10 Questions to Ask Your Printer.

1. What are some misconceived notions of print?

Many people assume that print can easily be substituted for digital channels and underestimate how impactful it truly is in promoting products, ideas, and stories. While digital marketing plays an important role, print delivers a tangible, immersive experience that captures attention in ways screens often cannot. A printed piece creates a physical connection — something recipients can hold, feel, and engage with — and elements like paper weight, texture, specialty finishes, and vibrant ink all contribute to a deeper level of engagement. Rather than viewing print as a replacement for digital, it should be recognized as a strategic complement that enhances overall marketing efforts and creates meaningful, lasting connections.

2. What should magazines/catalogs consider when it comes to paper purchasing? 

When purchasing paper you should consider cost, performance, and brand impact. Basis weight and caliper influence both the tactile feel and postage costs. Brightness and finish (coated vs. uncoated) affect color vibrancy and overall aesthetic. Paper choice should also align with run length and press type. Sustainability is another key consideration, with certifications from organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council(FSC) often influencing purchasing decisions.

3. Can you explain the difference between web printing and sheetfed printing?

 The difference between web printing and sheetfed printing comes down to how the paper is fed through the press and the types of projects each method is best suited for.

Web printing uses large rolls of paper that continuously feed through the press at high speeds. Because it runs nonstop and is designed for efficiency, it’s ideal for high-volume projects. Web presses are extremely cost-effective at longer quantities, this makes them perfect when speed, volume, and lower per-piece cost are the priority.

Sheetfed printing, on the other hand, uses individual sheets of paper that are fed into the press one at a time. This method offers greater flexibility in paper choices, specialty stocks, and custom finishes. It’s typically used for shorter-run projects where detail and premium quality are especially important. Sheetfed presses allow for more control over color consistency and special effects like embossing, foil stamping, or specialty coatings.

4. What can magazines/publishers learn from a Cataloger?

Catalogers treat print like a revenue engine — not just a brand vehicle. They test everything, track ROI, refine audiences instead of slashing circulation, and integrate print tightly with digital. People love a lifestyle, organic feel nowadays.. the more pictures and visuals the better

The big lesson? Optimize before you cut. Adjust format, page count, cadence, or postage strategy before walking away from reach. Print is effective and it WORKS! 

 5. What makes the Royle Printing model different from a traditional printer? 

We’re more than a printer — we’re a partner. While that value may not always be reflected line by line in a quote, the real savings and advantages are realized through the strength of the relationship. We collaborate with a diverse range of clients, each with unique goals and ideas, and we carry those shared insights forward so others can benefit, learn, and grow.

We also make strategic purchasing decisions — from equipment investments to paper procurement — with our partnerships in mind. This approach allows us to manage costs responsibly while continuing to offer state-of-the-art technology and capabilities for our clients to leverage.

6. What are some things customers should  consider when choosing a print partner?

One of the most important factors to consider is the team that will be servicing your account. Having a dedicated, one-on-one point of contact creates consistency, clarity, and accountability throughout the entire process. Instead of navigating multiple representatives or working through outsourced customer service, clients benefit from building a relationship with a team that understands their goals, preferences, and expectations.

Equally important is knowing the company you are purchasing from. Understanding their values, experience, capabilities, and culture provides confidence in the partnership. When you know who is behind the work — and trust their expertise — it creates a stronger, more reliable working relationship built on transparency and long-term support rather than just transactional service.

7. What is co-mail, and why should customers care?

Co-mailing brings together individual copies from multiple Periodicals and Marketing Mail titles into shared production pools. By combining volumes, we maximize presort density and automation compatibility, unlocking deeper destination entry discounts.

The result is improved postal reach and meaningful postage savings compared to traditional destination entry methods.

8. What are the biggest opportunities to save money in production right now?

Postage and paper consistently represent the two largest cost drivers in any print production project. By evaluating strategic adjustments — such as paper grade, basis weight, trim size, format, and total mail weight — it’s often possible to identify significant cost-saving opportunities. Even modest refinements in these areas can produce measurable financial impact.

With a thoughtful approach to optimization, you can reduce overall expenses while preserving — and sometimes even enhancing — the quality, performance, and visual impact of the finished piece.

9. How can customers stay educated as the industry continues to change?

Stay curious and stay close to your partners. Especially your printer who will keep you apprised on all things USPS, industry changes, paper, trends, etc. Lean on your printer to flag cost-saving and production opportunities early. 

The customers who win treat print as strategic — not transactional. We are here to support you!  

10. What excites Royle most about the future of print?

What excites Royle most about the future of print is how it continues to prove its staying power in an increasingly digital world. As inboxes grow more crowded and digital fatigue becomes real, print stands out. It’s tangible, trusted, and immersive in a way that screens simply can’t replicate. Brands are rediscovering that physical media commands attention, drives stronger recall, and creates a deeper emotional connection.

Also exciting is the innovation happening within the industry — from advanced personalization and data-driven direct mail to specialty finishes, sustainable substrates, and smarter production workflows. Print isn’t standing still; it’s evolving. The combination of technology, craftsmanship, and strategy is elevating print from just a communication channel to a powerful brand experience.