Printing services are important for any marketing campaign, whether the primary focus is on postcards, posters, banners or written materials, such as brochures or booklets. A poorly done printing job can affect the credibility of the company, as people may start associating the poor printing with the operations or mentality of the company. Keep these things in mind when you start a printing business, as you should provide top-quality print products for your client to maintain a solid customer base.
Instructions
1. Do market research. Determine what local competitors are offering and what they are charging for their services. Use surveys to determine the demand for services in the area. You may want to hire a marketing research firm to do the research.
2. Create a business plan. Plan every detail for your business, not only how it will start but how it will operate for the next several years. Write a list of printing services you wish to offer. Some printers may allow you to print postcards, posters and booklets, while another printer is required to print large banners and add prints to fabrics. If you wish to offer fabric printing but cannot afford this type of printer with your current startup budget, offer the services using a third-party printer. Plan out what property, equipment and employees you will need and how you will obtain the capital to start up. Plan out how you will market your printing business. Print out the business plan and make it as professional-looking as possible. It will be used to attract investors or apply for a bank loan, if needed.
3. Register your printing business with the local secretary of state's office in your city or town. The registration includes choosing a creative printing business name, getting a tax ID from the Internal Revenue Service and paying any relevant registration fees. The fees vary depending on the given state where your printing business is located, as well as the business structure you operate. Fill out an I-9 for each employee you wish to hire for the printing business, as each employee must be verified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
4. Contact your local planning and zoning department. Apply for a signage permit, so you can use signs to promote and market your printing business. Ensure that the signs you use are high quality and professionally done, as those signs will reflect on the printing business' services and skills. In addition, contact the local police department to apply for an alarm permit for the space where you keep your printers, so the police department is notified if burglars try to steal your equipment.
5. Purchase printer equipment required to offer your chosen services. In addition, purchase ink cartridges, high-quality printer paper and a large stapler machine to finish booklets ordered by your customers. Write a list of items you need to restock in your printing inventory each week, so you have the proper printing supplies to meet customers' requests and needs.
6. Obtain the proper insurance needed, which would include property, liability, worker's compensation and unemployment insurance.
7. Create your marketing materials so people become familiar with your printing business. Build a website with your printing services and prices. In addition, print postcards and samples you can send to potential companies, offices and smaller businesses. As a startup marketing campaign, offer discounts on orders higher than $100 to attach a customer base.
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