If you haven’t thought about what you are going to hand out, now is the time to start thinking about it.
Do you just need an insert to your existing catalog, a one page brochure or a new full catalog?

Even if you don’t have all your samples yet, decide how many pages you will need, jot down a quick layout (even if the layout is on a napkin) to give yourself a starting point. You’ll want to get design pricing and print pricing for budgeting purposes.

Once you have a timeline on your samples, schedule photography. Write sample copy.

Let your designer know what the proposed schedule is. They need to schedule their time, too. Once you get your preliminary layouts from the designer, proof them carefully. This is the time to get any corrections done. The printer can sometimes make changes, but they generally charge a lot more to do it than your designer does. Then, the printer needs time to process files, proofs have to be made and if there are any corrections, that means additional time before the piece goes to press.

If you are planning a catalog of 12 or more pages, give yourself a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks from first layout until the piece is printed and scheduled for shipment.

Postcards are also a good way to let your customers see a sampling of any new products and to let them know where you will be showing them. Photos and short copy should be on the front with information about dates, locations and any discounts you will be giving should be on the back. You have several choices of sizes (and prices) available for postcards.

The 4 1/4″ x 6″ lets you use postcard mailing prices. The larger 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ or 6″ x 9″ sizes will cost the standard first class postal pricing to mail. Many printers now offer mailing services. You provide the list and they take it from there.