Why Samco Printers Should Be Your Go-To Choice for Corporate Printing Requirements

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Innis Pencarrick

In today’s competitive business landscape, the quality and reliability of your corporate printing solutions can significantly impact your company’s professional image and operational efficiency. When it comes to selecting a printing partner that understands the unique demands of corporate environments, Samco Printers stands out as a leader in delivering exceptional printing services tailored specifically for business needs.

Unmatched Quality and Consistency

Corporate printing demands consistency across all materials, from business cards and letterheads to large-format presentations and marketing collateral. Samco Printers has built its reputation on delivering unwavering quality that meets the high standards expected in corporate settings. Their state-of-the-art printing technology ensures that every document, brochure, or promotional material maintains consistent color accuracy, sharp text clarity, and professional finish.

The company’s commitment to quality extends beyond just the final product. Samco Printers employs rigorous quality control processes at every stage of production, ensuring that your corporate materials reflect the professionalism and attention to detail that your business represents. This consistency is crucial when maintaining brand integrity across various printed materials and communication channels.

Comprehensive Service Portfolio

One of the key advantages of partnering with Samco Printers is their comprehensive range of services designed to meet diverse corporate printing needs. Whether you require high-volume document printing, specialized marketing materials, or custom corporate stationery, Samco Printers offers a one-stop solution that eliminates the need to coordinate with multiple vendors.

Their services encompass everything from basic black-and-white printing to complex multi-color projects, large-format printing for presentations and signage, binding and finishing services, and digital printing solutions for time-sensitive projects. This breadth of services means that businesses can streamline their printing processes while maintaining consistency in quality and branding across all materials.

Advanced Technology and Equipment

Samco Printers invests heavily in cutting-edge printing technology to ensure they can handle the evolving needs of modern businesses. Their facility houses advanced digital and offset printing equipment capable of producing everything from small-batch customized materials to large-volume runs with exceptional efficiency and quality.

The company’s technology infrastructure includes high-resolution printers that deliver crisp text and vibrant colors, automated finishing equipment for professional binding and cutting, and digital workflow systems that ensure accuracy and speed in order processing. This technological edge translates directly into better results for corporate clients who demand both quality and efficiency in their printing solutions.

Exceptional Customer Service and Support

Corporate printing often involves tight deadlines, specific requirements, and the need for ongoing support throughout projects. Samco Printers distinguishes itself through exceptional customer service that goes beyond simply taking orders. Their team of printing professionals works closely with corporate clients to understand their specific needs, offer expert advice on material and design optimization, and ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

The company’s customer service approach includes dedicated account management for regular corporate clients, proactive communication throughout the printing process, and flexible solutions to accommodate last-minute changes or urgent requests. This level of support is invaluable for businesses that need reliable printing partners who can adapt to their dynamic needs.

Cost-Effective Solutions

While quality is paramount in corporate printing, cost-effectiveness remains a crucial consideration for businesses managing their operational expenses. Samco Printers offers competitive pricing structures that provide excellent value without compromising on quality. Their efficient production processes and strategic sourcing of materials allow them to offer cost-effective solutions for both small and large-volume printing projects.

The company also provides transparent pricing with detailed quotes that help businesses plan their printing budgets effectively. Their volume discount programs and package deals for comprehensive printing services can result in significant cost savings for companies with regular printing needs.

Environmental Responsibility

Modern corporations increasingly prioritize environmental sustainability in their operations and vendor selection. Samco Printers demonstrates strong environmental stewardship through eco-friendly printing practices, including the use of sustainable paper sources, environmentally safe inks, and efficient production processes that minimize waste.

Their commitment to environmental responsibility extends to offering recycled paper options, carbon-neutral printing services, and guidance on sustainable printing practices that align with corporate sustainability goals. This environmental consciousness makes Samco Printers an ideal partner for businesses committed to reducing their environmental footprint.

Reliability and Timeliness

Corporate environments operate on strict timelines, and printing delays can have cascading effects on business operations. Samco Printers has built a reputation for reliability and on-time delivery that corporate clients can depend on. Their efficient workflow management and production scheduling ensure that projects are completed within agreed timeframes, even for complex or high-volume orders.

The company’s track record of meeting deadlines consistently makes them a trusted partner for time-sensitive corporate printing needs, from annual reports and marketing campaigns to conference materials and executive presentations.

Customization and Flexibility

Every business has unique printing requirements, and Samco Printers excels at providing customized solutions that meet specific corporate needs. Whether it’s custom sizing, special paper stocks, unique finishing options, or branded packaging, the company offers the flexibility to accommodate diverse requirements while maintaining their high standards of quality and service.

