Ticket book suppliers are essential for ensuring that you receive high-quality, durable, and professional ticket books for your next event. They are experts in designing, printing, and assembling ticket books, usually to a very high standard.
However, if you select the wrong supplier who provides you with poor-quality tickets, you open yourself up to a wide range of issues, including logistical problems, disruptions in the production process, and the ability for your tickets to be fraudulently replicated.
This is why it is paramount that you do your due diligence and select a trustworthy and reliable ticket supplier. We are going to break down the core considerations you must take into account, including the supplier’s reputation, printing processes, paper quality, and security features, to help you make an informed decision that ensures you are happy with your final product.
Before you begin to order ticket books or reach out to a supplier, you first need to evaluate the suppliers on offer to find the best one for you. The most important indicator that a supplier is worth your time and money is their reputation, and there are many ways you can screen various suppliers to make the best decision.
One of the easiest ways to check reputation is a quick Google search – take a look at a supplier’s web presence and see if you can find some of the key indicators of reputation, such as the services they offer or any awards or certifications they have received.
It is also worth performing a more thorough background check by checking the supplier’s online reviews. Customer testimonials can give you a direct insight into what it is like working with the supplier and help you evaluate what their reputation is like in your local community.
To take your check a step further, you can contact some of the businesses that have given online reviews to verify their comments and get more details about their experience.
The next step in choosing the right ticket book supplier is evaluating the printing technologies each one offers to figure out which is right for you. There are several printing methods that a ticket book supplier can offer, each with its own pros and cons. You must select the right method, as this can affect the overall look and feel of your ticket books.
One of the most common is offset printing, which involves ink being placed onto a metal plate, being transferred to an offset plate, before being printed onto the paper. This option is great for printing in bulk, making it quite a cost-effective method that yields high-quality results. However, the setup costs can make it an inefficient financial decision if you are ordering just a few ticket books, and the turnaround can take some time.
Another option, and one that you are most likely familiar with, is digital printing. This option is great for those who need a quick turnaround, as the process and drying time are relatively quick. A drawback, however, is that for large runs, the quality can drop and lead to low-resolution text and images being printed.
Some suppliers like to use letterpress, which is done by inking raised surfaces to create an impression in the paper. The quality of this type of printing is sleek and beautiful, but due to how labour-intensive the method is, turnaround can be slow, and it is typically only offered for small print runs.
Screen Printing is another method used by ticket book suppliers and is carried out by forcing ink through a mesh screen onto the paper. This can be a cost-effective solution that creates vibrant and high-quality results, however, it can be expensive and have a longer turnaround time due to the multiple steps required.
Finally, you might come across some ticket book suppliers who offer flexography. This method uses flexible rubber plates to quickly transfer ink onto paper. Flexography is great for large print runs, as it offers a fast turnaround and affordable prices. However, the quality of more complex designs can’t be guaranteed, making this a significant drawback of the process.
Another consideration that many fail to take into account is the paper quality offered by ticket book suppliers.
Some of the key paper characteristics that you need to keep an eye out for include;
These characteristics are all indicators of high-quality paper that will make your ticket books durable, sleek, and professional.
Additionally, you should check to see if the paper is coated or uncoated. Coated paper is treated with some sort of coating, usually clay. While typically higher in cost, it offers a smooth surface for high-resolution images and is more durable against tearing and moisture.
Uncoated paper does not have any coating and is left in its natural state. It is not as durable as coated paper, however, it can be a lot more cost-effective.
Another important factor in your ticket book considerations should be the type of ink used for printing. Your supplier needs to use high-quality ink that is suitable for the project at hand, so make sure you put some thought into this.
A common ink type used by printers is CMYK. CMYK uses four specific ink colours (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) to mix and create a broad spectrum of colours. This ink type is great for colourful tickets with visual design elements, and can be very cost effective for large print runs. However, the colour accuracy can be patchy, and the production and disposal process have raised some concerns about the environmental impacts of the ink.
