business marketing Archives - Cascade Print Media

Bleeds – What To Know About Bleeds In Printing

If you’ve been looking at having goods printed or have dabbled as a graphic designer you’ve likely seen the term “bleed.” But what exactly is bleed and why is it essential for quality prints?

What Does Bleed Mean in Printing?

In printing, “bleed” refers to the area that extends beyond the trim edge of the piece. This extra area helps ensure that no unprinted edges appear on the final piece accommodating for any slight movement of the paper during the trimming operation. Cascade Print Media recommends 1/8^th of an inch or 3mm around all sides to every art file.

Benefits of Adding Bleeds

Adding bleeds to your designs offer several advantages:

Prevents White Edges: Even with quality industrial cutting machines the paper can shift slightly during the trimming cuts. Bleeds help ensure the graphic extends beyond the edge which avoids unsightly white edges on printed pieces.

Professional Finish: Bleeds help provide a high-quality look to your printed pieces.

Consistency: It maintains the integrity of the art across multiple prints. Helps ensure that each piece looks identical even if there are slight variations in the trimming process.

How to Create Bleed in Your Design

1: Setup Your Document With Bleeds

When creating a new document set the bleed area ahead of time. Most design tools such as InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop have options for setting and adding bleeds.

2: Extend the Background

Ensure that any background images, colors or patterns extend into the bleed area at the edges. This ensures those elements will still reach the edge when the paper is trimmed.

3: Keep Important Elements Inside the Safe Zone

While ensuring that the background extends into the bleed area also ensures that all critical elements stay within the safe zone. This is an area usually about ¼” of an inch inside that trim line. This prevents them from being accidentally trimmed off or into. Cascade Print Media also recommends avoiding using thin borders in this area as the natural trim variations will be more noticeable the thinner the border.

4: Use Guides

Most modern design software will allow you to see and add visual guides. Use the guides to accurately position the design elements.

5: Export with Bleed Enabled

When you’re ready to save and export your final file, ensure the bleed settings are included. Most software will include an option to “include bleed” in the export settings. This step is crucial to ensure the printer knows to account for bleeds when trimming down the stock. Bleed from Canva is added via file > view settings > show print bleed. If exporting as a PDF file type ensure “crop marks and bleeds” are selected.

Adding bleeds to your designs is a simple but crucial step to ensure high-quality and professional looking prints. By understanding and applying bleed correctly you can elevate the quality of your pieces and avoid common pitfalls such as white edges or inconsistent borders.

Ready to get started on your next project, but don't know where to start? We can help! Get in touch and we will walk you through the process!

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Why Cutting Corners Can Cost You More

Eco-Friendly, FAQ, Marketing

Why Cutting Corners Can Cost You More – The Hidden Cost of Low-Quality Products and Services

In a world where budgets are tight and speed is everything, it’s tempting to go with the cheapest option when ordering print materials, promotional products, branded apparel, or signage. But what seems like a good deal at first can quickly turn into a costly mistake. Low-quality products don’t just impact your brand—they hit your bottom line in ways you might not expect.

The Cost of Replacements and Reprints

Cheap products often lead to quick failures. Poorly printed brochures fade, flimsy promotional items break, and low-quality apparel shrinks or unravels after a few washes. When that happens, you’re forced to replace the items sooner than expected, effectively doubling your cost.

Example: You saved a few dollars by ordering low-end company T-shirts, but after just one event, they’re faded and falling apart. Now, you’re reordering from a better supplier—meaning you’ve spent twice as much.

Damage to Your Brand Reputation

Your branded materials represent your company. If your print looks unprofessional, your promo items feel cheap, or your signage is peeling, what does that say about your business?

Example: A potential client receives a flimsy, off-color business card or a promotional pen that breaks in their hand. It may seem minor, but those small details shape their perception of your company’s quality and reliability.

Lost Business and Missed Opportunities

Poor-quality products don’t just affect your existing customers—they can cost you future clients. Whether it’s an unreadable brochure, a faulty giveaway, or a poorly installed sign, low-quality materials fail to make the right impact.

Example: You invest in cheap promotional items for a trade show, but they don’t work as expected. Attendees toss them in the trash instead of keeping them, and you miss out on potential brand impressions and leads.

Increased Customer Complaints and Returns

Nothing frustrates customers more than receiving a subpar product. If your print materials have misaligned graphics, your apparel fades after one wash, or your promo items break instantly, you’ll hear about it—and not in a good way.

Example: You hand out branded tote bags at an event, but the stitching comes undone after just a few uses. Now, instead of spreading brand awareness, your customers associate your name with poor quality.

