[sweetums]

I've had several clients ask me about printing onto certain stocks in the past
so I thought it would obviously be handy if I had some sample books that
I could show them.

I emailed several paper companies including GF Smith and Arjowiggins
asking if I could have (or purchase) a samples book but none
of them even bothered to respond!
So does anyone have any suggestions of how I can obtain some?

Now assuming I manage to get hold of some samples, how do I go about
getting the clients order printed on the chosen stock?
Most printers websites do not give me any option of specifying what stock to use.

[Arhiann]

GF Smith stock can very expensive, and they are reluctant to give swatches out to all and sundry. I don't have a problem getting them, but even I won't give them out to all and sundry, because when I need one I want them to supply one. Have you tried asking for an A4 sheet or two of a specific stock.

With regard to printing onto said stock, and printer worth their salts will do a wet proof for you but it will cost. Some of the GF Smith stocks are available with sample images and finishes printed on them. I can't say much about AW since I haven't dealt with them for a number of years.

With regarding to a website not having an option to choose stock I can only think you're referring to one of the slew of printers out there that run multiple jobs at the same time (printing.com/vista/qi), and they won't give you the option since they need you to run on a limited range of stock to make money. In context you aren't paying full setup costs.

A traditional printer though will do whatever you pay them to but it will cost more than you are used to.

[Minuteman Press]

We have accounts with most of the main merchants - Antalis / Robert Horne / Howard Smith / Paper Co and others.

If you let me know the exact samples you need - happy to help.

We're also in Bristol if you want to pick them up?

Peter

[sweetums]

Ok thanks pete,

Trouble is that I don't have any idea about what "exact samples" I'm after.
All I want is a few basic samples which are often used for business cards/stationary
sets, so we can show our clients and let them see a few options that are available.

[Minuteman Press]

Well look, pop in when you're passing - I can show you examples of stock we use.

Best wishes

Peter

[sweetums]

Thanks Pete,
I'll try to pop over in my lunch break on Monday or Tuesday.

Cheers,
Liam

[pcbranding]

Good show Minuteman...

You're better off contacting a local printer, who you may possibly pass work on to in the future, and ask them to supply you with printed examples on different stocks/weights and then refer to these with your client.
Your printer helps you and you in turn send a little business their way.

Pre-printed examples are much easier to 'play with' than a swatch full of varying weights of blank white paper!

(I've had GF Smith/Robert Horne arrive outside my house in a 20ft articulated lorry to deliver some polypropylene samples! But then I have worked for/with a few household names.)

[sweetums]

Just thought I'd say a big thanks to Pete for giving me a crash
course in paper samples and for also giving me one of his sample books.
It was extremely helpful and the samples will come in very handy.

[Minuteman Press]

Absolute pleasure. Anytime we can help. Great to meet you also.

I'm slow on the forum at the minute, I usually write in the evenings at home - but my home PC has exploded!

Best wishes

Peter