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Looking for advice about the manufacturing process

4 replies [Last post]
Mon, 02/20/2012 - 16:11
DKLT 88
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Joined: 09/05/2011

Howdy

I am currently in the process of reviewing manufactures for a card game a partner and I will be self publishing. I have been wondering if there is any information I need to make sure I know before really getting involved in the process apart from the general information that goes onto quote/estimate forms. I am just now beginning the process and I wouldl like to pick some brains for tips. That's a pretty open ended question but I guess in essence, I am looking for any advice, tidbits, or big mistakes I need to avoid while moving about this process. Let me know if I can get anymore specifics for you.

Thanks,

DL

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Tue, 02/21/2012 - 09:32
#1
Dralius
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Joined: 07/26/2008
One thing you want to be sure

One thing you want to be sure not to do is use a printer in Asia unless they are recommended by someone you trust. I know plenty o f publishers with horror stories.

Ink was not allowed to dry properly = cards stuck together.
Again ink was not allowed to dry = mildewed game.
Poor materials = cards show wear after just a few plays.
Little or no quality control = colors are not true or registration is so far off cards are not usable.
Language barrier = honest but regrettable misunderstanding. Print run had to be redone making it late to market.

That’s just a few. Im not saying don’t print in Asia, the prices are good. I am saying you have to be careful because not every printer is worth using.

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Tue, 02/21/2012 - 10:47
#2
zipplockbag
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Joined: 01/12/2012
I have to echo Dralius'

I have to echo Dralius' comment. It's really easy to screw up the printing, especially QC. Honestly, many of the printers just don't care about quality and just want to send out the product as quick as possible. My experience with American and Canadian printers has been great. Attention to detail, good color matching, things cut and aligned correctly on registration, etc.

Be specific with materials and don't compromise. Production values of your game give the buyer confidence in their purchase and that it was a good value.

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Fri, 02/24/2012 - 16:58
#3
kdrayer
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Joined: 02/20/2012
Your "looking for advice about the manufacturing process"

Delano Service (delanoservice.com) is a card game (and game board manufacturer) and could help you with your questions. If you need a quote there's a quote form on the site and if you need to talk with someone about questions you have you can call them. There's a number on the website as well.

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Sat, 02/25/2012 - 23:17
#4
mdkiehl
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Joined: 12/10/2010
problems

A graphic designer who knows what they are doing can also help to resolve problems like registration. An experienced graphic designer also knows places that can produce the product with quality. You can also learn much by talking to your local print shop - they might have printed cards or boxes before or shipped out a design to be printed someplace.

Regards,
Matthew Kiehl

http://mdkiehl.wordpress.com

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