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Printing for Less

Printing for Less

At Printing for Less, we've offered high quality online printing services since 1996. Shop business cards, booklets, stickers, and more!

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Printing Options

Die Cut Menus

Die Cut Menus

die cut menu designA menu is the first point of contact your customer will have with your food and beverages. It’s also a powerful marketing tool that can give your patrons details about your dishes, specialties and prices.

Nothing says “would you like to start the evening off with a glass of wine” like a menu shaped as a wine bottle.

How Does Die Cutting Work?

Die cut menus are produced using a sharp steel cutting blade called a “die.” The die is formed into a shape similar to a cookie cutter. The blade is then used to cut through the paper creating your desired shape.


Designing a Die Cut Menu

Die cuts allow you to create a one of a kind menu from curvy edges to sharp points, as well as contours. Shape your menu into a martini glass, pizza slice or hamburger. Anything is possible.

You can create the perfect bar menu with tabbed die cut menus. A flexible design allows you to create a distinct tab for beer, wine, or cocktails.

You can also create a menu with your restaurant theme in mind. Create a cow shaped menu for a steakhouse or a surfboard menu for a seaside diner. No matter what shape you have in mind, our design experts can turn your idea into printed paper.menu die cutting

Paper Options

Ask about our numerous paper stocks that can be used to create your die cut. From gloss, matte, or recycled stock, we can create a unique design for your menu.

Standard Paper Stocks:

  • 80# Coated Cover (Gloss or UV Coated)
  • 120# – 14pt Coated Cover (Gloss or UV Coated)

SmartFlex®

We also offer Smartflex®, water resistant, tear-resistant paper. SmartFlex® is durable, feels better than lamination and lasts much longer.  Learn more

  • Standards Stocks: 6pt, 8pt, 12pt, 15pt thickness

Other Options:

  • 20pt Styrene Synthetic Board: Perfect for advertising signs and coasters
  • Recycled cover options
  • Many custom and premium papers
Have questions about using die cutting on your project?
Give our helpful experts a call at 800-930-6040.

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How to Design Print Materials for Foil Stamping Effects

How to Design Print Materials for Foil Stamping Effects

Foil stamping is a custom print effect that gives printed materials a metallic effect, and it’s one of the simplest ways to add an elegant touch to everything from invitations and business cards to letterheads and reports.

But what is foil stamping, and how do you design for it?
 

How Foil Stamping Works

Here’s a basic description of how foil stamping works. First, there are four main items involved:

  • The paper, or stock, your final design will appear on.
  • The die (like a rubber stamp but made of metal).
  • The dye (if your design includes color).
  • The foil.

Your design is first etched onto a piece of metal called a die. Then, a piece of foil goes between the die and the paper. This is all placed within a hot stamping press, which presses these layers together and creates a metallic stamp on your paper using heat and pressure.

There are many different types of machines that create this effect. Some are manual, while others are automatic or air-powered. Regardless of the machine, the result is a truly stunning effect that highlights a design’s details in a gold or silver metallic patina. You can add colors to your foil, too, if you want to go a step beyond basic metal effects. You can even combine foil stamping with embossing to make the design pop, often with a 3-D effect.

Why Designing for Foil or Metallic Effects Is Important

Designing for foil or metallic print effects requires a bit more preparation than designing for other print effects. Why? There are several reasons. First, certain graphics and font styles will look way better with metallic effects than others. Secondly, foiling requires the printer to create a static, metal stamp (the “die”), that can’t be changed once it’s created. If you have last-minute changes to your design, it can be costly and time-consuming to alter.

That’s why we’re here to share the top best practices for foil designing – to help you or your designer have a smooth experience from brainstorm to final product.

Watch: One of our experts at Printing for Less explains the foil stamping process

 
foil card examples
 

A Touch of Class: Hot Foil Design Tips and Tricks

When you’re designing a piece for hot foil printing effects, keep the following items in mind and you’re sure to create an end product that’s both stunning and exactly what you wanted.

Consider the Paper Type

To achieve the best finish, foil stamping requires crisp line art. This type of art is more likely to have a consistent, clear result on coated or smooth paper stocks. On the other hand, if you’re using heavy or textured paper stock, your foil design will need to be simpler and larger to produce a high-quality effect.

Adjust the Typography

“Foiling tends to make type appear a little larger,” says Kristine Neil

, owner and creative director of Markon Brands. To make sure your text is easy to read, loosen up the kerning between letters – and increase the leading between lines.

