What Advertising Agencies Should Look for in a Print Partner

Insights from People of Print member Maxim Print

In advertising, great ideas rarely stay neatly inside a screen. Campaigns spill out into the physical world, onto packaging, posters, installations, influencer boxes, experiential activations, and the many printed objects that bring creative ideas to life.

For agencies, choosing the right print partner can make the difference between a smooth production and a stressful last-minute scramble.

At Maxim Print, we work closely with creative teams, producers, and designers helping translate ambitious concepts into tangible results. From quick-turnaround campaign assets to complex bespoke builds, we’ve seen first-hand what agencies really need from their print partners.

Here are a few things worth looking for.

1. A Print Partner You Can Actually Speak To

When deadlines are tight and ideas are evolving, nothing beats being able to pick up the phone and speak to a real person.

A dedicated client service manager can make a huge difference. Instead of navigating email chains or automated systems, agencies benefit from having a direct contact who understands the project and can quickly answer questions, troubleshoot issues or suggest solutions.

Print usually sits at the end of the production process, when timelines are already compressed, so clear communication becomes essential. Having someone who knows your project inside out keeps things moving and avoids unnecessary delays.

2. Honest Advice on the “Weird and Wonderful”

Advertising campaigns are hardly ever straightforward.

Creative teams regularly push boundaries with unusual formats, experimental materials and unexpected production ideas. While that’s where print gets exciting, it also means technical considerations come into play.

A good print partner won’t just say yes to everything, they’ll offer honest advice about:

• Production constraints
• Material options
• Timings and feasibility
• Budget implications

This kind of collaboration helps agencies protect the integrity of their ideas while making sure the final result is actually achievable.

3. A Location That Works for You

Location might sound like a small detail, but in print production, it can make a real difference.

Many large print houses are based outside major cities, which can add extra logistics when agencies need quick turnarounds, press checks, or rapid delivery.

Being based in London allows us to work closely with agencies across the city, whether that’s coordinating last-minute jobs, arranging quick courier runs, or welcoming clients in to review proofs and materials.

Shorter transport distances also contribute to more efficient production and help reduce the environmental impact associated with longer deliveries.

4. Experience Across Different Campaign Scales

Advertising campaigns don’t fit one format.

One week, it might be a small run of presentation boxes for influencers. The next, a large-scale print rollout supporting an outdoor or experiential campaign.

A reliable print partner should be comfortable working across both ends of the spectrum, from short-run bespoke pieces to large production volumes.

This experience helps agencies move confidently between formats, knowing the technical side of production is being handled by people who understand both creative ambition and logistical reality.

5. In-House Capabilities That Save Time (and Budget)

When multiple suppliers are involved, production can quickly become complicated.

Working with a print partner that offers several services in-house can streamline the process significantly. Capabilities like:

• Digital and litho printing
• Finishing and binding
• Die cutting and laser cutting
• Bespoke inserts or packaging solutions

This allows projects to move through production more efficiently, reducing both turnaround times and costs.

It also means creative teams have more freedom to experiment, knowing the technical side of production can be handled under one roof.

Print as a Creative Collaboration

Working in print is a collaboration.

For agencies working on ambitious campaigns, having a print partner who understands both the creative vision and the technical process can transform how ideas come to life.

Whether it’s a small but beautifully crafted piece or a large campaign rollout, the right partnership helps ensure the final result delivers the same impact in the real world as it did in the original concept.