Maui Printing Company

Better Print for a Better 2026 The year may be ending, but your next chapter is just getting started. The decorations are coming down, the calendars are fresh, and the possibilities feel wide open. Whether you’re running a business, leading a team, or organizing community events, the new year offers one simple promise: a chance to start strong. And nothing helps you do that quite like print. Print is physical. It’s motivating. It’s the kind of communication that sticks around long after the resolutions fade. Here are five smart print projects to help you begin 2026 with focus, energy, and momentum. 1. Refresh Your Brand Materials The new year is the perfect time to make sure your print pieces reflect who you are now, not who you were five years ago. Update your brochures, business cards, stationery, and signage with current branding, new photography, or refined messaging. Even small updates, like updated colors or a new tagline, can make your materials ...

The holidays are more than a season of giving. They serve as a reminder of how much we’ve already received. The customers who trust us. The coworkers who make long days lighter. The partners and neighbors who believe in what we do. It’s easy to move quickly through December, checking boxes and meeting deadlines, but taking the time to say thank you changes the tone of the season —and sometimes even the year ahead. Here are 10 ways to express genuine gratitude, no discount codes or “special offers” required. 1. Create a Wall (or Table) of Gratitude Whether you run a business, nonprofit, or classroom, create a space for people to share what they’re thankful for. It could be a physical bulletin board, a wall of sticky notes, or a printed tabletop display where team members, customers, or visitors can add their own words of appreciation. When people see gratitude displayed, it spreads. 2. Celebrate Your Team The end of the year can feel ...

Ordering print should feel exciting, not stressful. But with so many details to consider (paper type, file setup, proofing, and deadlines), even experienced print buyers can stumble. The good news? Most print-ordering mistakes are easy to avoid once you know where they come from. Here are the five most common ones, along with simple ways to ensure your next print job runs smoothly from start to finish. 1. Waiting Too Long to Place Your Order It’s the mistake everyone makes at least once: waiting until the week of an event or promotion to order materials. Printing involves more than just running paper through a press. There’s time for proofing, trimming, folding, and delivery, and during busy seasons (like year-end), production schedules fill up fast. How to avoid it: Build extra time into your plan. For most projects, place your order at least one to two weeks before you need it. If you’re unsure about the timeline to expect, ask us early. We’ll hel...

In a world that moves too fast, print asks us to pause. To notice. To remember. While digital messages rush past, print stays: holding stories, memories, and meaning in its quiet, tangible way. It’s how we mark moments, share gratitude, and remind each other that connection isn’t measured in clicks, but in care. A Shared Experience in a Fast-Paced World When was the last time you watched someone open a piece of mail and genuinely react? There’s something about a physical message that brings people together. A letter passed around an office. A community newsletter left on a coffee shop counter. A poster that draws people to an event. Unlike digital messages that vanish as soon as they’re read, print becomes part of our environment. It hangs on walls, sits on desks, and shows up in moments that matter, reminding people they’re part of something bigger than themselves. Print doesn’t just reach people. It roots them. The Power of Touch Tou...

At the end of every year, it's inspiring to take a look back at the creative print ideas that made us smile, pause, and say, “That’s clever.” From heartfelt community campaigns to packaging that turned heads, this year was full of reminders that print still has a magic all its own. Here are a few favorite ideas from the past year, projects that brightened spirits and showcased the creativity of print. A Welcome Kit with Heart More businesses and nonprofits are rethinking how they introduce themselves this year, and we love it. Instead of sending a generic brochure, some created full welcome kits with branded folders, handwritten notes, and small keepsakes. Others used mini booklets with team photos and a short “who we are” story. These weren’t sales pieces; they were relationship builders. They turned what could have been a transaction into a connection. Sometimes your first impression shouldn’t say, “Here’s what we do....

Did you know that acquiring new customers costs five times more than keeping the ones you already have ? That makes retention one of the smartest marketing investments you can make and one of the easiest to overlook. Building loyalty doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through consistent, personal touchpoints that show people they matter. And when it comes to creating those touchpoints, print remains one of the most trusted and effective tools you can use. Here’s how to turn this year’s customers into next year’s loyal fans using smart, strategic print marketing. 1. Start with Gratitude Before planning your next big campaign, take a moment to thank the customers, clients, or donors who made this year a success. A printed thank-you card or postcard makes that gratitude tangible. Unlike an email that disappears in a crowded inbox, a printed note sits on a desk, a bulletin board, or a fridge as a daily reminder that your organization values the rela...

