If you’re preparing to open a café or restaurant, we think your graphic designer and printer ought to be on your speed dial, at least initially. You might be thinking that, firstly, surely the food and drinks are the most important things to think about, and secondly, no one uses speed dial anymore (we know, but ‘favourite’s list’ just didn’t have the same ring to it).

Well, we believe that in today’s world, how you present and market your business is arguably as important as the products and services your business provides. Have you ever visited a website only to close the browser because it doesn’t seem legitimate? Or walked into a restaurant only to turn around and walk out because the fear of food poisoning actually inspires you to go home and cook?

The reality is that many of these businesses likely provide perfectly adequate products and services, but their poor presentation means potential customers won’t even engage with them. This is particularly problematic in the hospitality industry, as customers are more discerning when their health and wellbeing is at stake. People are also more likely to visit your café or restaurant if your space is trendy and Instagrammable (this’ll pop up in the Oxford dictionary soon, we know it). After all, the hospitality industry has always been a competitive one, and you’ll want to ensure that your business stands out for all the right reasons.

Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of the advertising and print essentials you need to think about before opening your doors (and if you’re already open, don’t fear, it’s never too late!).

Menus

Your first step is to craft a mouth-watering menu that will have people flocking from far and wide just to get in the door. Once you’ve done this, you have to design the menu in an easy-to-read, aesthetically pleasing way (and we can’t stress this enough, no one wants to read a menu in size 12, Times New Roman). You’ll also have to think about the type of paper or card you want to use, and whether you want your menus laminated. We strongly suggest going with a durable option that can be reused without being damaged. If you’re anything like us, receiving a menu with food stains or tears around the edges will immediately taint the dine-in experience!

Opening Hours

Have you ever walked past a café that looks and smells incredible, but not have time to stop, so you make a mental note to come back? As a business owner, you don’t want to give a potential customer any reason not to return, so make sure you have your opening hours on display so they know when they can stop by! A simple but important marketing tool that shouldn’t be forgotten!

Product Labels

Branded. Product. Labels. We cannot stress this enough. By giving your customers branded material, such as coffee cups or juice bottles with your logo printed or stuck on, you’re securing yourself some free and effortless advertising. You’d have to provide the cup anyway, so why not get your brand out there at the same time? Plus, if you have them designed well, you can guarantee that some sneaky snaps will surface online with your logo on full display.

Loyalty Cards

Loyalty cards are one of the most valuable marketing tools around. Not only are they a form of advertising, but your customer will be reminded of your business every time they open their wallet. Customers will be more motivated and incentivised to purchase your product over someone else’s if they’re working towards something, like a free coffee! We can’t be the only ones who think coffee tastes a little better when its free. Your customers will leave feeling like their loyalty and patronage is valued, and all it will cost you is a free coffee every now and again, a small price to pay to keep your customers coming back!

Placemats

If you’d prefer to have some decoration on your tables but are not keen on tablecloths, consider adding paper placemats. You could choose to print your menu on them or take the opportunity to display your brand –these will also provide an aesthetic backdrop to some social media snaps and double as advertising, so consider adding a hashtag too!

Signage & Aframes

All the marketing tools in the world won’t be effective if customers can’t actually find your business, which brings us to our last and one of the most important advertising essentials – signage! We recommend starting with an eye-catching and industry appropriate design (no café owner wants their customers to confuse them with the local tyre shop) and then take some time to map out the most effective places to install your signage.

You should also consider ordering an aframe or two to place roadside or outside your door to attract anyone walking or driving by who may otherwise not have noticed your business – this is also a great way to get more information about your business out there – for example, you can include your opening hours or weekly specials!

One last thought…

In today’s world, you can offer some of the best products or services around, but if your business isn’t marketed or advertised effectively, then you won’t be reaching your full potential or getting the customers you’ve worked so hard for.

If you want to give your business the best chance of success but don’t quite know how to tackle the marketing alone, we would be happy to connect you with our wonderful team of designers and print specialists to help you get started!

If you ever think about laminating (which, we realise might not be the topic at the forefront of your mind most days, but stay with us for a second), you might remember the colourful laminated name tag on your desk and above your bag in primary school. Well, we’re here to tell you that laminating has a place in your adult life, too (like we need another thing to add to our Pinterest boards).