When choosing a typeface, keep the rules above in mind. Scripts are especially elegant when combined with foil effects, but serif and sans serif typography can also look incredible. Pick what suits your brand, and only render in foil the words that are largest and easiest to read.

foil business cards
 

Go Big

When you’re selecting which part of your design will get the metallic effect, Neil advises you avoid applying it to small details. “Foiling is not a good option for small, intricate or detailed aspects of your designs. Instead, choose larger elements such as just the company name or icon on a business card.”

Some elements that look great in foil include logos, titles, headers, large patterned backgrounds, and contour line illustrations.

Get a 3D Rendering

Use the technology available to you to visualize what the end result will look like. If you’re working with a professional designer, ask them to provide a metallic rendering of the final result to make sure you’re getting the effect you want.

 
foil stamped business cards
 

Keep it Simple!

“The most important thing to remember when designing for print that includes foil or metallic effects is to keep it simple,” says Neil. “These unique finishes not only look better when used judiciously, but the finished print quality is also often much more attractive.”
 

Keep simplicity in mind when choosing a color scheme and your design elements. Two or three main colors (including your metallic hue) is often enough to lend a professional look without overdoing it.

 
foil on postcard
 

If you’re using color or unusual effects, request a sample.

Gold and silver are the most common colors used for foiling, since they give a premium feel to any project. However, there are a variety of alternative metallic colors available – along with pigment and gloss foils for bringing a static design to life.

To make sure your colors are consistent from design to final product, ask your printer to send a sample of the foil in advance. This will save both you and your printer time and money.

Get to know your printer.

All printers have different machinery, techniques, guidelines, and limitations for printing foil effects. “The best way to get a high-quality result is to build a relationship with one or two trusted resources so that you don’t end up designing something that your preferred printer can’t produce,” says Neil. Often, you’ll find that having set parameters will actually improve your creative design process rather than hindering it.

 
Want to learn more about foil stamping and foil effects?
Read more about hot foil stamping.
Need creative or technical advice on your foil project?
Call our helpful experts now at 800-930-6040

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Custom Size Catalog Printing

Custom Size Catalog Printing

Custom size catalogs have an extraordinary look that you can’t get with printing processes alone. Combine custom sizes with die cuts to create a one of a kind statement. We print catalogs in two standard sizes: 8.5 x 11 inches and 5.5 x 8.5 inches. But we can also create catalogs in all sorts of custom sizes, including these:

  • Pocket-sized squares that are easy to carry
  • Oversized formats that feel more like coffee table books
  • Brochure-shaped catalogs that fit easily into brochure holders and racks

Our designers can take your size specifications and create a layout that complements it beautifully.


square catalog example

Tips for Designing Custom Size Catalogs

Here are some suggestions for designing a successful custom size catalog:

  • Be sure to include both sides of the front and back cover when counting pages. Each sheet we print actually includes four catalog pages (two on the front and two on the back) which are then folded in the middle to create the catalog. This means that your page count must be a multiple of four.
  • You can submit your catalog designs as individual pages and we will take care of the technical side of arranging them so they print in the correct order.
  • Most catalogs are folded and bound along the long side of the catalog, but we can also fold and bind on the short side for a more unique look.
  • If you are mailing your catalog, unusual sizes and shapes might affect the mailing cost so keep USPS regulations in mind.

How to Use Custom Size Catalogs

embossing on catalogs

Catalogs are more than just a way to display products for sale. They can also help customers connect emotionally with your brand and your offerings. To boost a catalog’s emotional punch, feature exotic destinations, dream kitchens, magazine style articles about designers or causes you support, or the story behind your company and your products. Custom sizes are ideal for building emotional connections because they instantly say that your business isn’t like all the rest.

People use catalogs for inspiration. Take advantage of this by using high quality images that help people envision themselves using your products or services. If you sell tableware, photograph it at a Thanksgiving feast or backyard barbecue. If you sell yoga gear, show it in spectacular settings. Include your web address and phone number at the bottom of each page so people will know how to take the next step.

If you’re mailing your catalogs, use custom sizes to help them stand out in the mailbox. People are more likely to notice things that have a different look and feel. Include codes so you can track the success of each catalog you send.

When choosing custom sizes, consider your audience and the way your catalog will be distributed and used.

