If you're really in a pinch and have no budget for your custom printing job, there are still ways to save money. This blog will primarily address smaller jobs, such as materials for a wedding or a small business, if you have one. I'll also throw in a few ideas for big commercial printing jobs.
I read a PrintWeek article today that bears out my experience as a commercial printing broker selling book printing (and other custom printing services). The article is called “From Blog to Book: the Art of Self-Publishing,” and it was written by Jenny Roper (http://www.printweek.com/news/1136582/from-blog-book-art-self-publishing/).
I'd like to describe the packaging of a straightening iron my fiancee just bought. Perhaps “gush about it” is a better phrase, since this box really impressed me in its design and custom printing work.
This is a case study showing how a judicious use of folding rather than diecutting can save you money in your print buying work.
I am a fan of print in general (and, more specifically, newspaper printing). I must acknowledge my bias. So I pay particular attention to news articles about the death of print.
They say that everything is negotiable. As a commercial printing broker, I would agree, but I would also add that sometimes negotiating involves compromise. If the three variables are quality, cost, and schedule, it stands to reason that you may choose to compromise on one of these to attain the others.