Most people know the basic concept of laminating something, but are you aware that there are different types of lamination you can choose from, depending on the product you’re creating? At the simplest level, lamination involves placing a clear, plastic film on either side of a printed product to protect it from damage and give emphasis to the colours and patterns chosen.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the most popular types of lamination, how each type can elevate the impact of your printing, and how to decide what’s best for your product.

Gloss Lamination

Gloss lamination is arguably the most well-known and easily recognisable type of lamination. It produces a shiny, reflective finish that makes brighter colours appear more vibrant, and darker colours appear richer.

The protection provided by gloss lamination is ideal for items such as product packaging, restaurant menus and kids’ books. In other words, anything likely to be handled a lot and that might be left with sticky fingerprints or stains. When something is covered with gloss laminate, markings can generally be easily removed without damaging the product.

Gloss lamination is also commonly used for promotional material, as its polished, glass-like finish is difficult to ignore. So, if your intention is to produce something striking that’s bound to capture someone’s attention as they walk by, then gloss lamination is your best bet!

Matte Lamination

If you’re going for something subtle yet sophisticated, then consider matte lamination. It results in a more subdued look by making colours appear more muted and natural. With little to no light reflecting off the surface of the product, matte lamination is perfect when you want to avoid any glare or reflection.

Unlike gloss lamination, which has a slick, polished feel, matte lamination feels smooth and soft to the touch. Keep in mind that matte lamination doesn’t provide the same protection from damage as gloss lamination. It’s more likely to scratch or scuff, so if you’re producing a recipe book that’s likely to end up covered in floury fingerprints, matte might not be the way to go!

Velvet Lamination

At first glance, velvet lamination may be confused with matte lamination. However, there are some notable differences. Like matte lamination, products that are laminated using a velvet finish also feel soft and smooth to the touch. However, velvet laminated products are more suede-like or, dare we say it, velvety.

So, if you’re creating a luxury product and want your customer to have a more sensual, interactive experience, velvet lamination should definitely be on your radar. It can also make colours appear deeper, while producing the same elegant, distinctive look as matte laminated products.

Velvet lamination also tends to be more resistant to scuffs and marks compared to matte lamination. Products are more durable and less likely to be easily bent or damaged. In an impressive and somewhat ironic way, velvet lamination adds a protective layer that makes your product feel more delicate.

One downside to velvet lamination however, is the increased cost. Considered the most luxurious of the options explored in this blog, it tends to be a little more expensive to produce, so be sure to keep this in mind if you have a budget to stick to.

Final Thoughts

We hope this blog has highlighted the value in thinking about possible finishes for your product. Let’s be honest — we all tend to be drawn more to products and materials that look and feel beautiful. We’re certainly less likely to discard a business card or presentation folder if it’s striking and unique.

So, before pushing print, take some time to think about what you want your product to achieve and the overall look that you’re going for.

Still unsure? Here at Jiffy Printing, we’re always around to help talk you through it and make some suggestions, so get in touch to discuss further.

Some important things to keep in mind when planning your special day

By thoughtfully designing your wedding stationary, you can give your guests a glimpse into what to expect on your special day, so you want to set the tone by incorporating the themes you’ve chosen for your wedding into your stationary. Will your wedding be glitz and glamour, or are you going for more rustic or floral themes? Whatever you’ve chosen, well-designed stationary will reflect the motif of your wedding and make your guests feel like they are already part of something special. While it may not seem like it, there are various things that you’ll need to consider when designing and printing your wedding stationary, and we’ve discussed some of the more significant ones below.

Including important details

Before you send out your save the date cards, you’ll need to have some basic information, such as the date and location of your wedding (this is particularly important if you’re planning a destination wedding!).

Your wedding invitation will outline the more specific details, including the time, RSVP date and location of both the ceremony and reception. You can also include a map or directions for guests if necessary.

Wedding invitations usually come with multiple inserts, for example, an RSVP card and self-stamped envelope. You should also provide a space for guests to outline any dietary or wheelchair access requirements, to avoid your guests encountering any issues on the day.

Design, material & finishes

It’s best to have a colour scheme in mind before you start designing and printing any of your stationary, so that you can ensure consistency between pieces. For example, if you plan to have fuschia and black flowers and decorations at the reception, you can incorporate these colours into your invitations, your menus and even your napkins. Even if you have a design in mind, you might want to work with a graphic designer who has experience in creating wedding stationary. Their expertise will allow them to provide you with options that you otherwise may not have envisioned. For example, they can design and create a personalised logo for you and your spouse-to-be, which you can then use as a wax seal on your envelopes.

