostalgic, b

In a world where almost everything can be ordered online and shipped from anywhere, partnering with a local printer might seem like a small choice. But if you have ever faced a last-minute deadline, struggled with inconsistent color, or wished you could talk to a real person who understands your brand, you already know that printing is not a small thing. Printing is how your business shows up in the real world. It is your storefront signage, your trade show booth, your direct

When it comes to trade shows and events, first impressions matter. Your display is your handshake, your greeting, and your invitation all rolled into one. At  Schiele Group , we believe great design deserves great printing, and nothing makes an impact quite like  large-format printing . From banners and backdrops to floor graphics and event signage, large-format printing can turn an ordinary space into an unforgettable brand experience. Whether you’re launching a new product