Make a descent living as a print broker

A print broker is someone who sells the printing service on behalf of the actual printer. He or she is the one who identifies and serves customers.

Usually print brokers are independent agents as they are not employed by the printing companies they represent. The print broker’s weapon for success is the good understanding of customer service.

To be successful as a print broker one needs to treat printers as if they are working for him and his customers.

Since there are many products to print out there, you have an option of choosing the ones you would like to specialise in. Some of the products one can choose from are annual reports, company profiles, brochures, catalogues, posters, business cards, flyers, yearbooks and coffee table books.

How does one get started as a print broker?

Starting a print broker business is not expensive since one can use already existing space as an office. Many such businesses are operated from home.

The basic things one needs to start operating are phone, a fax, computer and the file cabinet. You will also need internet connection to save yourself some time. You can’t afford to run around every time you have a job to print.

With the internet you can work with anyone anywhere in the country and still be able send jobs from home to the printers.

A good phone answering machine is also vital for such business as you are not going to be in the office every time.

Understanding your business is not enough if you want to make through in this industry. Good communication and negotiation skills can help a lot when it comes to purchasing printing services from the printers.

 Remember printing service is what you will be selling even though you don’t own a printing company.

When approaching printers it is pivotal to find out if you can purchase their services at wholesales price. Once you have found a suitable printer and quotes for the products you will specialise in, it is time to sit down and set your own prices.

As an emerging broker, the most popular and easy to print products are business cards, flyers, letterheads, brochures, posters, presentation, and postcards. One can expand to printing bigger jobs like annual reports, yearbooks and coffee table books as the business grows.

To be always in good terms with your customers, it is important to make sure the printer understands your customer’s business and needs.
 You always need to pay your bills in time to be in the good books of printers. Failure to do that can jeopardise the relationship.

Satisfied with the way you handle your business the printer will in turn will respect your deadlines thus helping you satisfy your customers.

How to get clients?

Every business needs customers in order to grow. The same thing applies to the print broking business. To promote your business it is imperative to print and distribute your business cards and flyers at places that are frequented by people who are likely to use your services.

You can also mail postcards to prospects in order to get new businesses. Also browse through the yellow pages to look for new clients and new business listings in your area.

For repeat business you must keep in touch with your customers. Make sure you keep you current customers happy since one effective method of expanding your customer base is word of mouth. A happy customer will tell others about your business and the convenience of working with you thus bringing more clients.

Nowadays, one of the effective ways to show appreciation to your customers is inviting them for lunch.

No matter how small your client is, make sure he feels like he is your only customer. Always know them by name and send them cards on their birthdays. Nurture the relationship to get repeat business and references.