What Makes a Great Print Partner? Questions to Ask Before You Buy

In today’s competitive business environment, choosing the right print partner is more than just finding someone who can run a press. The right printer becomes an extension of your team — helping you elevate your brand, streamline your marketing, and save money while maintaining consistent quality. But with so many print companies out there, how do you know who to trust?

At Schiele Group, we’ve been helping businesses bring their visions to life for over 70 years. We know that not every print provider is the same, and the right partnership can make all the difference. Below, we’ll cover what makes a great print partner and the key questions to ask before you commit.

Why Choosing the Right Print Partner Matters

Printed materials — from business cards and brochures to large-format signage and packaging — are often the first impression your customers have of your brand. A poorly chosen print partner can lead to:

• Inconsistent colors across campaigns

• Missed deadlines for critical events

• Wasteful printing runs that drive up costs

• Limited options for substrates, finishes, or customizations

On the other hand, a reliable print partner helps you stand out with precision, creativity, and efficiency. They take the guesswork out of printing, offering expert guidance so your projects look professional every time.

Questions to Ask Before You Choose a Print Partner

If you’re evaluating a new printer for your business, here are the most important questions to ask:

1. What Printing Capabilities Do You Offer?

Not all printers are created equal. Some specialize only in digital printing, while others focus on offset or large format. A versatile partner offers multiple printing technologies under one roof, allowing you to scale projects of different sizes and formats.

Ask:

• Do you provide digital, offset, and large-format printing?

• Can you handle specialty printing such as UV printing, backlit signage, or variable data printing (VDP)?

• What substrates and finishes are available?

A partner like Schiele Group, with a full suite of capabilities, ensures that no matter the project — from business cards to backdrops — your brand is covered.

2. How Do You Ensure Color Consistency?

Color is brand identity. The wrong shade of blue on your logo or an inconsistent gradient across materials can damage your credibility.

Ask your potential partner:

• Do you have G7 Color Certification?

• How do you calibrate machines for accuracy?

• What quality-control processes are in place?

At Schiele Group, we are proud to be G7 Certified. This means we follow the industry’s strictest standards to ensure that your brand colors remain consistent across all platforms, presses, and print runs.

3. What Are Your Turnaround Times?

Deadlines matter. Whether it’s for a trade show, political campaign, or product launch, your print partner must deliver on time — every time.

Ask:

• What’s the typical turnaround time for small runs? For large runs?

• Do you offer rush printing for urgent projects?

• How do you handle shipping and delivery logistics?

Great printers don’t just print; they manage the entire design-to-delivery workflow so you don’t have to worry about missed opportunities.

4. Do You Offer Print-On-Demand or Inventory Solutions?

Not every business needs 10,000 brochures printed at once. Print-on-demand and inventory management services help reduce waste and lower costs.

Ask:

• Do you offer print-on-demand services so I can order exactly what I need?

• Can you store and manage my print materials, shipping them as needed?

• How do you help reduce waste and support sustainable practices?

Schiele Group provides on-demand printing and fulfillment services, ensuring that you always have the right quantities when you need them — without excess storage or waste.

5. What Level of Customer Service Can I Expect?

The best print partners aren’t just vendors; they’re collaborators. They should guide you through design, substrate selection, finishing options, and shipping logistics.

Ask:

• Will I have a dedicated account representative?

• How accessible is your team if I have questions?

• Do you provide prepress support to ensure files are print-ready?

A true partner works with you every step of the way — from brainstorming creative solutions to catching file errors before they cause delays.

6. Do You Have Experience in My Industry?

Printing needs vary depending on the industry. Political campaigns require union-bug printing and rapid turnaround. Retailers rely on backlit signage and point-of-purchase displays. Nonprofits often need cost-effective event graphics.

Ask:

• Have you handled projects similar to mine before?

• Can you share case studies or examples?

• Do you understand the unique challenges of my industry?

With decades of experience across industries, Schiele Group knows how to adapt solutions to fit your needs.

7. What Do Your Sustainability Practices Look Like?

Today’s businesses and consumers alike value sustainability. A print partner who invests in eco-friendly practices helps reduce your environmental footprint.

Ask:

• Do you use eco-friendly inks?

• How do you manage waste and recycling?

• Are your materials sourced responsibly?

Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for business and brand reputation.

8. What Investments Have You Made in Technology?

Printing is a technology-driven industry. Outdated equipment leads to slower production times, limited options, and higher error rates.

Ask:

• Do you use cutting-edge presses like the J-Press 750S or UV printers?

• How do you stay ahead of industry trends?

• What technology ensures quality control and efficiency?

At Schiele Group, our investment in technology is an investment in our clients. State-of-the-art equipment ensures quality, speed, and flexibility.

Why Schiele Group Is the Right Print Partner

When evaluating print providers, look for more than just price quotes. Consider their capabilities, consistency, service, and technology. At Schiele Group, we’re proud to deliver all of that and more.

• 70+ years of print excellence

• Full-service capabilities: digital, offset, large format, UV printing, and fulfillment

• G7 Color Certification for guaranteed brand consistency

• On-demand and inventory management solutions

• State-of-the-art technology including the J-Press 750S

• A dedicated, experienced team committed to your success

  
  

Final Thoughts: Choosing a Print Partner You Can Trust

The right print partner should feel like an extension of your team — someone who anticipates your needs, safeguards your brand, and delivers flawless results every time.

Before you commit, make sure to ask the right questions:

• What are their capabilities?

• How do they ensure color accuracy?

• Can they meet deadlines?

• Do they offer on-demand solutions?

• What technology and certifications back up their claims?

  
  

At Schiele Group, we’re proud to be more than a printer. We’re a partner in your brand’s success — from design to delivery.

Ready to find your print partner for the future? Contact Schiele Group today and let’s bring your vision to life.