Print Article for : The Cost Of Printing

Your Online Guide » IT Hardwares » Choose Desktop

[T396]The Cost Of Printing

by Shaun Parker, Sha

Printing has come a long way since the classical age of printing in the 1450s. The first printing press was devised by a German man named Johannes Gutenberg. The first printing houses were very labour intensive. A pressman was given the arduous task of working the press. Print shop apprentices prepared ink, dampened sheets of paper and assisted the press. At the time literacy levels were low but these apprentices were required to know Latin. Gutenberg also used his skills as a goldsmith to develop the first form of oil based ink. This ink was far more effective than its water based predecessor. The fact that printing high quality sheets in your own home is both possible and affordable is a marvellous achievement.

High quality printing depends on the smooth flow of ink from the cartridge to the paper. In inkjet and bubblejet printers this is maintained by heating the ink. Thermal inkjets have a small element that warms the ink. The warmed ink creates an air bubble that forces ink through the ink nozzle. The main thing that hinders the printing process is when the ink becomes dry at the print head. Problems also occur when an ink cartridge begins to run out of ink. The ink acts as a coolant to protect the metal heating elements. When it runs out the element can burn out and damage the print head. It is therefore important to keep your cartridges topped up.

Cost has always been the most important factor in printing. In the 16th Century the publishing industry was relatively new and the market for publications was extremely unstable. Publishers joined together in syndicates to share the risk of printing and if successful the profits. Publishers also published in instalments to spread the cost over a period of time. By the 17th Century publishers were printing to subscription. Potential buyers would sign up to a copy of a publication. If there was not enough demand to make money the publication would not be printed.

Nowadays the cost of ink tends to be the defining factor of usage. Brand name ink cartridges such as inkjet cartridges examples of modern types HP, canon, Epson and are varied in expense but can be expensive. This is often because the manufacturers name increases the perceived value of the ink. There are alternative methods of getting cheaper ink. It is possible to refill empty ink cartridges, buy remanufactured cartridges or use a compatible ink cartridge. A refill will refill your cartridge. A remanufactured cartridge is a brand name cartridge that has been professionally cleaned and refilled. A compatible ink cartridge is a cartridge built to the same specification as a brand name cartridge but without the name. These options can save the consumer up to 85% off their ink bill.

When done right, you can gain new clients as well as maintain the old ones with personalized notecards to relay your message. Even as simple as a thank you note can go a long way in keeping you in the minds of your target market.

Just like your custom business cards, your personalized notecards can help you shape your image. Simple note cards printing can persuade your target clients to try out your offer. And just like your full color business cards, your print note cards can create a positive image that can increase your effectiveness as a business.

As they can help shape your image, your note cards then should look like they are worth keeping. Thin, inexpensive paper stock just won't do. Your target clients would think that you don't value excellence and quality. Haphazard and mediocre design also won't cut it. It only reflects a business that is unstable, unprofessional and incompetent that your target clients would be better off without.

While this doesn't mean that you have to invest in very expensive note cards printing that can eat up your whole budget, it just shows that you need to carefully plan your project so you can have quality note cards in the quantity you need. This would include considering the type of cards that can best convey your message, as well as the different factors that can drive up your note cards printing expenses.

First, you have to consider pre-designed note cards. It's not only easier, but also inexpensive to have. Many printers provide ready templates that you can use. The Internet also boasts of a wide array of ready-made layouts, with clip arts and designs. All you have to do is to download these templates and then add your content and contact details to customize the design to your specifications.

Second, choose quality paper stock. Low end paper can lead to your target clients throwing your note cards in the trash can. Not only do they tear easily, they also wrinkle and smear as quickly as you can spill water on them. Instead, consider higher quality paper, which is also affordable. Compare a variety of stocks so you can choose the best according to your budget.

Use standard colors such as Pantone colors to reduce your costs. Customized inks can drive your rates up the wall. Consider using the same colors in different shades so you can have variety in your design without having to pay too much for it.

Avoid graphic images if you can. They require customized colors and additional ink, which, again, means extra costs. Your target clients should be able to write on your pages anyway. Pictures can only make it difficult for your personalized notecards to become functional.

Last but definitely not the least, ask your printer for master copies for you to keep. You can save so much on your next print job because you don't anymore have to pay for set up and production charges.

Article Source : Pg. 80

About Author

Both Shaun Parker & Robert Johnston are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Shaun Parker has sinced written about articles on various topics from Online Marketing, Auto Insurance and Wedding Bells. Shaun Parker has researched the developemnt of ink production providing insight into its evolution to date. Visit to find out more on. Shaun Parker's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.

Robert Johnston has sinced written about articles on various topics from Brochures, Trade Shows and Brochures. . Robert Johnston's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.