This customization capability is particularly valuable for businesses looking to create distinctive printed materials that stand out in competitive markets while maintaining consistency with their brand guidelines and corporate identity.

Conclusion

Choosing the right printing partner is a strategic decision that can impact your business’s professional image, operational efficiency, and bottom line. Samco Printers offers the combination of quality, service, technology, and reliability that corporate clients need to succeed in today’s demanding business environment.

Their comprehensive approach to corporate printing, backed by advanced technology, exceptional customer service, and commitment to environmental responsibility, makes them an ideal choice for businesses seeking a reliable, long-term printing partner. By choosing Samco Printers, companies can focus on their core business activities, confident that their printing needs are in capable hands.

Posted in Printing |

Why Corporate Printing Still Matters

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Innis Pencarrick

Beyond Pixels:

Why Corporate Printing Still Matters (and How to Do It Right)

In today’s hyper-digital world, it’s easy to dismiss print as a relic of the past. We’re bombarded with emails, social media updates, and online advertisements, leading many businesses to believe that everything can (and should) exist solely in the digital realm. But to write off corporate printing entirely is a mistake. While digital channels are undoubtedly powerful, they lack the tangibility, permanence, and impact that well-executed print materials can provide. From marketing collateral to internal communications, Samco Printers Ltd. can ensure that corporate printing remains a vital tool for your business, regardless of size.

This blog post delves into the importance of corporate printing, exploring its benefits and offering practical tips for creating materials that leave a lasting impression.

Why Bother With Print?

The Enduring Power of Tangibility

Let’s face it: digital fatigue is real. We’re constantly bombarded with information, and much of it simply fades into the background. Print, on the other hand, offers a refreshing change of pace. It engages the senses in a way that digital media can’t, creating a memorable and impactful experience. Here are just a few reasons why corporate printing still matters:

Enhanced Brand Recognition:

Samco’s high-quality printed materials, such as brochures, business cards, and stationery, reinforce your brand identity and create a consistent visual experience. A beautifully designed brochure can often leave a more immediate and memorable impression than a website landing page.

Credibility and Trust:

Professionally printed materials convey a sense of legitimacy and professionalism. A well-designed annual report or a meticulously crafted direct mail piece communicates that your company is serious about its business and that you value quality.

Improved Readability:

While reading on screens is convenient, it can be difficult with the visual distractions that often accompany digital publications. Many people still prefer the tactile experience of reading a physical document. Studies have shown that people often retain information better when reading print materials.

Targeted Marketing:

Print allows for highly targeted marketing campaigns. For example, Samco Printers can tailor your direct mail piece to specific demographics or geographic locations, ensuring that your message reaches the right audience. Our graphics design team can use the power of variable printing to customize your printed piece. Even the graphics can be individualized so each recipient can identify with the targeted piece.

A typical direct mail that is not personalized gets about a 2% response rate. Response rates for variable printing jobs vary from double the normal response for basic customization to as much as 15 times the response for fully customized jobs.

Canada Post research shows that direct mail and personalized marketing works:

97% of Canadians will open mail if they asked for it
95% will open direct mail if it is from a company they know or if it looks important
84% of consumers will open a letter if their name is on the envelope

Long-Lasting Impact:

Unlike fleeting digital ads, printed materials can linger in the physical world, providing repeated exposure to your brand message. A well-designed calendar or a useful reference guide can stay on a customer’s desk for months, keeping your company top-of-mind.

Beyond the Brochure:

Types of Corporate Printing and Their Uses

Marketing Collateral: This includes brochures, flyers, catalogs, postcards, posters, etc. These materials are designed to promote your products or services, generate leads, and drive sales.
Business Stationery: Letterhead, business cards, envelopes, notepads and presentation folders are essential for maintaining a professional image and communicating with clients and partners.
Internal Communications: Training manuals, internal forms and employee handbooks, etc., help keep your staff informed, engaged, and aligned with your company’s goals.
Signage and Displays: Banners, posters, and trade show displays make you stand out from the crowd and attract attention at events and conferences.
Packaging: Custom packaging can enhance your product’s presentation and create a memorable unboxing experience for your customers.
Promotional Items: Branded pens, mugs, and other promotional items can be used to raise brand awareness and build customer loyalty.

