Need some help..

[G Designz]

Not sure if I put this in the right place....

I have a client who asked to see my samples. I sent him samples of flyers I've done in the past. Then he asks me and I quote "Great, do you have print as well for flyers?"

Now im not sure what he means by this but Im assuming he means if I also do print work. What you think he's asking if anybody could help me on this. Should I ask him?

[popejoydesign]

Being a designer often means you have to be a mind reader and time traveler...if you want to avoid putting on those hats, simply pose the question... "What do you mean? Do I do print design too or something else?"

Being polite in the process without a "tone" (something a lot of designers battle with) will be necessary. Just ask him..."whatcha mean mang?"

[Crimson]

My impression is that he wants to know if you can get the work you designed printed for him. Go ahead and quote him that and mark it a bit. If he's cool than you just made a little extra money on the job- win, win. Just be smart about it.

[G Designz]

OK appreciate the responses..

I mostly just the design the piece and give it to my clients. I rarely get asked to do prints but I have done printing work so Im familiar with it. If I choose to do the print for him does this mean I have to find a company that does the print and send the piece myself get it printed and mail the prints to him or I personally do the prints? Meaning I have to print however many copies he needs.

What exactly would I be doing if I said yes I do prints?

How does it work?

[C.E.]

I do this kind of thing all the time. I work with an online printer and then wrap the costs into my design fee. You can do a search for printers online, or find one locally. If you want a recommendation, PM me and I''ll tell you who I use (I've been very happy with them). But for instance, if one of my clients says they want biz cards, I say "Ok, I do cards, 500 for $X" and X = my costs + the printing costs. You can even chose to wrap in the cost for shipping, or tack that on as extra. I work with horse people, and know they like the bottom dollar, so when I quote a price, they expect to pay that price.

[budafist]

You become a broker for your client.

Find out the quanitities required for this print run, what stock your client prefers (if they are totally confused, you should just recommend something to them, gloss/matt). Call around a few printing companies and then advise your client of the cost. You can add your own middleman fee on top of this of course.

[Microswede]

Hey, mate, definately ask for clarification before you start quoting prices. Maybe he'd just like a printed version faxed to him or a sample print mailed to him. I have a feeling the others here are right, and that the client is wondering if you handle the printing end as well, but no harm double-checking. And, if you're not comfortable doing the printing, you can always say that too (a designer's perogative, I suppose).

So, yeah, get some quotes from some printers, check out papers, and ask for enough information from the client to be able to make an educated response. Like Crimson said, be smart about it.

[PrintDriver]

Be sure to ask for enough information from the printer to get the file right.