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What a Print Buyer Should Know

What a Print Buyer Should Know

What a Print Buyer Should Know – Episode Summary

In this knowledge-packed episode of The Print University, Ryan McAbee and Pat McGrew demystify the role of the modern print buyer—an essential link between brand vision and production reality. Whether you’re onboarding staff through printing industry training programs for new employees, educating clients with printing technician certification online, or enabling better vendor relationships through outsourced training for print production staff, this course delivers a comprehensive overview of what successful print buyers need to know.

Print buyers translate creative needs into technical print specifications and navigate a wide spectrum of job types—from packaging and signage to catalogs, direct mail, and promotional materials. The episode breaks down different buyer roles: in-house at brands, agencies, governments, or small businesses—and the skill sets required to balance cost, quality, timing, and vendor capabilities.

Key topics include how to write effective specs, select appropriate substrates and finishes, manage color (e.g., Pantone vs. CMYK), and communicate with printers. Pat and Ryan also cover modern tools like Web-to-Print platforms, brand compliance systems, and supplier scoring for DEI and sustainability metrics.

Ultimately, print buyers must be diplomats, problem-solvers, and project managers who ensure creative visions are executed accurately, on time, and on budget—no matter the print type or delivery complexity.

You Will Learn:

  • The role and responsibilities of a print buyer across various business types

  • How to spec print jobs effectively, including format, substrate, and finish

  • Ways to manage vendor selection, pricing, timelines, and DEI/sustainability goals

  • Why understanding printing technology, color management, and logistics is vital

  • Tools to assist print buyers: Web-to-Print portals, capability guides, sample kits

Who This Course Is For:

Print buyers, brand managers, agency reps, CSRs, procurement leads, and trainers creating printing industry training programs for new employees, outsourced training for print production staff, or print shop employee onboarding templates

Time to Watch:

Approx. 30 minutes