The Art of Quality:

Elements of Effective Corporate Printing

Design: A well-designed piece is visually appealing, easy to read, and conveys your message effectively. Samco provides professional graphic design services to create materials that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
Content: Your content should be clear, concise, and targeted to your audience. Use strong headlines, compelling visuals, and persuasive language to capture their attention and encourage them to take action.
Paper Stock: The type of paper you choose can impact the look and feel of your printed materials. Consider the weight, finish, and texture of the paper to create the desired effect. Samco’s experienced staff can work with you in-person to help guide you regarding paper availability and suitability.
Printing Techniques: Different printing techniques, such as offset printing and digital printing, offer varying levels of cost and production times. Samco’s experienced staff will choose the technique that best suits your needs and budget.
Finishing: Finishing options, such as lamination, embossing, and foil stamping, can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your printed materials. These options add to the production time required, so please plan your schedule for this.

Navigating the Printing Process:

Tips for Success

Plan Ahead: Start planning your printing projects well in advance to allow ample time for design, printing, and delivery.
Provide Clear Instructions: Communicate your requirements clearly, including the desired size, paper, finishing options, and the deadline for completed job.
Proofread Carefully: Before submitting your files for printing, proofread them carefully for errors in grammar, spelling, and formatting.
Request a Proof: You can request a proof of your printed materials before giving the final approval. This will give you a chance to identify and correct any errors before the entire batch is printed.

Print and Digital:

A Powerful Partnership

The best approach to corporate communications isn’t either/or, but a synergistic combination of print and digital strategies. Use print to reinforce your brand, build credibility, and create lasting impressions, while leveraging digital channels for instant communication, lead generation, and customer engagement. For example, you could use a direct mail campaign to drive traffic to your website, or include QR codes in your printed materials that link to online resources.

The Bottom Line:

Corporate Printing Remains a Valuable Asset

In conclusion, corporate printing is far from obsolete. It remains a powerful tool for businesses looking to enhance their brand recognition, build credibility, communicate effectively, and leave a lasting impression. By understanding the benefits of print, choosing the right materials, and working with Samco Printers Ltd., you can create impactful print materials that help you achieve your business goals. So, before you write off print entirely, consider the potential it holds for elevating your brand and connecting with your audience in a meaningful way. The power of print is alive and well, waiting to be harnessed for your success.

Posted in Printing |

The Power of Business Cards: Why They Still Matter in a Digital World

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Innis Pencarrick

In today’s hyper-connected digital age, where emails, social media profiles, and virtual networking dominate, one might wonder: Do business cards still hold any value? The answer: a resounding yes. While businesses today have undoubtedly gone digital, the familiar business card continues to play a crucial role in professional relationships. Whether you’re at a conference, meeting a potential client, or even just casually networking, a well-designed business card can make all the difference.

1. First Impressions Matter

When meeting someone for the first time, especially in a professional setting, the way you present yourself can have a lasting impact. Handing out an attractive, well-designed business card communicates professionalism, attention to detail, and a sense of seriousness about your career or business. It’s a tangible representation of your brand and can leave a lasting impression long after the conversation has ended.

2. Business Cards Are a Conversation Starter
While digital exchanges are often quick and convenient, they can lack the personal touch that a physical exchange offers. When you hand someone your business card, it can be a great conversation starter. More than just giving your contact information; a business card can provide an opportunity to discuss your role, your business, or your expertise in a more engaging manner.

3. Networking in the Real World
Despite the rise of social media and digital networking, face-to-face interactions are very powerful, especially in businesses where personal relationships are essential. Conferences, trade shows, and seminars are great opportunities to network and exchange business cards.

4. Your Brand’s Visual Identity
A business card isn’t just a practical tool; it’s also a blank canvas for your creativity. Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or a corporate executive, your business card should reflect your brand’s identity. The colors, logo, and fonts used on your card should align with the image you want to project.

5. The Tangibility Factor
In a world where digital information is constantly bombarding us, people crave something tangible. A business card is something physical that they can hold onto, put in their wallet, or pin to a board. The simple act of holding a business card provides a sense of permanence that an email or social media message lacks.

6. Standing Out in a Digital World
With most communication happening online, having a physical business card is a way to stand out in a sea of emails and digital messages.

7. Easy Follow-Up
While digital connections can be fleeting and sometimes get lost in inboxes, a business card gives both parties a clear and tangible way to follow up.

8. A Touch of Professionalism in Any Industry
Whatever industry you’re in, having a business card still signals a level of professionalism. Even in sectors where digital tools are paramount, the exchange of a physical business card demonstrates a commitment to maintaining strong, personal connections.A business card might seem like a small thing, but it is often seen as a mark of credibility and trustworthiness—and a way to present yourself as an expert who values both old-school etiquette and modern communication

Posted in Printing |

Samco Printers Ltd. Guide to Convention Printing in Vancouver

Posted on April 24, 2025 by archit.smartt

Conventions, trade shows, and conferences are vital for businesses to network, showcase products or services, and build brand awareness. Whether you’re exhibiting at an trade show or sponsoring a large international convention, the visual presentation of your business or brand can significantly influence the success of your participation. This is where convention printing is a key to success.