The days of paper only invitations are over – now there are so many more materials available if you want something a little different. With options of Raised Gold, Raised Silver and Raised Rose gold inks available as well as letterpress and white ink on coloured card options you can really create anything you envisage.

Your stationary timeline

Keep in mind that some of your event stationary needs to be printed well in advance of the wedding. Guests should receive invitations no later than 8 weeks prior to the wedding to allow them time to RSVP before you need to finalise numbers with the caterer.

Depending on the materials and finishes you’ve chosen, some pieces of stationary may take longer to print and put together than others. For example, your menus might be straightforward, but your place cards may need to be affixed to your wedding favour, so you might need to print these further in advance.

Here we’ve outlined only some of the things that you will consider when planning your dream wedding. There are many ways to customise your wedding stationary and add something more unique to your wedding day, such as a custom guest book or personalised ceremony booklet. Whether you’re after something specific or want some suggestions, you can contact our team to meet with our design and print specialists who are determined to make your special day as memorable as possible.

Links used
https://www.brides.com/story/wedding-stationery-invites-guide
https://www.jeffreysworldevents.com/tips/5-things-to-know-about-event-stationery/
https://www.justmytype.co.nz/journal/wedding-stationery-advice-invitation-shapes
https://luminare.net.au/custom-stationery-for-every-event/

Most of us have experienced the panic that comes with the realisation that we have forgotten to do something important, like order those company brochures that our boss demanded we organise weeks ago. Naturally, such realisations will usually come to us on a Friday afternoon, which undeniably adds to the panic. Where you need something printed, the best practice is to arrange it as far in advance as possible, to reduce the possibility of any delays or hiccups. However, if you do need something urgently, there are some printers that guarantee a quick turnaround time (even on weekends!), which will hopefully help your panic to subside.

Firstly, what do we mean by print turnaround times?

Turnaround time refers to the length of time that is required to print, cut and finish a print job. Depending on the printer that you engage, this may or may not include the time required to post or deliver your printing to you. Of course, delivery (or in this case, shipping) will generally take longer if you have ordered online from an overseas printer.
The general rule is that the earlier you place an order, the more likely you will receive your printing without delay. This is because the printer will have more time to arrange their schedule and make sure there is plenty of time to complete and deliver your job.
However, if you find yourself in a situation like the one described above, then you should try and find printers that offer quick turnaround times or same-day printing. You should be aware that there may be additional costs associated with rush orders, including express postage, and note whether the printer you have chosen has any production cut-off times (i.e. the time that each order needs to be received by the printer during the day). If you submit your order past the cut-off time, then your turnaround time will be calculated from the next day.

Factors that can affect print turnaround times:

• Type of product
Turnaround time will always vary depending on the type of product ordered. For example, a brochure with 3 folds will generally take longer than a one-sided flyer because it needs to pass through equipment several times to be printed and folded.

• Paper size and quantity
Like most other things, the higher the quantity you have ordered, the longer your products will take to produce. Smaller designs will mean that more can fit on single sheet, which will reduce the time needed and therefore the cost.

• The finish selected
Special finishes, such as matt or gloss laminating, will usually increase the amount of time the printer needs to prepare your order. Depending on the product, special finishes can sometimes add days to your expected turnaround time.

• The artwork submitted is not print ready
Artwork is considered to be print ready when the file submitted to the printer already meets all the specifications to produce high-resolution printed product, without needing any alterations. Pixelated logos, missing images or font and incorrect file sizes can result in delays as the printer will need to contact you to request a print ready file before they can produce your order.
It’s especially important to arrange an order in advance where you require design and/or copywriting services. Some printers may have designers in house or design agencies they can refer you to. Designers and copywriters will need some time to create and prepare your product for printing, so you should give them as much notice as possible as it is unlikely they will be able to meet the same turnaround times as the printer.

If you’re in the process of starting a new business, you undoubtedly have a lot on your mind – there are endless decisions to be made, approvals to obtain and perhaps even employees to hire.  Investing in marketing and advertising materials for your new business might not be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s important to sort these things out prior to launching your business to avoid missing opportunities to reach consumers and get your brand out there. Business stationary includes any branded items designed to showcase your business and brand, for example, business cards or branded envelopes. It can be tricky to know which stationary items are most appropriate for your business and which will make the best impression upon potential clients or customers. To help get you started, we’ve compiled a checklist of the most common business stationary and why they may be valuable to your business venture.

