Digital Printing vs. Offset printing

The controversy on digital versus offset printing has been going on for a while now with no definite conclusion on which of the two technologies is better in absolute terms. Before digging deep into the issue let’s first know what is offset printing and digital printing and how each of the services differ.

Offset printing is a printing technique where images are offseted (transmitted) from a plate to a rubber blanket to the surface of an item by using ink and other chemicals. Offset printing is characterized by the high color quality but one major drawback for offset printing is the time it takes to produce the printed materials. In offset printing, the same design, layout, images and content is printed to all printed impressions.

Digital printing is an on demand printing technique where images can be directly transformed to the printing surface without the need for expensive plates, machines or chemicals. Digital Printing was a breakthrough in the printing industry due to the speed of production and ease of use. With the advancement in the printing technology, digital printing can produce the same high color quality as in offset printing.



Both offset printing and digital printing techniques have their supporters elaborating why business owners should use one technique over the other when engaged in implementing their direct mail marketing campaigns. Well, in my opinion, the nature of the direct mail marketing campaign and the marketing message you need to transmit to the client is the determinant factor on the decision in whether to use digital or offset printing.

If your direct mail marketing campaign is focused on delivering the same exact message to all recipients to a high volume of customers, then offset printing should be utilized.

But if your direct mail marketing campaign is focused on delivering a personal message to this customer, targeting certain needs of this client or creating a customized marketing campaign, then your best bet is digital printing. Digital variable printing delivers a quick, custom marketing message. Variable data printing enables you to print different marketing messages, variable pictures, and data fields. Digital variable print enables you to target specific categories.

Both digital printing and offset printing are considered to be cost effective, depending on the target and the nature of the direct mail marketing campaign. Offset printing is perfect economic solution if you plan to have mass printing marketing campaign .Eventually the costs will be reduced due to the huge number postcards or flyers. In the same manner, if you decide to have small mailings with a variable marketing campaign, digital printing is cost effective due to the on demand nature of the variable printing. You decide on the content to be printed, how targeted you want the mailing and the number of people to target. With digital printing, it would be key to adding a very specific targeted mailing list to your product, using the variables of income, age, home value, or other very specific information.

We at Postcard Pros understand the basis of success of any business and provide digital and variable data printing services to contribute to the on going success of our business partners. At Postcard Pros, we take the printing business seriously and we can take you to the next step in your one to one marketing efforts. We specialize in marketing materials: postcards, letters, flyers, brochures, invitations, books, booklets, posters – you name it, we can do it. Ink on paper, it is what we do. Don’t waste any time, give us a call at 1-877-492-9848 or email us at support@postcardpros.com and let our professional team design, print and distribute your marketing materials at a highly competitive price. Your success is our success.