Convention printing includes the production of printed materials used to enhance the attendee experience, to promote brands, and to guide people during a convention or event. It includes everything from brochures and banners to booth graphics and directional signage. These printed materials are essential tools for engagement, providing information, attracting attention, and helping to ensure smooth site navigation.

In this blog, we will explore the world of convention printing, highlighting the importance of printed materials, different types of printed products, and best practices for creating materials that resonate with attendees.

Conventions are busy, noisy environments, often attended by hundreds or even thousands of attendees. Amidst this sea of people, your brand needs to stand out. Printed materials help exhibitors and sponsors make a lasting impact. The value of convention printing cannot be understated for the following reasons:

1. Brand Visibility

At conventions, creating an immediate visual presence is essential. Attendees are often overwhelmed with the sheer volume of booths, displays, and promotional materials around them. Effective convention printing ensures that your brand stands out, whether through large banners, booth graphics, or well- placed flyers.

Custom-printed items help differentiate your booth or exhibit space from others, making it easier for attendees to find you. Well-designed printed materials can act as your first line of marketing and can establish brand recognition right from the start.

2. Professionalism and Credibility

Samco’s high-quality printed materials project professionalism. When your attendees receive neatly printed brochures, business cards, or other brand collateral. It sends a message that your company values quality. Well-executed printing reinforces your credibility and commitment to excellence.

For sponsors and exhibitors, this builds trust with potential clients, partners, and investors who are present at the event.

3. Facilitating Engagement

Printed materials also encourage interaction and engagement. For instance, brochures and catalogues provide attendees detailed information they can refer to later, while promotional items such as branded pens, tote bags, or notebooks offer practical takeaways that can reinforce your message.

By distributing these materials, you ensure that your brand remains in the minds of attendees long after

they’ve left the event.

4. Navigation and Direction

Conventions often take place in large venues with multiple rooms, halls, and event spaces. Clear signage, maps, and schedules ensure that attendees can navigate the event efficiently. Printed materials that guide people to important locations, such as exhibitor booths, seminar rooms, or registration areas are essential make the event more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

5. Sponsorship Recognition

For sponsors, convention printing is an effective way to showcase your support for the event while promoting your brand. Printed banners, signage, and even branded lanyards or badges provide constant exposure to your company, both on the convention floor and in other areas like hallways, entrances, or stages.

When preparing for a convention or trade show, a variety of printed materials will be required to create a cohesive, professional experience. Here are the most common convention printing products you’ll likely need:

1. Banners and Signage

Banners and signage are the most prominent types of printed materials used at conventions. They are designed to attract attention and provide information, guiding attendees through the event. Some common types of banners include:

Retractable Banners: These are portable, easy-to-set-up banners that roll up into a base. They’re perfect for trade show booths or as a welcome display at the entrance of an event.
Vinyl Banners: Durable and weather-resistant, vinyl banners are commonly used for outdoor events but can also be used indoors. They are especially useful for larger displays and can be hung above booths or entrances.
Directional Signage: These signs help guide attendees find key areas such as restrooms, exhibitor booths, food stations, and conference rooms.

Banners and signage can feature your logo, tagline, and key messaging to ensure your brand is seen from

every angle.

2. Booth Graphics

Booth graphics are custom-designed printed materials that create an eye-catching exhibit space. These can include large-format prints that cover walls or smaller display pieces designed to sit on tables. Some common booth graphic materials include:

Backdrops: These large graphics act as the focal point behind your booth, featuring your brand’s logo, a message, or even product displays.
Tablecloths and Table Runners: Custom-printed tablecloths or runners help brand the surface of your booth, making it more cohesive and professional.
Counter Graphics: Printed graphics designed to fit on counters can showcase product features, branding, or key promotional messages.
Stand-up Signs: Smaller printed signs or posters that can be placed in front of your booth to highlight specific products, services, or offers.

A well-designed booth with high-quality graphics will capture the attention of attendees and encourage

them to stop and engage.

3. Brochures, Flyers, and Catalogues

Printed marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, and catalogues provide in-depth information about your products, services, or company. These materials are vital for providing valuable content to attendees and helping them understand what your brand offers. Common printed materials include:

Brochures: Brochures provide a detailed overview of your offerings. They are compact yet informative and often contain contact details, testimonials, and key features of your business.
Flyers: Flyers are single-page prints that offer a more concise version of your message. They are ideal for handing out to a large number of people quickly.
Product Catalogues: If you’re showcasing multiple products or services, a product catalogue can give attendees detailed information on what you have to offer, with images and descriptions of each item.

