Print procurement that improves your margin.
Mako helps UK consumer brands buy recurring print more effectively. We source suitable printers, manage tenders and negotiate the production and delivery terms behind magazines, booklets and inserts.
Discuss your print costsGive every printer the same brief.
We review magazines, welcome booklets, inserts, leaflets and other materials ordered in repeat runs. Each comparison starts with the finished product and the quantity required for each issue, campaign or production cycle.
The brief defines finished size, pagination, paper grade and weight, colour, binding, finishing and delivery. Artwork deadlines, proofing requirements, version changes and packing instructions are included where relevant. Alternative specifications are priced separately.
Look beyond the price per copy.
We compare print and paper costs alongside origination, proofing, finishing, packing and freight. We clarify whether quoted quantities allow for overs or unders, and how any additional copies are charged.
For recurring work, we assess the annual requirement as well as the individual run. Order quantities, paper commitments, storage and delivery frequency are considered together so the comparison reflects how you actually buy.
Payment terms, quote validity and price adjustment provisions are reviewed before you commit. One off setup costs are separated from the ongoing cost of each issue or repeat order.
Match production to your schedule.
We identify printers suited to your format, run length, finishing and delivery needs. Where UK and European manufacturers are compared, the brief makes delivery responsibilities and relevant cross border costs explicit.
We clarify proof approval, artwork handover, production lead times and the required delivery date. Your team retains approval of paper, colour, finish and any proposed specification change.
The recommendation sets out the commercial comparison, supplier exceptions and implementation requirements. Keeping the current printer on improved terms remains an option where it delivers the best overall outcome.
Prepare for a print review.
Start with the type of printed material, approximate annual spend, copies per run and production frequency. Let us know about the next issue or contract review date.
Once confidentiality arrangements are agreed, we review recent invoices, specifications, order history and current terms. A sample or approved production file helps define the requirement; sensitive artwork can be shared through an agreed channel.
Your questions.
Can you compare an alternative paper or format?
Yes. We keep the current specification as the baseline and show alternatives separately. You can then assess the cost difference alongside the effect on appearance and feel.
Can you review a recurring magazine contract?
Yes. We can assess run quantities, issue frequency, paper, pagination, binding and delivery across an agreed annual purchasing volume.
Do you provide graphic design?
The service focuses on sourcing, tendering and commercial negotiation. Your team or design partner supplies and approves the artwork; production responsibilities are clarified in the brief.
Agree the scope first.
We start with a free consultation to assess the opportunity. Confidentiality arrangements, the project scope, savings baseline and fees are agreed before tender work begins.
The review can cover one category or an agreed combination of packaging, print and parcel delivery. The signed engagement defines the applicable savings target and commercial terms.
Make your next print run work harder.
Share your print format, typical run size and annual spend so we can assess the opportunity.
Talk to Mako