For an organization that outsources activities to multiple service providers, it’s very easy to take those relationships for granted. Once you’ve gone through the whole process of finding a promising lead, having initial meetings, executing trial projects, and signing a contract for ongoing services, you don’t want to turn around and do it again any time soon!
That desire for stability and predictability, which are certainly important factors in a business partnership, can sometimes eclipse what’s even more important. In cases where that initial good relationship deteriorates, or the third-party provider never fully follows through on the promises made up front, an organization may leave the partnership in place and renew the contract even though they’re not really satisfied with the service provider’s performance.
It could be even worse than that, though. If your print provider isn’t meeting these three non-negotiable criteria for service, you won’t be meeting your full potential, and you may even be leaving your organization exposed to dangers of various kinds. Here are three boxes that your print and distribution partner absolutely must be checking:
- Proven Data Security
The answer to the question, “Do you provide robust data security?” should be more than just, “Yes.” When you entrust the personally identifiable information (PII) of your customers or clients to a print provider, you need to have definite assurances that that information will be kept safe. Basic protocols such as private, firewalled networks and employee training on best practices are just the first step.
Spectra maintains SOC II Type 2 certification, an ongoing certification that is dependent on periodic audits by independent inspectors. This designation proves that Spectra’s print and distribution department is equipped with the right software and technology to keep address lists and other types of data secure. It also indicates that the employees who handle data are fully trained and committed to doing so in ways that avoid exposing data to public view.
- Accuracy and Consistency
When your print services provider makes a mistake, such as getting your organization’s phone number or website URL wrong in marketing materials, the ultimate fallout from that mistake doesn’t primarily impact the third-party provider; it impacts your organization directly. Entire promotional campaigns can be wasted if potential customers can’t take advantage of offers due to printing mistakes.
Consistency is a less obvious but still very impactful factor on the effectiveness of your printed materials. Low print quality and inconsistent branding on your mailers, postcards, and signage cause people to disregard them instead of paying attention. When you send your projects to your print provider, you need to know that the end result is going to be just right.
- Versatile Service
You may assume that if you have to contract with a third-party provider to fill a need for your organization rather than doing it in-house, you need to adjust your expectations and settle for something less than what you really want. Not true! With the right 3PL partner and the right experience within their team, it is possible for your organization to put out material that perfectly reflects your organization and accomplishes exactly what you need it to.
If you’re getting pushback from your print services provider on special printing requests, facing high minimum orders for printed materials, or finding that you have to modify your printing orders to fit the provider’s templates or capabilities, it’s time to look for a new 3PL partner. The right print provider can flex to fit your printing needs, not the other way around.
Spectra: Your 3PL Print and Mailing Partner
At Spectra, we are deeply aware of these three non-negotiables, and we work very hard to make sure that they are present with each of our client contracts:
Proven Data Security
In addition to holding SOC II Type 2 certification, our print and distribution facility is HIPAA compliant. This means that we are able to handle not only address lists, but also patient medical information and other sensitive data. With this level of security, we help insurance companies, hospitals, and other organizations that need to reach patients with communications about diagnoses and other important health related messages.
Accuracy and Consistency
Our print division is powered by machinery at the leading edge of what’s available for commercial print. Our two HP Indigo presses are capable of high-speed printing at very high quality, and with a wide range of specialty print techniques available. The books, mailers, catalogs, and other collateral that come off our presses are on par with the best quality materials out there, and our accuracy checks throughout the process ensure that all information is correct before pieces are mailed.
Versatile Service
The final goal of our services at Spectra is simple: to give you, our client, the ability to print whatever you need for your end users. We make it incredibly easy for you to submit your designs, review proofs, place orders, and customize the set of services that our team provides for you. You’ll find Spectra to be an ideal partner as you look to communicate with your audience, whatever that means for your organization.
Don’t Settle For Just Okay
We believe that no organization should have to continue working month to month with a print services provider that is unable or unwilling to meet all of their needs. If you’re finding that you frequently have to compromise, tone down your expectations, or deal with issues that arise from accuracy or timeliness failures, we hope you will schedule an initial meeting with Spectra. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the client testimonials we can provide, which bear witness to our dedication to these non-negotiables. And as you launch a pilot program with us, you’ll learn firsthand just how easy third-party print and distribution can be.
Explore our website to discover the types of services we offer, from pressure seal and other secure mailing programs to marketing campaigns to official notifications and much more. And remember to ask about how print service and fulfillment can be integrated at Spectra to give you even more value!