These materials are great for leave-behind marketing, ensuring that attendees have something to take

home with them that reminds them of your booth.

4. Business Cards

Business cards are essential for networking at conventions. While many people focus on digital connections, exchanging a physical business card still carries significant weight in face-to-face interactions. Business cards should feature your company’s branding, contact details, and any other relevant information that helps prospects remember you.

Samco Printers can provide high-quality cardstock and a design that reflects your brand’s identity. A creatively designed business card stands out from the crowd.

5. Promotional Products

Promotional items like branded pens, notepads, tote bags, USB drives, and t-shirts can go a long way in building brand recognition. These items serve as giveaways and can act as “walking advertisements” for your company long after the event is over. Some popular promotional products include:

Branded Tote Bags: Attendees can use these bags throughout the event, and they’ll often carry them out of the venue, ensuring your logo is seen.
Pens, Notepads, and USB Drives: These small yet useful items are always appreciated, and they provide a constant reminder of your brand.
Branded Apparel: T-shirts, hats, and other apparel with your company logo can make a big impact, especially if the event attracts large crowds.

Promotional items help attendees engage with your brand even after the convention has ended. Make sure that these items are ordered well in advance as personalization takes time.

6. Event Materials

For larger conventions, event organizers often need printed materials to ensure smooth operation. These materials can include:

Program Guides: These books or booklets provide the schedule of events, speaker information, exhibitor details, and other useful information for attendees.
Name Tags and Lanyards: Custom name tags and lanyards are important for networking and helping attendees identify each other.
Tickets and Invitations: Printed tickets are often required for access to specific events or VIP areas. Invitations can be used to invite attendees to special presentations or meetings. These materials help improve the attendee experience and streamline the event.

To maximize the impact of your convention printing materials, here are a few best practices to consider:

1. Maintain Consistent Branding

Make sure all your printed materials reflect your brand’s identity. Samco’s color management ensures consistent use of colors, fonts, and logos to reinforce your message and ensure recognition across all materials, from banners and booth graphics to brochures and business cards.

2. Keep Designs Simple and Clear

Convention attendees are often in a hurry and have limited time to read through extensive content. Keep your designs simple, with clear, concise messaging. Use large fonts, high-contrast colors, and easy-to- understand graphics to make your materials easy to digest quickly.

3. Provide Value with Your Printed Materials

Printed materials should offer value to attendees. Whether it’s a brochure with useful product details, a flyer with a special promotion, or a promotional item that people will use after the event, ensure that your materials are meaningful and relevant.

4. Prioritize Quality

We won’t cut corners when it comes to the quality of your printed materials. Samco Printers’ high- quality printing makes a significant difference in the perception of your brand. Poor-quality materials will leave an unwanted negative impression. Invest in Samco Printers professional printing services to ensure the best results.

5. Plan Ahead

Conventions often have strict deadlines, so make sure you plan ahead when it comes to printing. Allow ample time for design, approval, and printing to ensure everything is ready when the event begins.

6. Receive Printed Convention Materials

Samco Printers is located just blocks away from the Vancouver Convention Centre, so organizing the receipt of printed material is easy. Last minute additions can easily be produces and Samco can deliver your materials wherever you need; locally or world-wide.

Samco Printers Ltd in Vancouver, B.C., Canada is your ideal provider of high quality printing for your next convention or trades show. Our friendly customer service will make your experience a rewarding one!

Posted in Printing |

Preparing Your Manuscript for Book Printing

Posted on August 26, 2024 by Innis Pencarrick

You ‘re excited that you have finally finished writing your manuscript! It could be a family history, a memoir, a novel, or one of many other types of books. You have probably imagined what your book will look like when finished. The type of book most people are familiar with is the paperback. Paperback binding is known in the printing trade as perfect binding. In perfect binding, the cover is usually a thicker, stiffer paper than the inside pages. The cover is wrapped around the inside pages, which are glued to the spine. This is a much more economical method for binding books than hardcover books, especially when you are printing a small number of books. Paperback books are very popular with writers who have a limited audience (such as family) or who want to get a feeling for how their book is received by their audience before they invest in a long run of books.

Paperback books are a prime candidate for on-demand printing. Quite often a writer is pleasantly surprised at the positive reception and finds that there is a demand for an additional printing run. This is where on-demand printing comes to the forefront. At Samco, all short-run books are printed digitally. This allows us to keep your digital file ready to be printed again when your need arises. At this stage, you save money because you do not have to pay again for the machine set-up when the book is initially printed. That is unless you need to make changes, when additional set-up is required.