Business cards

Business cards are one of the most important stationary items you can invest in. Receiving your business card is often the first interaction that someone will have with your business, so it’s important to make an impression by ensuring your business cards are well designed, contain all necessary information and are of high quality.

Envelopes & letterheads

Using branded enveloped and letterheads will ensure that your business is perceived as being professional and organised. You can completely customise your letterhead to include important information such as the author’s contact details – this is particularly helpful where your business might have multiple employees or departments.

Notepads & pens

If part of your job involves attending client meetings, then you should think about investing in branded notepads and pens. You will undoubtedly look more professional and organised than you would scribbling on some scrap paper. You can also pop some branded pens on your front desk or gift them to clients with a customised notepad.

Calendars or planners

Investing in some wall or desk calendars can not only help your staff to keep track of important dates and deadlines, but are also a great means of advertising when handed out to clients. After all, producing a branded yearly calendar for clients will mean that your brand will be visible to them every. single. day. and that kind of exposure is priceless.

Presentation folders

Presentation folders are invaluable where your job involves delivering information to clients. You should also think about including a slot for your business card and a branded pen.

Stickers & labels

Stickers and labels are particularly important when it comes to branding your products. For example, stickers can be applied to product packaging such as boxes or bags, while labels might be applied to products to communicate safety hazards.

Brochures & flyers

Flyers & brochures are useful if you want to get important information about your new business directly in the hands of potential consumers, particularly those who may not come across that information online. For example, you could advertise your products and services along with any opening sales or specials.

Appointment cards

Where your job involves organising appointments or meetings with clients, you should think about investing in appointment cards. While they involve a single expense, their value is threefold:

• they contain your business’ logo thereby providing brand exposure;
• they include relevant contact information; and
• they contain a space for appointment details so your clients will not forget important appointments or meetings, which will help avoid interruptions to your day as well as the hassle of rescheduling.

Loyalty or gift cards

In any industry, fierce competition can make it difficult to stand out from the crowd. As a new business, advertising a gift card and loyalty program will help to attract consumers and sway them to choose your business over a competitor’s.

 

 

 

 

If you’re getting ready to open your own business, you probably have a checklist of things that you need to have sorted by opening day… an office space, a website and social media accounts, stationery and computers, the list goes on. While branded t-shirts might not be crucial to the functioning of your business, particularly if you work in an office, we think they should make their way towards the top of your checklist. Here’s why:

• You can give them away to new (and eventually, loyal) clients or customers. This gesture will not go unnoticed and will ensure that your clients and customers are exposed to your brand even when they are not directly engaging with your business. And let’s be honest, we all love getting free gifts.
• By wearing branded t-shirts, your staff and clientele will act as walking advertisements for your business, at no extra cost to you.
• Branded t-shirts help to foster a sense of community and teamwork amongst your staff and clientele.
• Branded t-shirts are an affordable way to market your business and are not as fleeting as other forms of advertising, such as commercials or print ads, which also tend to be more costly. Also, unlike with other promotional materials, you won’t have to worry about redesigning a new t-shirt every time you want brand exposure.

If, like us, you’re now convinced of the value and power of the branded t-shirt, you might be thinking, where do I start? Are there different methods of t-shirt branding? Do I need to come up with a design myself?

At Jiffy, we specialise in promotional t-shirt printing and can assist you with anything you might need, from sourcing a t-shirt to creating a unique design. We usually recommend vinyl heat transfer printing, or ‘heat press’. Heat transfer involves tracing and cutting the outline of your design from vinyl. Once this outline has been prepared, we ‘weed’ the vinyl, meaning we remove unwanted areas. We then position the final product onto the t-shirt and transfer it using heat and pressure. While there are other methods available, heat transfer is the most affordable and tends to be the most eye-catching. The vinyl will add some texture to your t-shirt, and its durable nature and high quality will ensure your t-shirts last for a long time without fading.

So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective, simple way to appeal to new clients and customers, have frequent brand exposure and make your employees feel a sense of unity, then we can’t think of much else that ticks all these boxes.