There’s nothing old school about a print order! Many organizations use printed documents and promotional items to facilitate gatherings, educate, express gratitude, and more. There’s just something so pleasing and timeless about a finished product you can hold in your hands.
While we’re mindful of the environmental implications of propagating information with ink and paper, we also know that some content is shared more effectively when it’s available in print. Pieces like conference programs, desk references, and signage require physical output, not just digital access, so users can access information quickly and clearly.
We also think of promotional items or “swag” as print items. Many of our clients lean into regular gift-giving, such as thank-yous for speakers at conferences. We often pair meaningful handmade items with practical branded gifts like high-quality drinkware or travel bags. Some clients need small give-away items for program awareness, like pins, patches, and stickers. We’ve helped with all of it! And who doesn’t love getting a little gift like this?
Read on to learn about the print and promo vendors we’ve had great experiences with.
Local Printers
These groups are a little different than online vendors like VistaPrint or Moo. They require contacting a human by phone or email to request a quote and line up a print schedule if you’re working with a deadline. We’ve worked with a handful of local printers in the West and Midwest to serve client printing needs and our own.
ASAP Printing, Lansing, MI
Our clients in Michigan rely on ASAP Printing in the state’s capitol, Lansing. Their quick, friendly customer service sets them apart and keeps us coming back. The most noteworthy project we’ve brought them involves a 28-page booklet with an envelope containing a fold-out poster affixed to the back inside cover. That’s a lot of pieces!
Nisqually Post and Print, Nisqually, WA
We love working with the awesome folks at Nisqually Post and Print! They’re a great local option for items we need printed quickly, including booklets, posters, flyers, invitations, and more. They’re also a Nisqually tribe-owned business and part of the Medicine Creek Enterprise Corporation.
Print NW, Lakewood, WA
We recently started printing with a shop about 20 minutes north of our home base, Olympia, thanks to relationships forged at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce. Print NW is known for their helpful sales and customer service representatives and their can-do attitude when it comes to unique needs. In addition to traditional print needs like booklets and signage, they specialize in apparel and promotional items. Let their reps do the leg work when you need just the right swag. They made the very first batch of WCA t-shirts last year!
Jano Print, Santa Barbara, CA
This California-based commercial printer went above and beyond for a client of ours in a pinch. Jano Print is a team of craftspeople and representatives with integrity.
YES! Embroidery, North Hollywood, CA
The folks at YES! Embroidery in Southern California wowed us last year when they rose to meet the challenges of a very special order of jackets. Our incredible customer service rep was patient and kind as we fine-tuned 10” full-color artwork for the back of the jackets and requested a last-minute addition of personalized chest embroidery. We know where to go when we need high-quality, out-of-the-box embroidery work.
Point & Click Online Vendors
There are a ton of these businesses out there, and it can be hard to sort through the options. These online vendors let you select a product, upload your artwork, and start your order in one seamless experience. Here are a few we’ve had great experiences with.
Jukebox Print
If your print project demands fancy paper, we’re probably going to recommend Jukebox Print. We’re a little obsessed with their branding, and if you’re a “paper person,” we highly recommend ordering one of their sample packs. Prepare to be inspired (and possibly drool a little).
Custom Patch Factory
Want to make an embroidered patch? How about an enamel pin? These small swag items are all the rage right now, and Custom Patch Factory turns out high-quality orders with user-friendly systems. We love the simplicity of their ordering and proofing systems, and we’ve always had success with their customer service chat if we run into a question. Their reps are friendly and responsive to emergent needs. Their pricing is competitive, and their bonus program is generous. We are genuinely excited to work with this vendor again!
Zazzle
Zazzle is a popular source for all kinds of printed goods, including invitations, business supplies, and swag of all kinds. We rely on them for custom rubber stamps. While there are a few of us on the team who enjoy hand-carving rubber and linoleum stamps, there is a time and a place for something professionally crafted. A vendor like this helps us find a middle ground between mass-produced print pieces and the one-of-a-kind feel of a hand-pressed notecard.
We Can Help
If the prospect of working with a local printer or managing a swag order stresses you out a little, don’t worry. When you partner with WCA to design your program booklet or event signage, we can be available to assist with or manage your print needs. Write to hello@williamsoncreativeagency.com and set up an Inquiry Call to let us know you’re interested.