The most common question we get when a customer is finished with their manuscript and wants to go to print is, “How do I prepare my manuscript for printing?” I address this question in the explanations below. The steps I describe are for preparing your manuscript for perfect bound printing by Samco.

Choose an economical size:

While you might see a number of different size paperbacks in a bookstore, their size is usually related to the method in which they were produced, and also, the quantity printed. One of the assets of on-demand digital printing is that the equipment is designed to print on paper that is pre-cut to specific sizes stocked by the paper companies and are the most economical for on-demand printing. The three most economical book sizes for printing on Samco’s equipment are 8.5” x 11”, 5.5” x 8.5” and 6” x 9” (most printing companies in Vancouver still work in imperial measurements). If you feel none of these sizes will work for your book, I would suggest that you discuss what you need with us before designing the layout of your book. It could save you money!

Design the layout of the inside pages:

The fundamental structure of the inside, or text, pages of a book is known as “facing pages”. This means the design is based on what you see when you open a book; basically two pages. Traditionally,the page on the left is termed the “verso” page and the page on the right is the “recto” page. To make it easier, I will refer to them as the left page and the right page.

Margins are very important in the layout of your book. In a facing pages layout there are the top and bottom margins, the “fore edge” margins and the “gutter”. The fore edge margins are the margins on the far left and far right of the open book. When the book is closed, these margins are on the unbound or fore edge of the book. Again, when we look at the book opened, the shared margin in the centre is called the gutter. Aside from the visual appeal of margins, they play an important part in successful production of a book. If the type is too close to the fore edge of the book, it risks making the text look off centre once the book is trimmed to size. If the gutter is too small there is a risk the text will disappear into the spine unless the book is forced to open too far and the spine is broken when the reader tries to read that text.

If the book has chapter headings, then it is important to consider the size of the top margins so the chapter headings don’t look crowded up to the top edge, or, head of the book. Sometimes page numbers also occupy the top margin, but in most cases, the page numbers appear at the bottom of the page. Again, page numbers should not crowd the bottom edges of the book.

Design the look and layout of the cover:

While the look of the cover is up to you or your designer, there are practical issues to be discussed here, as well. It is common for images or the background of the cover to “bleed”.This sounds a bit gorey, but it simply means that any image (including backgrounds) extends to the trim edge of the book cover. No machine can cut so accurately that it can consistently cut exactly where an image ends without the risk of leaving a sliver of the bare paper showing. To solve the issue, it is industry standard to extend these images 1/8th of an inch beyond where the book will be trimmed.

As mentioned above, the cover of a perfect bound book is wrapped around the inside pages and which are glued at the back, or spine edge of the book. To make the spine edge look crisp and sharp, the cover is creased (or scored) where it folds around the back of the book. To aid in the cover opening without putting pressure on the glued spine, there are additional scores near the back of the book, known as “hinge scores”.

Depending on the width of the spine of the cover there may, or may not, be room for the title and author. Extremely thin books do not allow space for printing on the spine. Allowances need to be made for perfect binding machine tolerances, so there needs to be at least an 1/8th” above and below the type on the spine. Consider extending any solid colours that appear on the front cover onto the spine and partially on to the back cover where possible. This will also optimise the design to compensate for possible machine tolerances.

Adding images:

Consider your budget when adding images. Since the text pages are being printed in black, there are no additional charges for printing black line or halftone images. A line image is an image printed in black with no grey shades. A halftone image (like a photograph) appears as shades of black and grey. In reality the grey areas are still printed black, but are broken up into tiny dots of various sizes to produce various shades of grey.

Colour images can add cost to the printing budget. Although the colour images are printed at the same time as the line and halftone images, it costs the printer more to print them. Any colour image on a page is treated by the digital equipment as a colour page. Colour images are usually halftone as well (they are broken up into various size dots). All colour images are created by using four colours of liquid toner. You have probably heard the term CMYK. C stands for cyan, M for magenta, Y for yellow and K for black. If you want to have more control of how your colour images look, then it is best to provide them as CMYK to prevent any unexpected results. The digital printer can convert RGB (Red, Green, Blue) images to CMYK on the fly, using algorithms programmed into its software. The results are usually excellent, but if a colour is critical, it might not be exactly what you intended.

Create a pdf file:

Now that pdf files are almost universally used for printing documents, most programs have a print or export to pdf function built in. The best pdf job option to use is “High Quality Print” which will embed the fonts you use and provide image resolution suitable for digital printing. If you are having difficulty producing a pdf file from your manuscript, Samco Printers is pleased to help you with technical support. Just give us a call.

