Beyond Printing & Scanning: 7 Projects You Can Print In-House on Your MFP
You bought your multifunction (MFP) device for its print, copy, scan and fax capabilities, but did you know your MFP can also help you to significantly step up your marketing efforts? Even in today’s digital world, using high quality print documents to communicate with new or potential customers continues to be an important part of your marketing efforts. If your marketing department uses full-color catalogs or regularly needs high quality brochures and training documents for customers, in-house printing of your marketing materials could be a great fit for you. And when your printed marketing materials are in hand, your offer is going to be judged by the quality of the final product: the color and design, and the feel of the paper.
As a general rule it is cheaper to print lower volumes internally rather than outsourcing, with the added benefit that you can print on demand and make last-minute changes yet still remain on schedule.
Don’t be intimidated by some of the technical aspects—with LCD displays that make operating your MFP as easy and familiar as using a mobile phone, you’ll be up to speed and printing professional looking documents in no time. Below are some examples of the many different materials you can produce in-house to improve your marketing, client reach and ROI.
Post Cards
Direct Mail is still one of the most effective marketing tactics when done in conjunction with a comprehensive marketing plan. You can print your own post cards with special offers on a heavier cardstock. Keep it simple yet eye-catching with branded colors and a strong offer, and of course a call to action.
Programs, Menus, Catalogs
Stand out with branded church bulletins, menus, annual reports, products & services catalogs, calendars, training materials, case studies, and more.
Brochures & Rack Cards
Tell your story with custom brochures, tri-folds and bi-folds, for sales reps, trade shows, direct mail, etc.
Flyers, Letterhead
Let custom content be the connection between your business goals and your customers’ needs. Create and print flyers, one-sheets, product data sheets, invoices, price sheets and more, for direct mail as well as to include in billing statements and outgoing orders. These can be tailored very specifically for the recipients and printed in large or small runs.
Banners
Did you know you can print banners on your MFP? It’s best to adhere to the recommended size from paper specialists, up to 12” high by 4ft long. Think trade shows, break rooms, event venues, company mission and vision statements, milestones, etc. Most reputable paper dealers will offer free downloadable templates you can use to design your banner. There is a surprising variety of media choices: Economy 20lb bond, Bright white 40lb. bond, Photo-Gloss Bond, Waterproof self-adhesive white vinyl and tearproof, waterproof synthetic paper. If you’re wondering if your copier can run these extra-long copier sheets, you can call your habitual paper supplier and of course, you can always contact your ABE account executive.
Speaking of Paper…
MFPs can run a remarkable variety of paperweights and kinds, from matte to glossy to photo quality. Ask your paper supplier for digital paper sample books. Again, if you have questions regarding paper type or weight, ask before you order.
Finishing Options
You can order finishers for your MFP that supply a wide range of finishing options, such as stapling, folding, hole punching, etc.
When you consider the options for leasing, buying and renting a multifunction printer, along with their long working lives and the needs they meet over time, you can find a real return on your investment, especially if you factor in a service, repair and maintenance agreement that will leave you free to concentrate on your work.
Want to know more about how to print marketing materials in-house? Call our office at 1.800.627.1556 to schedule a demo on an MFP—we’ll give you a thorough tutorial while we print one of your files. Or visit our website, abecarolina.com. You can also reach us on any of our social media platforms: LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter.