Wasted Time and Productivity

Every time you deal with a quality issue, you’re taking time away from other important business operations. Whether it’s handling complaints, reordering, or troubleshooting, low-quality products force you to spend more time fixing problems instead of growing your business.

Example: Your team spends hours dealing with a supplier over misprinted materials, delaying an important marketing campaign. The time lost is money lost.

No Direct Contact

In today’s digital world, it is tempting and easy to order signage, print, apparel and promotional products off a website offering a great price. Lower prices and faceless transactions often result in delayed shipments, low quality products and little to no contact when things go wrong.

Example: You buy a last minute apparel piece online for an important community event. The company you buy from fails to make the delivery and you have no company apparel for your team to wear to an important event.

Investing in Quality Saves You Money in the Long Run

The reality is, quality isn’t an expense—it’s an investment. When you choose high-quality print, promo, apparel, and signage, you get products that last longer, make a stronger impression, and save you money in the long run.

Better materials = fewer replacements
Professional branding = stronger reputation
Reliable products = happier customers
Fewer issues = more time to focus on growth

🚀 At Cascade Print Media, we believe in delivering high-quality solutions that make your brand shine—without the hidden costs. Let’s work together to create something that lasts.

📩 Ready to invest in quality for your next project? Let’s chat today!

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Quality Assurance – “Good Enough” is not in our vocabulary

Marketing, New, Print Marketing

“Good Enough” is not in our vocabulary.

Ensuring high-quality output isn’t just a step in our workflow—it’s woven into everything we do. Our quality assurance process spans multiple departments, each playing a critical role in delivering consistent, flawless results for our clients.

The Cascade Print Media Quality Assurance Process: Ensuring Excellence in Every Print

At Cascade Print Media, quality isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Whether it’s a high-end brochure, a trade show display, or a simple business card, we take every step necessary to ensure that the final product exceeds expectations. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we maintain precision, consistency, and excellence at every stage of production.

Project Consultation

While it may sound silly, quality starts before the art, job and paper are even ordered.

How will the product be used
What is the end goal
What materials are needed to ensure durability, appearance and brand consistency

Why It Matters: This ensures we order the correct materials that will ensure durability, appearance and brand consistency. Having the right material sets everyone up for success.

Pre-Press: Where Quality Begins

Before ink ever touches paper, we set the stage for success with a meticulous pre-press quality control process.

File Verification: We check resolution, bleeds, margins, and color settings to ensure every file is production-ready
Proofing: Digital and physical proofs allow clients to review and approve designs before production
Material Verification: We confirm the best materials for durability, appearance, and brand consistency
Preflight Inspection: We catch common issues—like missing fonts or low-res images—before they become costly mistakes
Color Accuracy: Whether matching Pantone colors or ensuring brand consistency, we fine-tune colors to be spot-on.

Why It Matters: A single overlooked error in pre-press can lead to reprints, delays, and unnecessary costs. We take the time to get it right before printing begins.

Production: Precision in Every Print

Once we move to production, our teams monitor every detail to maintain consistency and clarity.

Print & Color Matching: We continuously check colors against brand guidelines to ensure every piece is accurate
Sample Inspections: We pull samples during production to verify sharpness, ink coverage, and alignment and print quality
Real-Time Adjustments: Operators fine-tune ink levels, registration and settings to maintain a flawless finish
Uniformity Checks: We inspect for color shifts or imperfections across large print runs
Quality Checks for Apparel & Promo: From checking stitching to ensuring imprint placement, we inspect each item closely
Third Party Inspection: We have a third set of eyes, not involved in the project, inspect each job before giving it the final approval to move to finishing

Why It Matters: Quality isn’t just about the first item—it’s about ensuring every single piece in the order meets the highest standards.

Finishing & Bindery: Details Make the Difference

After production, our finishing team ensures that every project is assembled, finished and packed with precision.

Trim & Die-Cut Precision: Clean cuts, sharp edges, and exact measurements are a must
Binding & Folding Checks: Whether it’s a booklet, brochure, or apparel tag, we ensure alignment is perfect
Lamination & Coating: We apply finishes that enhance durability and appearance—free from bubbles or imperfections
Apparel and Product Inspection: We check for thread consistency, proper placement, and flawless application
Spot-Check Sampling: Before packaging, we inspect samples to confirm final quality

Why It Matters: The final presentation of a product is just as important as the product itself. Even the slightest misalignment can impact a brand’s reputation.

Packaging & Shipping: Delivering Perfection

The last step in our process ensures that your materials arrive in pristine condition.