Pantone inks, which are also commonly referred to as “spot” inks, are premixed ink colours. As these inks use a specific colour matching system, they offer a high level of colour accuracy and vibrancy. The main drawback is that they can be pricey due to their pre-mixed nature, meaning they aren’t great for those who are looking to create ticket books on a budget.
Another ink type offered by printers is UV ink, which is ink that cures under UV light. It requires specialised equipment to use, so expect the overall price to be high. However, the vibrant and glossy finish that is resistant to fading and smudging makes this a popular choice, so it is worth considering when selecting ink types for your ticket books.
A more environmentally friendly ink option is soy-based ink. Made from renewable plant sources, soy ink is the least toxic option on this list and is a great choice for the eco-conscious business. Despite these advantages, it can be an expensive choice, and it has been known to be susceptible to moisture damage, leading to concerns about the longevity of the final product.
The final ink type most commonly used by printers is metallic ink. This ink type produces a specific metallic effect that can be visually stunning and the perfect addition to premium products. However, it isn’t suited to large-scale products, and is instead designed to be used for accents or highlights. Furthermore, as it is a specialty finish, it comes with a higher price tag.
Choosing the right ink is crucial in ensuring that your specific ticket printing needs are met. Additionally, it has a direct impact on the longevity and vibrancy of your ticket books, as it is the ink that provides the substantive printed content. Make sure you choose carefully so that your final product is the highest quality possible and perfectly meets your design needs.
The whole purpose of ordering your ticket books is to receive a product that is unique to your business or event. This means that the customisation abilities of your ticket book supplier are crucial, as they need to be able to provide you with a distinct product that reflects your own design goals and needs.
Common customisation elements typically include logo integration, specific branding features such as company colours or fonts, and variable data printing that communicates the core information you need to get across to your consumer.
Ensuring that thoughtful design considerations have gone into the production of your ticket books is, therefore, key, as you need to receive a final product that is a representation of you as a business. Including these key design elements in your ticket books can be a powerful way to enhance your branding consistency, as you can communicate important event information and enhance your overall brand messaging for your attendees.
While it is often advised not to judge a book by its cover, you can certainly judge a ticket book by its cover (and its binding). The cover and binding materials give the first impression of the ticket book, which means you need to get it right to make the best impact.
There are several binding methods commonly used by suppliers. One option is saddle stitching, which is great for those on a budget, but can be prone to damage and general wear and tear over time. Perfect binding is more expensive than saddle stitching, as it uses glue on the spine to hold the ticket book together. However, the overall finish is durable, slick, and professional, making it a fantastic option for those wanting a high-quality product.
Spiral binding is another durable option that provides a professional finish, but it is important to keep in mind that this can also be a high-cost choice. Another flexible option that is similar to spiral binding is wire-O binding, as it is known for its resistance to damage and wear over time. Finally, some suppliers offer stapling, which can be very cost-efficient, but isn’t a good choice for those looking for durable ticket books.
Here at The Wristband Co., we glue our ticket books, as it provides a way to easily tear tickets from the book, and is the optimal binding method for durability and accessibility for our clients.
You should also put some thought into the cover of your ticket book. Choosing from hardcover, softcover, or laminated finishes for the cover page is an important choice, as it influences the look and feel of the ticket book, as well as its durability. You might also want to consider special design finishes, such as embossing or stamping, to elevate the ticket book to the next level.
Additionally, the cover design is equally important as the materials used, as it is a fantastic way to strategically convey event or brand messaging using graphic design effects.
When choosing a ticket book supplier and ordering your product, you need to strike the fine balance between the turnaround of your order and the overall value for money.
Many suppliers offer a wide range of production times; however, they are not all priced the same. The cheapest option is typically standard production, which allows the company to fulfil your order at their normal pace. Most companies will usually give you an indication on their website or on your order form of how long their standard production time is. Standard production varies from company to company, depending on what printing method they use, as well as the complexity of your design request.
If you need your ticket books in a pinch, you may be able to request a rush order. While this option typically costs more, this option means the supplier speeds up the production of your ticket books, meaning they will be delivered to you a lot faster than if you had used the standard production option.
