4 replies to this topic

[David T]

I need some help.

Normally, we don't have big print jobs. Occasionally, we might do a multipage atlas, but that's something our Base print shop can handle.

I have a poster that is E size (44 x 34). Our print shop can't handle it. I've asked my contract staff to obtain some quotes, but the quotes are blowing me away right now. I'm looking for some suggestions (or conformation that the numbers are accurate).

The map is a one-sided poster, in full color. We only need 100 copies (which I'm sure is part of the problem). I would like these to be folded down to something close to 8 1/2 x 11. Margins are 1 1/2 inches.

Best quoted price I've gotten so far is $36 a map, which includes the folding. I was hoping for something a little (okay a lot) less expensive then that.

Any suggestions?

[Dennis McClendon]

You're at an awkward in-between spot.

For inkjet plotting, done one at a time, you're going to pay somewhere around $10/square foot.

For offset printing, your sheet size is too large for many companies, and you'll have a big setup charge to divide among a small number of copies. (1000 copies would probably cost you only $30 more than 100 copies will). Any chance you could reduce the map size to 26 x 35? You could probably find someone around $800 for 100 copies that size.

I would try to find an electrostatic process, if that quality is acceptable to you. Try Large Format Digital in Madison, WI, or Bigposters on Long Island.

[David T]

I realized this afternoon that we didn't specify a paper weight, and that might be causing some problem as well.

But, it is possible that we could reset the size of the map. My internal shop has always been set up for the large archetectual sizes (like D size and E size) just out of habit. But there is nothing preventing us from changing sizes, if we can.

I will test it out at the small size, and see how we do. Any other standard sizes, other than 26x35, that we might want to explore?

[natcase]

I will test it out at the small size, and see how we do. Any other standard sizes, other than 26x35, that we might want to explore?

For offset printing, 28 x 40" is a traditional breaking point for sheet size (there are certainnly lots of presses with larger sheet size, but expect prices to jump 150% or more when you move to a larger press, especially for a small print run); with gripper and safe zone, maximum usable print area including bleed on a 28 x 40 is about 26.5 x 39.25."

For inkjet printing, the width is the delimiter of course, and plotters come in a wide variety of widths.

[Martin Gamache]

I've had excellent experiences with Bigposters. Very nice quality printing, fast turn around and good service. i'm not sure what the unit cost would be for that size of a run but they do offer some bulk discounts.

m