Final Inspection: We verify quantities, quality, and specifications before packaging
Protective Packaging: From shrink-wrapping to reinforced boxes, we package with care
Label Accuracy: Every order is checked for correct addresses and special shipping requests
Reliable Delivery: We work with trusted carriers to ensure on-time, damage-free delivery

Why It Matters: A flawless order is useless if it arrives damaged. Our final checks guarantee your materials look just as good when they arrive as when they left our shop.

Why Our Quality Control Process Sets Us Apart

Quality isn’t just a department—it’s a mindset across every stage of production. Whether it’s a business card or a large-scale wall graphic, we follow the same rigorous process to ensure your brand looks its best, every time. From pre-press to packaging, every team member plays a role in ensuring the final product is something we’d be proud to put our name on.

Looking for a print partner that takes quality seriously? Let’s chat! Whether it’s business cards or large-format signage, we’re here to ensure every product makes an impact.

📢 Want to see our QA process in action? Schedule a tour—we love showing off what we do!

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Packaging: Tips and Tricks

Eco-Friendly, FAQ, Marketing, Print Marketing, Promotional Products, Tips and Tricks

Guest Post by: Cori

Packaging is a key essential in promoting your product and making it stand out next to your competitors. When your product is on the shelf, what does it say about your company and the product you are selling? Here are a few key factors in choosing your packaging and how it can make you more successful.

Branding

Who are you, and what are you selling? What about your packaging makes it stand out compared to your competitors? Use your packaging to get your name out there, using images of your product and examples of why someone should invest in it is a key essential to selling your product.

Quality

The quality of your packaging says a lot about your company and the product you are selling. On average 10-40% of manufacturing cost go into packaging. It is essential to make sure your packaging holds up and protects the product inside.

Product Differentiation

Create unique packaging, something fun and exciting that catches the attention of the consumer and draws them to your product instead of the competitors. Consumers want to know why your product is different, how it is better and why they should choose you.

Information

Use your packaging to tell consumers what your product is, and how it was made. Is it made in the USA, is it more economical than others, is it safe for you and the earth? Can it be recycled, or reused? These are all important reasons why someone might want to buy it, use your packaging to draw the consumers’ attention to these important reasons as to why your product is better.

Physical & Emotional Appeal

Give your packaging some personality, find a way to connect to consumers through your packaging. Bright colors, legible fonts and even textures are all great ways to give someone a reason to pick your product up off the shelf. Once they are interested in the packaging, you are halfway there to them being interested in the product inside.

Sustainability

Rather you are selling your product in stores or shipping it to the consumer, it is very important to make sure it is well packaged and will withstand the handling. Just as it is important to use the outside of the packaging to draw attention, it is just as important to make sure the product inside is protected. To ensure your product arrives safely and intact, make sure to use a well-fit sustainable package filler to mold your product and hold it in place. Make sure you use a thick enough material that protects the product but is also easy and user friendly to remove. Using recyclable material makes it easier on the consumer and better for the environment.

Production

Mass production is usually the best way to go to get a better unit cost. The more you print the less each piece’s cost to produce. This is true in most cases unless you are packaging an item that requires certain compliance and safety regulations, these often change, especially for food and cosmetics. If you print this information directly to the packaging, you may find yourself having to waste the packaging due to a reprint. There is a simple solution, print generic packaging for information that won’t change, and use labels to provide more fluid information such as product ingredients, warnings, and expiration dates. Although labels and the cost to apply may increase your production costs and time, this will save you money in the long run.

Testing

How do you know if your packaging will hold up? Before shipping your product to the consumer or retailer, conduct some tests. Ship yourself a package using your local freight company, store your package in a hot, cold or frozen environment to make sure the packaging doesn’t deteriorate.

If you are shipping to a retailer, visit the stores, conduct a survey of the product to make sure it stands out on the shelf and consumers are showing interest.

If you are shipping your product, add a comment card or a QR code where your customers can visit and provide feedback with information and images of the product they received. Asking someone’s opinion of your product shows you care and want to improve if needed.

Packaging says a lot about your product and brand, is a key element in promoting your products. Looking for ideas to get started? Contact us today!

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Print In Your Marketing Plan

Direct Mail, Eco-Friendly, FAQ, Marketing, Print Marketing, Promotional Products, Signs

Creative Ways to Use Print in Your Marketing Plan

In today’s digital-first world, incorporating print into your marketing strategy is a powerful way to stand out. Tangible, eye-catching, and versatile, printed materials can leave a lasting impression on your audience. Here are some creative ideas to effectively use print in your marketing plan.

Stickers for Brand Awareness

Stickers are small but mighty tools for spreading brand recognition. They’re affordable, versatile, and loved by customers. Include your logo, a catchy slogan, or fun designs that align with your brand. Use them as giveaways, packaging seals, or incentives for social media shares.