The Wristband Co. offers a fast turnaround, with most ticketbooks shipped within 2 business days once the design is confirmed. For urgent orders, same-day dispatch can be accommodated – just be sure to contact the team in advance.
In circumstances where time is truly of the essence, you may be able to request that the supplier use an expedited shipping process, which involves using a fast delivery option to get your order to you as soon as possible. This usually comes with an extra charge, but can be worth it if you need ticket books at short notice.
However, you need to balance your turnaround options with the overall monetary value of your order.
Make sure you are aware of all the pricing factors available to you when you place your order so that there are no nasty surprises when it comes time to pay.
Some suppliers offer competitive rates, which means that they will try to price-match the cost of your ticket books if you order them from another company. You may also be able to obtain a volume discount for large-scale orders, helping to bring the price down for larger projects.
Nevertheless, make sure you do your due diligence and identify any hidden costs that might crop up during the process, such as service fees or extra charges for certain design elements. While companies should practice transparent pricing, doing your homework beforehand ensures your overall total isn’t more than expected.
To obtain the best price for your ticket book order, we advise approaching multiple suppliers and obtaining a quote. By providing them with your specific design goals, ink and paper preferences, and total number of ticket books required, you can get an idea of what the final cost will be. From there, you can compare quotes between suppliers and select one that offers competitive pricing and reliable delivery times.
You can review The Wristband Co.’s ticket book pricing here and our FAQ page for any questions you may have regarding turnaround times.
Reputable ticket book suppliers should have rigorous quality control systems in place to ensure their customers receive a high-quality end product.
At the most basic level, a proofing process should be undertaken to verify that the information on the tickets is correct and accurate. Additionally, a colour matching and registration accuracy check should be carried out, so that the supplier is certain that every ticket is produced with precision. A good supplier also conducts consistency checks across the different batches of tickets to make sure that each batch is uniform and cohesive.
However, despite quality checks occurring, there is still a minor chance that defects occur. Common print defects include smudging, colour inconsistency, and faded colours. This can usually be rectified by amending the printing process and reprinting the tickets. Additionally, there may be defects in the binding, such as looseness, overly stiff spines, or glue that has not adhered properly. This typically requires the ticket book to be rebounded, often with a different material, to ensure the issue does not happen again.
Your experience with a ticket book supplier is only as good as the support they give you, which is why customer service is of the utmost importance. Choosing a supplier that has strong customer service will ensure your needs are listened to and that you receive the exact product you are looking for.
Good customer service includes responsiveness to your queries, strong technical support, the ability to resolve problems, and strong communication throughout the process.
Evaluating a ticket book supplier’s customer service before you order from them can be difficult, as the bulk of your interaction with them occurs once you have decided to place the order. However, you can get a good idea of what the experience might be like by paying close attention to how you are treated when you first approach the supplier and communicate your design needs. Keep an eye on how they address your inquiry and resolve any pressing issues you may have.
The key to successfully creating ticket books that meet your needs is fostering a strong, collaborative relationship with your supplier. By doing so, you ensure that you will receive consistent and effective support throughout the whole process.
Choosing the right ticket book supplier requires you to consider a wide range of factors, from their overall reputation, the materials and printing process they use, the customisation options on offer, and customer service skills. This can seem like a long list of considerations you need to take into account, however, by investing the time and effort into evaluating the suppliers, you can be sure to select the best one for you and your needs.
It is also worth emphasising that investing in high-quality ticket books is equally important, as it ensures durability and professional branding for your event.
If you need a reliable ticket book supplier for your next big project or event, do not hesitate to get in touch with us here at The Wristband Co.
You can reach us by email at [email protected], or chat to one of our friendly team members on 08 8363 4850.
Our team can help you out with a quote or consultation that lays out our entire process, helping you to make an informed choice when it comes time to select a ticket book supplier.
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38 Little Rundle Street Kent Town SA 5067
08 8363 4850
ABN: 62 239 772 879
The Wristband Co. is located on the traditional lands for the Kaurna people, and we respect their spiritual relationship with their Country. We also acknowledge the Kaurna people as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people today.
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