As a publisher, choosing the right printing partner is crucial to the overall success of your publication or product. But with so many factors to consider, it can be difficult to narrow down the right choice. Thanks to the efficiency of transportation in the modern age, American publishers now have the option of working with an overseas printer. These printing companies may seem like a good choice thanks to their generally low printing costs, but these cost savings come with their own price.
In this article, we’ll discuss why as an American publisher, you’re most likely better off choosing a printing partner that operates and prints solely in the United States.
The Timeliness Advantage
Reduced Lead Times
If your business and customers are located in the United States, working with an American printer is more than likely going to drastically reduce shipping times compared to an overseas printer. These faster turnaround times can be a game changer, especially for publications that focus on timely issues like sports and politics. But even for other types of print products, like books and catalogs, faster shipping means happier customers.
Improved Communication
Communication with your printing partner will be much easier if they’re located in the same country. Working with an overseas printer can come with massive time zone differences that make instant communication difficult. Easier communication can lead to faster problem-solving, helping ensure print runs are executing smoothly and to your exact specifications.
Some publishers also like to visit the printing facility for an in-person press check, giving them a better understanding of what their final product will look like. An in-person visit is much more feasible if the plant is a three-hour drive away versus a 12-hour flight.
Greater Flexibility
During the printing process, last-minute requests and changes may arise. By operating close to home, domestic printers are more able to accommodate these requests than international printers, ensuring your final product reflects your desired changes. And, with quicker turnaround times, last-minute reprints become much easier and won’t require weeks or months of waiting for products to clear customs.
Supporting American Values
Ethical Sourcing
Some publishers choose to work with an American printing partner because they prioritize supporting ethical business practices. For example, Geoff from MCDM Productions told us when his company was looking for a new printing partner, it was important for them to find a company that matched their own values. “We take employee compensation and benefits, and ethics behind paper source and ink seriously,” Geoff explained. “Some of that you don’t get when you go other places. Getting the lowest price is not our priority – it’s about how everything is sourced and put together, and the overall customer service experience.”
Supporting Local Economies
When working with an American printing partner, it’s easier to see the impact your print project has on the employees who produce it. As a family-owned company based in Marceline, Missouri, Walsworth operates its print facilities exclusively in smaller towns where our work has a significant impact on the local economy, providing steady, stable jobs for families who have lived there for generations.
Reduced Environmental Impact
For American companies, choosing a domestic printing partner is an important step in minimizing carbon emissions resulting from long-distance shipping. Additionally, printing companies based in the United States adhere to certain environmental standards that help protect the environment from harmful production practices. Some companies even go a step further, obtaining certification from programs like the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Forest Stewardship Council. These certifications ensure companies adhere to responsible chain of custody procedures, resulting in kinder treatment of the earth and its forests.
Partner With Walsworth, a True American Printer
In summary, there are numerous benefits to choosing an American printing partner, both from a logistics standpoint and an ethical one. When you partner with Walsworth, you gain access to over 87 years of printing expertise, supported by our dedicated staff of Customer Service Representatives and Sales Representatives. With four state-of-the-art printing facilities located strategically across the Midwest, we offer mailing and distribution solutions to fit your schedule and budget. To find out more about our book, catalog and magazine printing solutions, get in touch with us today.
