As we approach the holiday season many businesses and organizations look for ways to say thank you by send holiday messages to customers, vendors, volunteers and friends. Amongst the vehicles used to deliver this holiday cheer are holiday cards, newsletters and other forms of printed materials.
The question for many businesses and organizations is whether to purchase pre-printed holiday cards or whether to produce their own, more personalized cards. The personalized route is often viewed as the more sincere expression of an individual organization’s gratitude however when going with the personalized route you’re left with the question of which is the best and most affordable means of printing.
Large organizations that need thousands of cards can cost effectively send their cards to be printed by a commercial printing company. Smaller businesses that need dozens and not thousands face a larger challenge because the lower the number of printed pieces the more the cost for each piece printed. There is a cost effective and high quality solution.
Many of the small business copy machines today have the ability to print high quality holiday cards on heavy, glossy card stocks allowing smaller organizations to print their own personalized holiday cards for just pennies each.
Most business copy machines today have the ability to print in high quality, full color on card stock up to 100lb stock or thicker. In most cases there is a need to select special settings available on your copy machine to accommodate the highest quality of printing when using heavy card stock. You will want to use these special card stock settings in order to get the most vibrant color and to ensure that the toner is properly fused to the card.
I always suggest calling your copier service provider and asking for instruction on how to choose the features on your copy machine in order to get the best result. Once you’ve learned how to harness the optimum printing capabilities of your copy machine your organization can open up an entire new avenue of in-house marketing. Holiday cards are great but consider the ability to produce your own personalized thank you cards, reminder cards, postcards and more.
Most of the companies that we speak with have no idea what their small business copy machines are capable of. This holiday season create and print your own personalized cards and turn your copy machine into your own professional quality print center.
FAQ: Printing Holiday Cards and Personalized Marketing Materials
1. Is it cost-effective to print holiday cards in-house for small businesses?
Yes, printing holiday cards in-house can be incredibly cost-effective for small businesses, especially if you need fewer than 1,000 cards. Many modern office copiers can print high-quality, full-color holiday cards on thick, glossy card stock for just pennies per piece, compared to outsourcing the print job to a commercial printer.
2. What type of paper should I use for printing holiday cards on a business copier?
For the best results, use thick, glossy card stock—typically 100lb or higher. This ensures the cards look professional and can handle full-color printing. Most copiers have settings for heavier paper to ensure vibrant colors and properly fused toner, so be sure to select the correct setting.
3. Can I print custom holiday cards using my office copier?
Absolutely! Most modern office copiers can print custom holiday cards in full color on various paper sizes and weights. You can easily design personalized messages or greetings and print them directly from your office, saving both time and money compared to outsourcing.
4. How can I ensure high-quality prints when using heavy card stock?
To ensure high-quality prints on heavy card stock, adjust the copier settings for “card stock” or “heavy paper.” This allows the machine to optimize the toner fusion process and color vibrancy. For best results, consult your copier’s manual or contact your service provider for detailed instructions.
5. What are the benefits of printing holiday cards in-house versus using a commercial printer?
Printing in-house provides flexibility and personalization. While commercial printers are ideal for large quantities, in-house printing allows small businesses to create highly customized designs without over-ordering. Plus, printing as needed prevents waste—about 75% of commercially printed materials go unused.
6. Can I print other marketing materials besides holiday cards on my office copier?
Yes, your office copier is likely capable of printing a variety of marketing materials, such as thank you cards, postcards, brochures, and even multi-page booklets. Modern copiers can handle thick, glossy card stock and produce professional-grade marketing materials right from your office.
7. How do I avoid wasting printed materials when using a commercial printing company?
To avoid waste, ensure you only order what you need. Commercial printing companies often require bulk orders, which can lead to excess. On average, 75% of printed marketing materials are never used because they become outdated before distribution. Printing in-house can help avoid this issue by allowing you to print on demand.
8. How much can I save by printing holiday cards in-house?
Printing holiday cards in-house can save a small business significant costs. While the exact amount varies, printing cards on your copier typically costs just a few cents per card, whereas outsourcing could cost several dollars per card, especially for small batches. This can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings for smaller orders.
9. What copier features help with holiday card printing?
Modern office copiers offer several features that make holiday card printing easy, such as:
- Full-color printing on glossy card stock
- Customizable templates for personalized messages
- Settings for heavy paper to ensure high-quality prints
- Automatic folding and booklet-making capabilities for multi-page cards and newsletters
10. Why should I consult my copier service provider before printing holiday cards?
Consulting your copier service provider ensures you understand how to maximize your copier’s features, especially for printing on thick, glossy card stock. They can guide you on the best settings and maintenance tips to ensure your prints are vibrant and professional.