  • Smaller sizes can be a great choice for trade shows, event programs and tourism guides because they’re easy to stuff in a pocket or purse.
  • Larger formats are good for annual catalogs that you want people to save, or magazine style catalogs that you hope they’ll read cover to cover.
  • If you are mailing your catalog, consider that large format catalogs will cost more to send.
  • Unexpected dimensions like squares and rectangles bound on the short end are good attention-grabbers because they challenge people’s expectations about catalogs.

With custom sizes, catalogs can become oversized books or pocket-sized handouts. Combine custom sizes and shapes with die cuts, foil stamping and custom printing effects for an impressive look that everyone will notice.

Have questions about using custom catalog sizes and shapes?
Give our helpful experts a call at 800-930-2423 or Get Pricing

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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get an instant 20% off your first print project.

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Custom Printing Solutions

Custom Printing Solutions

Let’s find your perfect solution, together.

You probably didn’t know that an online printing company could help you develop practical solutions for your specific print challenges.
direct marketing secrets

Our Approach:

Business print solutions are not one-size-fits-all. Printing for Less will provide you with a personal team, dedicated to finding the right answers and making your life easier. We are prepared to roll up our sleeves and get to work on your behalf, call 800-930-3938.


Custom Business Services:

  • Private Print Shop

    Access your personal, secure, web-based print shop to manage diverse functions. Set up user permissions that allow your teams to log in and order pre-approved print products, view proofs, and track processes. Control branding, increase efficiency, and lower costs with this powerful tool.

  • Franchise Support Services

    Printing for Less direct mail and EDDM® services are perfect for individuals and franchise groups that need to reach local markets. From print to delivery, our seamless process will save you time and money. Explore our variable data solutions that personalize your marketing initiatives. Our private print shop is easily tailored to provide consistent brand control while encouraging owners to participate in printed marketing efforts.

  • Kitting and Bundling Services

    Our turnkey solutions will handle all the logistics of printing, kitting, bundling, and mailing your materials. Printing for Less can manage assembly and delivery requirements across multiple projects.

  • Product Development Services

    Bring your idea to market, or expand your reach with Printing for Less’s skilled support. We will assist with the research and development process on your product. Create engaging promotional materials, attractive packaging and useful print products with the help of our print experts.

  • Fulfillment and Storage Services

    Rely on our resources and expertise in print fulfillment services so you can concentrate on growing your business. Manage inventory by printing high quantities that Printing for Less will store and deliver on demand. Our services are not limited to print. If you have products that need fulfillment and storage management, we are able to work with you. Call 800-930-3938 for a no-pressure consultation.

  • Tactile Marketing Automation Software

    TMA® integrates the digital world with the physical. Our automated fulfillment helps to increase conversion rate, customer engagement, loyalty and increase brand awareness by putting a physical item in your customers hands. Whether it’s a brochure, coffee mug, multi-dimensional mailer, business cards or you name it. Whether a static piece or print on demand, Printing for Less merges digital marketing with an offline marketing piece to help make your business more successful. Use Printing for Less’s Tactile Marketing as a Service® to take the workload off your plate – our professional services teams can handle everything, including design, production, delivery, and more.

  • Printing for Lesslink

    Printing for Lesslink is a game changing solution that allows you to automate your physical marketing functions. From direct mail to promotional products our simple RESTful printing API allows you to trigger sends of high impact marketing materials. You can send a single piece to an important client or tens of thousands to the prospects that need a push. Learn More or contact us at 800-930-3938.

  • Print Audit Services

    Streamline your print procurement with an internal audit that will examine every aspect of your print spend. Using both qualitative and quantitative discovery methods, we will analyze your data and recommend concrete actions to cut costs and increase efficiency.

Don’t see the answer you are looking for? We specialize in collaborating with our business clients to formulate customized solutions. We will work with you to develop a process, service, or product that meets your exact requirements.

Call 800-930-3938 now to consult with an experienced print professional. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business.

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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get an instant 20% off your first print project.

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Plastic Self-Mailing Snap-out Postcards

Plastic Self-Mailing Snap-out Postcards

Plastic is the perfect material for membership, loyalty and gift cards. We offer plastic postcards that include one, or more, snap-off components. Besides printing perfectly, every time, they are also sturdy enough to make it through the mail all by themselves. No envelope needed!


  • Perfect for membership cards, one mailer delivers multiple sizes: wallet, keyring and more.
  • Include barcodes and encourage customers to use their cards.
  • Durable plastic self-mailing postcards save you time and money by eliminating envelopes.