Depending on the size of the pdf, you can attach it to an email, or upload it through our website, or simply put it on a thumb drive and bring it in.

Posted in Printing |

Why conference and associations should print event publications and training manuals in 2015… and beyond

Posted on October 9, 2015 by Innis Pencarrick

Printed or Digital? If you’ve only produced a digital version of your convention materials, you will be competing against every single beep, chime and alert from every email, Facebook, LinkedIn or Pinterest notifications, or the latest tweet about something which probably doesn’t really matter anyway.

Many feel our culture has reached a tipping point; that older technology and output such as printed conference and convention materials should be replaced with purely digital solutions such as mobile applications and web 3.0 semantic event-specific social networking portals. While I can certainly appreciate the increasing confusion for those caught up in the distraction of today’s digital dilemma, allow me to make a few simple, yet profound, observations which may help clear up the confusion.

An ever deepening challenge with digital technology today hinges upon the paradigm of choice many professional conference and event planners find themselves in. Where you once had one or two potential choices to select on the path to an effective solution, today you may easily have thirty options to choose from. The issue tends to center around how you determine which of the twenty-eight new options are actually going to help, rather than hurt your objectives. Without a solid framework or checklist in place to determine that answer, you will find yourself trapped in a reactive swirl of ever deepening confusion.

Developing that elusive solution-based framework is also something even qualified and highly skilled digital technologists find daunting. Unless you have very qualified IOT (Internet of Things) digital technologist on staff to develop a trusted framework based on your own specific requirements and (just as importantly) to keep the framework updated with all the new developments, it is going to be a very bumpy and often bruising ride.

Your potential convention attendees, guest speakers, exhibitors, sponsors and advertisers face a similar situation. Digital printing solutionsare rarely an improvement for your audience or your messaging. Overwhelmed and confused by purely digital service, many people feel most comfortable defaulting back to what they know and trust.

Without fail, what they know and trust is hardcopy, printed conference materials!

Printed Event Publications Offer More to Attendees and Sponsors Than Purely Digital Media

Attendees always love their printed conference programs, guidebooks and training manuals. They always work as expected. There is no need to worry about poor quality Wi-Fi signals, cellular service or a drained battery. They are also the perfect medium for taking notes, which helps re-enforce the value and memory retention of your event.

From a purely business-centric viewpoint, allow me to enumerate some other critical benefits that come with the decision to provide your event attendees with high quality printing materials.

1. Less Competition: Your goals or convention objectives are often complicated, but for these goals to even stand a chance, you will need the focus and attention of your audience. If you’ve only produced a digital print project of your convention materials you will, without question, be competing against every single beep, chime and alert from their email, Facebook, LinkedIn or Pinterest notifications, or the latest tweet about something which probably doesn’t really matter anyway.

When you’re only on the screens of those you plan to engage with, it is important to remember you will be one of many – always fighting for the focus and attention of those often entirely distracted. This is rarely a benefit to your efforts and is probably a complete waste to your ever-important advertisers and or event sponsors.

The value of high quality printed convention materials is obvious in contrast – the audience is focused on a single item . . . your printed material. When they return home or to the office it is very likely that your printed manual, guidebook, program or educational training manual will sit proudly on their reference bookshelf. This helps keep your message, event and brand in the minds of your best prospects, customers and future brand evangelists.

2. Unauthorized Mass Distribution or Sharing is Much More Difficult: For many organizations their intellectual property, educational material, event content, training material, etc. are often direct revenue streams. When this material ends up online, and is only available in a digital format, it is only a matter of time before its unauthorized syndication starts to jeopardize your business model.

3. More Memorable: When people have a choice between physical paper or digital material, particularly specialized event or training materials, the physical version will always hold a higher level of perceived importance and value. Prospective attendees will have incentive to pay for and attend your event, interact with others and potentially create powerful business relationships that can last a lifetime. Conversely, your event app on the attendee’s mobile phone or tablet will probably be deleted immediately after they return home. In sharp contrast, a proudly displayed, printed training manual will stare right back at them every time they look up at their bookshelf.

4. Creation and Cultivation of Powerful and Mutually Beneficial Relationships with Event Sponsors and Advertisers: Advertising dollars matter to your conference’s or event’s ultimate success and the future success of your relationship with advertisers and sponsors that want to be positively associated with your brand or event.
When an advertiser understands that the average attendee is highly motivated to keep and revisit your event’s printed materialand review the hand-written notes they took during the week of seminars, keynote speeches. etc. it becomes a pretty easy decision to invest their advertising dollars towards your event. The flip side of that is far more difficult to sell – asking your potential sponsors to invest in materials that will be deleted only a day after the event just doesn’t evoke the same sense of tangible value.

