Using a third-party service - how does it work?

[ZedS]

I'm a designer but I now want to incorporate printing (for flyers, posters etc) into my packages too. For this, I would get the printing done through another company - how would this work? Do I need to tell the company/customer? Is it worth negotiating a deal with that company?

How would I go about this? Thanks.

 

[lynxus]

I personally wouldn't tell the customer.

However, I would talk to the company ( supplier )
I would mention that you will be using them to fulfill part of "my" clients orders and would maybe like to do some kind of bulk deal.. Or something where you would get discount if you sent * amount of orders to them per month.

I would also get a good estimate as to how long it takes for them to do things... Add a day or two to that and then add that timescale to your own orders ( that you say to customers )

There isnt really any harm in saying who your suppliers are. However building a brand that offers X,Y,Z . Its better to maybe keep quiet and just supply what you offer to teh customer quickly, easily and without fuss ( no matter who you get it from )

 

[ZedS]

Great thanks, I'll get in touch with the company I have in mind. What's the best way to do this? Is there a specific approach?

 

[lynxus]

Great thanks, I'll get in touch with the company I have in mind. What's the best way to do this? Is there a specific approach?

I suppose this would be different based on how that company operate.

I would certainly come armed with estimated "reffering sales" / amount of revenue you expect to send their way per month and maybe some idea of the kind of work you would send their way.

 

[ZedS]

Thanks, appreciate the solid advice. I will definitely approach them with some projections and estimated figures. Hope this goes well