When beginning a catalog business or even just adding them to your business, knowing what is involved in catalog printing will help you better prepare for this arduous task. Without a clear plan, catalogs can be so overwhelming that you may never get started. Below, the steps for the entire process are outlined so that your design goes smoothly.
Purpose and Style
All of the more detailed decisions can be more easily made when a strong purpose and style has already been chosen. Your purpose could be either to market products to other businesses or market to consumers. This step also involves deciding the size, whether or not to include a table of contents or index, and quantity. Choosing the style involves first knowing your audience so that each design element can be tailored to their needs and appetite. Next be sure your company has a clear image, and design the catalog to match this image. Consumers should be able to view your magazine and, without looking at the cover, know it is from your business.
Design Teams
Use a professional team of designers who have experience in catalog design. You will need to supply your notes on the purpose and style so that the designers can produce a catalog according to your terms. Contacting the design team ahead of time will increase your chances of having the catalog finished by the deadline. The entire process could take up to two months from designing to printing to mailing.
Technical Information
You will need to group items into similar categories for the design team to create a productive layout. Also provide such technicalities as the titles of items, pricing, numbers, and short descriptions. You may want to write your own extra text or leave that to the design team.
Images
Provide the designers with photographs of the products. Do not try to cut cost by using group photos. Individual pictures sell items better. Some products, such as clothing displayed by models, may look more appealing if photographed in scenery. When possible, though, use no background with a soft shadow for product pictures.
Printing
Find a wholesale catalog printing company since they can offer high quality at a lower cost. Make sure that they can print the style of catalog you need. Another plus when you are choosing a printer is that some will mail the catalogs directly from the warehouse to a list you provide.
The key to a smooth catalog production process is simply sitting down and writing out a plan. Being prepared will help you to avoid any miscommunication with all parties involved, which also helps you meet your deadline.