When planning your next conference, convention or trade show in Vancouver, British Columbia contact Samco Printers for the best in commercial printing services.

Samco Printers have always been professionals’ choice for quality commercial printing for nearly 40 years. We’re just minutes from The Vancouver Trade & Convention Centre in the heart of Downtown Vancouver’s Financial District.
We provide you a seamless solution for any of your potential commercial printing needs, from graphic design, to offset printing and large format prints. And we will even deliver your print job directly to you when you arrive in Vancouver, either at your hotel or the Trade & Convention Centre itself.
Why ship a mountain of printed material across the country when we take care of all the details for you locally?
If you’re interested in partnering with one of the most respected commercial printers in British Columbia, while simultaneously eliminating all your print worries and saving thousands of dollars in expensive freight and shipping charges, we are here to help – it’s what we do best.

Posted in Printing | Tagged conference, convention, manuals, printing, trade show |

4 colour process printing – what you need to know

Posted on September 30, 2015 by Jon Teo

4 colour process separation showing Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black separations

Full colour printing is achieved by using just four ink colours – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black or CMYK (see box story below on what the K stands for). These are called process colours and full colour printing is also called 4 colour process printing.

In theory, mixing Cyan, Magenta and Yellow inks should yield a Blackcolour as a result but in practice, we get an unsatisfactorily muddy dark colour due to the nature of the pigments used and hence Black was introduced as a fourth colour in 4 colour process printing to achieve better detail and contrast.

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Posted in Printing | Tagged colour separation, digital printing, halftone, offset printing, printing, rich black |

Choosing the right image resolution for your print job

Posted on September 21, 2015 by Jon Teo

Have you ever had a print job done and was disappointed with the quality of the images? This could have been the result of low image resolution of the photos you provided. Using low resolution images is one of the most common errors designers make when creating designs for print. But first, let us clarify some of the terminology before we explain further.

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Posted in Graphic Design, Printing, Tips & Tricks | Tagged printing, resolution |

Samco Printers remains committed to Ending Global Poverty

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Jon Teo

Below is an interview of Samco Printers’ President, Sam Hirji by the Aga Khan Foundation Canada about his involvement with the World Partnership Walk which was originally published in The Vancouver Sun on May 25, 2015.

Meet Sam Hirji:

Sam immigrated to Canada after being uprooted from his home country of Uganda, East Africa, due to the 1972 political crisis. In 1976, with a small business loan and 500 square feet of leased space, Sam created Samco Printers Ltd., which has become Vancouver’s best known downtown commercial printing company. Aside from his reputation for commitment to high quality printing and service, Sam is well known for his generous, energetic and tireless support of the many charitable causes in the Vancouver community and beyond. Nowhere is this more evident than in his support of the World Partnership Walk since its inception in 1985.

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Posted in News | Tagged charity, partnership |

Digital Printing vs Offset Printing

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Jon Teo

Digital printing technology has improved by leaps and bounds in recent years. These technological advances, together with having more finishing options available now and increased affordability make digital printing a popular choice for Vancouver’s commercial print services. This popularity has also brought some confusion. We are often asked what is the difference between digital printing and offset printing, and which one is preferable. Our answer is that an understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of digital printing and how those compare to traditional offset lithography is critical in making the right choice. Continue reading →

Posted in Printing, Tips & Tricks | Tagged digital printing, offset printing |

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Reliability and Timeliness

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Conclusion

Beyond Pixels:

Why Corporate Printing Still Matters (and How to Do It Right)

Why Bother With Print?

The Enduring Power of Tangibility

Enhanced Brand Recognition:

Credibility and Trust:

Improved Readability:

Targeted Marketing:

Long-Lasting Impact:

Beyond the Brochure:

Types of Corporate Printing and Their Uses

The Art of Quality:

Elements of Effective Corporate Printing

Navigating the Printing Process:

Tips for Success

Print and Digital:

A Powerful Partnership

The Bottom Line:

Corporate Printing Remains a Valuable Asset

Essentials for Exhibitors, Organizers, and Sponsors

Why Convention Printing Matters

Why Convention Printing Matters

Best Practices for Convention Printing

Introduction

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Step Four

Step Five

Step Six

Printed Event Publications Offer More to Attendees and Sponsors Than Purely Digital Media

When planning your next conference, convention or trade show in Vancouver, British Columbia contact Samco Printers for the best in commercial printing services.

Below is an interview of Samco Printers’ President, Sam Hirji by the Aga Khan Foundation Canada about his involvement with the World Partnership Walk which was originally published in The Vancouver Sun on May 25, 2015.

Meet Sam Hirji:

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