Pro Tip: Create limited-edition sticker sets to drive excitement and engagement.

Calendars for Year-Round Visibility

Custom calendars ensure your brand stays front and center all year. Include important industry dates, your promotional events, or helpful tips relevant to your audience. Calendars are especially effective as corporate gifts or customer appreciation items.

Pro Tip: Add QR codes linking to your website or digital resources for a modern touch.

Promotional Products with Practicality

Branded notebooks, pens, water bottles, and tote bags are not just giveaways—they’re functional items that keep your brand in sight. Distribute them at trade shows, conferences, or community events.

Pro Tip: Choose high-quality products that reflect the value of your brand to create a positive association.

Branded Apparel for Walking Advertisements

T-shirts, hats, and hoodies with your logo or creative designs turn customers and employees into brand ambassadors. Branded apparel is perfect for giveaways, contests, or employee uniforms. Check out our post here about the power of promotional products

Pro Tip: Use bold designs that make people excited to wear your apparel beyond promotional events.

Banners and Signs for Event Marketing

Large banners and signs are essential for trade shows, community events, or storefront promotions. They grab attention and provide vital information at a glance.

Pro Tip: Use weather-resistant materials for outdoor events and keep your message clear and concise for maximum impact.

Postcards for Direct Marketing

Postcards are a cost-effective way to deliver targeted messages. Use them to announce events, highlight promotions, or share updates. Their compact size makes them easy for recipients to read and keep.

Pro Tip: Add an exclusive discount code or invitation to drive customer action. Ask us about our mailing discounts!

Direct Mail Campaigns for a Personal Touch

Despite the rise of digital marketing, direct mail remains one of the most effective ways to connect with customers. Personalize your mailings to make a stronger impact and ensure your brand stands out in a crowded mailbox.

Pro Tip: Combine direct mail with digital campaigns by including URLs or QR codes to track engagement.

Brochures for Detailed Information

Brochures are excellent for showcasing your products or services in detail. Use them at trade shows, in-store displays, or as inserts in mail campaigns. High-quality design and professional printing ensure they leave a lasting impression.

Pro Tip: Make your brochures interactive by including fold-out sections or augmented reality features.

Posters for High-Impact Messaging

Posters are perfect for promoting events, sales, or new product launches in high-traffic areas. Bold visuals and concise messaging make them an attention-grabbing medium for local or in-store marketing.

Pro Tip: Use double-sided posters to maximize exposure in glass windows or hanging displays.

Custom Packaging to Delight Customers

Turn your packaging into a marketing tool by incorporating custom designs. Branded boxes, tissue paper, and thank-you cards enhance the unboxing experience and foster brand loyalty.

Pro Tip: Include small print items like stickers or postcards in your packaging to surprise and delight customers.

Why Print Works in Marketing

Print materials create a tactile connection that digital marketing can’t replicate. They build trust, reinforce brand identity, and provide long-lasting visibility. By incorporating these ideas into your marketing plan, you can engage your audience in creative and impactful ways.

Ready to amplify your marketing efforts with print? Contact us today to bring these ideas to life!

Learn More

(253) 472-5500

3321 South Lawrence St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

info@cascadeprintmedia.com

Bleeds – What To Know About Bleeds In Printing

Why Cutting Corners Can Cost You More

Quality Assurance – “Good Enough” is not in our vocabulary

Packaging: Tips and Tricks

Guest Post by: Cori

Branding

Quality

Product Differentiation

Information

Physical & Emotional Appeal

Sustainability

Production

Testing

Packaging says a lot about your product and brand, is a key element in promoting your products. Looking for ideas to get started? Contact us today!

​​

Print In Your Marketing Plan

Creative Ways to Use Print in Your Marketing Plan

In today’s digital-first world, incorporating print into your marketing strategy is a powerful way to stand out. Tangible, eye-catching, and versatile, printed materials can leave a lasting impression on your audience. Here are some creative ideas to effectively use print in your marketing plan.

Stickers for Brand Awareness

Calendars for Year-Round Visibility

Promotional Products with Practicality

Branded Apparel for Walking Advertisements

Banners and Signs for Event Marketing

Postcards for Direct Marketing

Direct Mail Campaigns for a Personal Touch

Brochures for Detailed Information

Posters for High-Impact Messaging

Custom Packaging to Delight Customers

Why Print Works in Marketing

Print materials create a tactile connection that digital marketing can’t replicate. They build trust, reinforce brand identity, and provide long-lasting visibility. By incorporating these ideas into your marketing plan, you can engage your audience in creative and impactful ways.

Ready to amplify your marketing efforts with print? Contact us today to bring these ideas to life!

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