The 5 Most Common Mistakes in Planning Large Format Advertising Material Orders – and How to Avoid Them
Planning orders for large format advertising materials such as banners, roll-ups, or posters requires not only knowledge of the products but also meticulousness and attention to detail. Here are the five most common mistakes made when ordering large format materials—and ways to avoid them to spare yourself unnecessary trouble.
1. Errors in Graphic File Preparation – How to Avoid Them?
One of the most frequent problems in large format printing is errors in graphic files. These most often concern insufficient resolution, which results in blurry prints, or incorrect color profiles, which can lead to color discrepancies. Another common issue is the lack of bleeds, causing unwanted white edges after cutting.
Practical Tip: Always check the printing house’s requirements for file preparation. Make sure your project has the appropriate resolution (e.g., 150–300 DPI) and that bleeds are added (usually 3–5 mm on each side). Use formats recommended by the print shop, such as PDF or TIFF. If you’re unsure, ask the printer for a technical template or consultation.
Example: A client prepared a file without bleeds, which led to misalignment during cutting. Thanks to the print shop’s quick response, the project was corrected, but the realization was delayed by two days.
2. Underestimating Time – Plan Ahead
Large format printing, especially for custom or high-volume orders, takes time. This is particularly important for events, trade fairs, or advertising campaigns, where every hour of delay can mean lost marketing opportunities. It often happens that a company preparing a booth for a prestigious fair delivers files at the last minute, causing materials to arrive late.
The delay meant that the materials only arrived after the event started, reducing their effectiveness and the company's professional image. Proper production planning helps prevent such situations. Failing to allow enough time for production and delivery can lead to stressful situations when the order does not arrive in time for the planned event.
How to Avoid This? Plan ahead. Always add a buffer of a few days for potential design corrections or unforeseen transport delays. For urgent projects, check if express order fulfillment is possible.
3. Choosing the Wrong Materials – How to Pick the Best Solution?
It often happens that the ordered materials are not suited to the conditions in which they’ll be used. Typical mistakes include choosing paper instead of PVC for outdoor use—which leads to rapid deterioration of the advertisement—or using unsuitable adhesive for stickers intended for rough surfaces, or ordering materials without additional UV protection, which results in fading in sunlight.
How to Select the Right Materials? Consider where the advertisement will be displayed and consult the printer regarding the best material. For outdoor use, choose materials resistant to moisture and UV radiation, such as PVC banners or vinyl films. For indoor use, such as at conferences, more aesthetic solutions like textile fabrics may be considered.
Expert Tip: “For outdoor displays, we always recommend laminated materials, which are more resistant to mechanical damage and weather conditions.”
4. Lack of Communication with the Print Shop – Why Details Matter
Unclear instructions or a lack of detailed information about the order can lead to serious errors, such as choosing the wrong finishing or size. For example, in one project, a client provided only general guidelines regarding size, not mentioning that the advertisement would be installed at a great height. Standard eyelets were chosen, which turned out to be insufficient in strong winds, requiring additional corrections and re-production. Better communication could have completely eliminated such issues.
How to Avoid Communication Errors? Before placing an order, make sure the print shop has all necessary information: exact format, type of material, finishing (e.g., eyeleting, laminating), and place of display. A good practice is to write out these requirements as a detailed specification. If in doubt, ask for a sample or visualization before printing.
5. Failing to Consider Technical Aspects – Avoid Surprises During Installation
Not considering elements such as how the advertisement will be mounted, or its size relative to the display area, can cause problems during installation or use.
How to Solve This? Before ordering, measure the available space and check which mounting methods will be suitable. For example, eyeleting is a great solution for banners to be hung on hooks or ropes. Tensioning systems, such as aluminum frames, are perfect for mounting materials that require perfect tautness and presentation. If you plan to display on stands, make sure the design includes appropriate holes or additional supporting elements. Consult the printer if you have any doubts, to choose the best technical solution. Proper mounting not only ensures the advertisement’s durability but also makes it easier to use later.
Make the Most of Large Format Advertising
Large format orders can be a complicated process, but avoiding the most common mistakes will save you time and money. The most important things are to prepare files according to requirements, communicate clearly with the print shop, and choose materials appropriate for the display location. If you have any questions about preparing your order or need support, contact us—our team at Oprint.one will be happy to help you plan the perfect solution from our wide range of offerings!