Plastic Postcard Features

  • Multiple configurations to meet different needs.
  • Easy templates for fast production.
  • The postcard size is 5.652″ x 4.25″
  • Premium 30 mil plastic card stock
  • Optional magnetic stripe
  • Variable data printing, QR Codes and PURLS for custom personalization
  • Mail at USPS Standard Presort or First Class Mail rates that can vary based on quantity and location. Contact us for a postage estimate.

Plastic Postcard Examples

plastic snap-out postcard plastic loyalty card plastic membership card

Plastic Postcard Options

  • Plastic postcards can be customized for different needs, from membership cards to special discounts that are part of a direct mail campaign.
  • Work with one of our professional designers to develop a plastic postcard that gets used.
  • Upload your own artwork to any one of our five templates for quick turnaround—get it printed ASAP!

Don’t have a plastic postcard designed and ready to print? Want something a the makes clever use of the snap-outs? You’ve got options!

 

If you dream it, we can do it. If you need help designing something that will surely turn heads, then our friendly and professional design team would love to tackle your toughest jobs! We have some of the best designers in the business, and everything we produce is backed up by our quality guarantee.

Plastic Postcard Marketing

Plastic postcards are perfect for prompting customers to take action. From using their membership cards, to cashing in on a discount or offer, plastic snap off cards turn heads and get used.

 

The moment of attention they require to snap the card out buys you valuable time with a prospect or customer. Make it count by making the entire card memorable, useful and to-the-point.

Free Snap-Out Postcard Templates
To learn about the wide array of plastic postcard printing options,
call our print professionals at 800-930-6040.
 
 

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Wind Up Your Business with Coil Binding

Wind Up Your Business with Coil Binding

Need a durable way to present a professional image to clients and prospects? Looking to hand out branded reports, catalogs or booklets at your next company presentation? If so, coil binding could be the right product packaging solution.Coil Binding Samples

The Ins and Outs of Coil Binding

Coil binding is a popular book binding style used to create documents, reports, presentations and proposals. Coil binding uses strips of plastic or wire that pass through a series of holes to bind together stacked paper. Coil binding goes by many names, including spiral binding, spiral coil binding, spiral book binding, color coil, or coilbind.


What Can Coil Binding Do For You?

Coil binding can add that extra something special to your document, report or manual. Benefits of utilizing coil binding in your next project include:

  • Professional Look – Coil binding is the perfect custom packaging compliment to high quality, full color catalog or booklet printing and can provide that upscale look to help take your company’s image to the next level.
  • Flexibility – Coil spiral binding offers flexibility in terms of look, size, and color, which makes it an ideal choice for businesses marketing because you can match the spine of their document to a specific color palette for brand consistency.
  • Durability – Coil binding will keep your documents looking crisp. Long-lasting and practical, it helps protect your materials, sustains less damage, and keeps pages tightly bound.
  • Ease of Use – Coil bound documents have the ability to open flat on a desk or a table and offer 360 degree rotation for easy access to all pages within the document.

Coil Binding Options

PrintingForLess.com offers a variety of sizes, colors, covers and special printing effects to ensure you are happy with your final product.

Size – Plastic coil binding in available in imaginable wide range of sizes. The length of the coil used on your printed piece can range anywhere from 1 to 14 inches, while the finished size of your finished document should be from 4.25 x 4.25 inches to 12 x 14 inches.

Color – Although black is the most common coil color, there are a variety of different coil colors to choose from. By coordinating your coil color with your brand colors, you can tie all your marketing materials together and present a unified look to customer, prospects and employees.

Cover – Printing for Less also features high quality covers to give your piece that finished look. The most common covers used is a Poly cover with a clear front and black back, or choose full color printed covers on 80# or 120# cover stock.

Add Pizzazz with Rounded Corners or Die Cutting

Create an eye-catching coil bound book by incorporating custom printing effects into your piece. Try adding rounded corners or introducing a die-cut element. The possibilities know no bounds!

Not sure where to start? Our expert print consultants can answer any questions you may have. Layout services are also available to help you create a design in no time.

Common Coil Bound Products

  • Coil Catalogs
  • Coil Notebooks
  • Coil Booklets
  • Coil Manuals
  • Coil Annual Reports
  • Coil Flip Books
  • Spiral Bound Booklets
Coil Bound Booklet and Manual Pricing and Ordering
Have questions about using coil binding on your print project?
Give our helpful experts a call at 800-930-6040 or Request a Quote.

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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get an instant 20% off your first print project.

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Premium Paper

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