Select a Format Write Your Message Design Your Piece Print It

These days, it’s easy to create and print your own professional-looking Direct Mail pieces with a computer and a desktop printer purchased from your local office supply store. Or you can photocopy your design on colored paper for a quick and affordable flyer.

Local print shops can give you a high-quality print, depending on your budget. To ensure that printing fees match your wallet, keep the following tips in mind:

Green Printing Tips
• Use recycled materials for the mailings you create.
• Allow customers to opt out of your mailings to ensure you’re not sending them unwanted mail.
• Design your mailings to be recyclable, too, by printing with water-based inks, on uncoated paper stocks, and sending windowless envelopes.
• Talk to your printer about environmentally friendly options they can offer you.
• Visualize your audience, who they are, and how your product or service appeals to their needs.
• Choose a standard format size—these are more cost-effective to print and mail.
• Highlight key messages with color to help your mailing stand out, but remember that using color will raise your printing costs.
• Select the right kind of paper for your job—prices vary for different weights and finishes.
• Avoid reprint costs by carefully proofreading your mailing before it’s printed.
• Give the printer plenty of time to get the job done—a rush job may cost more.

Find a local printer at the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation Web site.

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