Finding the right printing company for your quality promotional pens and personalised stationery is essential. Our guide explains the key factors to consider.
What do you need from a printing company?
- Order quantities - when looking for a printing partner for your promotional products, identify what you need. Are you in a start-up position, looking for promotional pens in small quantities, or are you looking for bulk purchases?
- Timeline - do you have a tight deadline, or can you wait for your delivery?
- Special features - do you need double-sided print? Would you prefer your promotional pens to be printed or engraved? Would you like the option of variable data printing?
Clearly outlining your needs will help you identify companies that specialise in your required services.
Consider print quality
High-quality printing can make a lasting impression, especially for branding on pens and other marketing materials. When choosing a print company look for the following:
- Choice of products – reputable print companies will showcase their product ranges online. Examine the choices available to ensure their products align with your goals.
- Material options - a good company will offer a choice of premium materials such as metal pens, plastic pens, and also an eco-friendly option, such as bamboo pens.
- Consistency - request samples or proofs to ensure the company can deliver consistent results across multiple items.
Research reputation and experience
A company's reputation speaks volumes about its reliability and professionalism, so carry out research carefully and consider the following:
- Customer reviews - look for testimonials on the company’s website, Google, or review platforms like Trustpilot. Pay attention to feedback about quality, communication, and delivery.
- Experience - companies with years of experience have a deeper understanding of the industry and can provide valuable insights.
- Recommendations - ask colleagues, friends, or industry peers for suggestions.
Customer service
A great printing company prioritises excellent customer service, guiding you through the process and addressing concerns promptly. Look for:
- Responsiveness - are emails or calls replied to/returned in a timely fashion?
- Expertise - do they provide helpful advice on design, materials, and finishing options?
- Flexibility - are they willing to accommodate special requests?
Pricing
While cost is an important factor, it shouldn’t be the sole deciding criterion. Compare quotes from multiple companies, keeping in mind:
- Value for money - consider what’s included in the price—design assistance, proofs, delivery, etc.
- Hidden fees - ensure there are no surprise charges for setup, revisions, or rush orders.
Turnaround times
Timely delivery is crucial, especially for events or campaigns with fixed deadlines. Research how long production will take and whether they offer expedited services for urgent orders. Do they offer a choice of delivery options and how quickly do they endeavour to deliver?
Sustainability
If environmental responsibility is important to you or your brand, enquire about the company’s sustainability practices. An environmentally-responsible printing company can help you reduce your ecological footprint.
Printing technology
The printing industry is continuously evolving with advancements in technology. Companies that invest in modern equipment can offer superior print quality, faster turnaround times, innovation, and state of the art/market leading equipment.
Can you see your product before you place an order?
Before committing to a full order, ask for a proof—either digital or physical. This will let you verify colours, layout, and text accuracy and make adjustments where necessary, which will avoid costly reprints due to errors.
Using Fast Pens for your printed promotional products
Choosing the right printing company requires careful consideration of quality, service, pricing, and capabilities. By taking the time to evaluate your options and asking the right questions, you’ll find a partner who can bring your projects to life with precision and professionalism.
At Fast Pens, we have operated within the print industry for over 40 years and, as part of The J&A Group, we can offer our customers services beyond personalised stationery, with stickers and labels, name badges, signs and graphics, and workwear.
We have invested heavily in the technology behind our online presence, resulting in our innovative design engine, and pride ourselves on our customer service, with existing and new customers having a dedicated sales number. With no minimum order quantity and competitive pricing with no hidden extras, Fast Pens offers the fastest turnaround times currently in the industry. Why come to Fast Pens for promotional products? has lots more information, and further enquiries can be taken by email or over the phone on 01790 729833 (new customers) and 01790 755833 (existing customers).