When someone picks up your brochure, flips through your event program, or browses your booklet, they’re not just gathering information; they’re forming opinions. From the texture of the paper to the clarity of the layout, every design decision sends a message about your organization’s credibility, attention to detail, and values. In short: your print is your brand. And research proves it. 75% of people who receive printed materials recall the brand easily , compared to only 44% for digital ads. The Psychology of First Impressions Before a reader ever processes your content, their brain makes subconscious judgments about your professionalism and trustworthiness. A person’s impression of a product comes from its physical context: what it looks and feels like before they even engage with it. That’s the silent power of print. A program printed on heavy, matte stock communicates care and stability; a glossy brochure with clean folds suggests energy...

The calendar’s full, the deadlines are tight, and everyone’s trying to make a good final impression before the year wraps up. If you didn’t plan your marketing early this year, that doesn’t mean it’s too late to make your brand shine. Even a few small print pieces can help you stay visible, thoughtful, and connected during the busiest time of year. Here are five smart print ideas that work beautifully now and are worth bookmarking for next year’s plan. 1. Printed Thank-You Cards There’s something about a printed thank-you that never goes out of style.  Amidst this season full of mass emails and automated messages, a card with a short, handwritten note feels surprisingly personal. Use them to thank clients, donors, volunteers, or vendors. Keep the message simple: a warm “we appreciate you” and a reminder that you value the relationship. If you’re too busy to handwrite each one, try a hybrid approach: print a s...

What if your folded cards could work harder and more than once a year? For many businesses, they come out in December, do their job as holiday greetings, and then get forgotten until the next season. But folded cards have more staying power than that! They’re polite, tangible, and versatile: a tool you can use year-round to keep relationships strong and build loyalty. Here are four creative ways to put them to work. 1. A Warm Welcome for New Clients First impressions stick. A folded card tucked into a welcome packet, accompanied by a short note like “We’re glad you’re here,” sets a professional and thoughtful tone. Unlike an email, a card lingers on a desk or bulletin board, quietly reinforcing your brand long after the first handshake. 2. Reorder Reminders That Don’t Feel Pushy Nobody likes a hard sell. But a folded card with a handwritten note, “It’s about time for a refill. We’d love to serve you again,” ...

Ever wondered what happens after you send a file to print? To most buyers, it feels like the project disappears into a black box until boxes arrive at the office. But the truth is, there’s a careful process happening behind the scenes that's designed to protect your investment, catch mistakes, and add the craftsmanship that makes print worth holding. This Thanksgiving week, it’s the perfect time to pull back the curtain and appreciate the unseen steps (and people) that make your print shine. Step 1: Prepress Checks Before a file ever touches a press, it goes through prepress. Fonts, images, bleeds, and colors are checked. If something’s off, it’s flagged. A proof (digital or physical) is created to confirm the piece before production. What if a typo or color issue could be caught before it ever hits the press? That’s precisely what prepress is designed to do — protect your project and your budget. Step 2: On the Press Once approved, yo...

You’ve got your message. You know who you want to reach. But then comes the tricky part: what format should you use? Postcards, folded cards, brochures, and beyond each have their strengths. And here’s the truth: the wrong format can quietly waste your budget, while the right one makes your message land with confidence. Let’s walk through your options so you can choose with clarity and avoid second-guessing. Flat Pieces: Fast, Bold, and Straight to the Point Picture this: a local gym runs a three-day flash sale. They print simple postcards, a bold headline on the front, and short details on the back. Within hours of delivery, phones are ringing. Why? Because the message fit the format. Flat pieces (postcards, rack cards, flyers) are best when speed and simplicity matter. They’re affordable, easy to distribute, and designed to be read at a glance. Could your message be said in under 10 words? If yes, flat might be your best fit. Folded Pieces: Laye...

Winning a customer is hard work. Keeping that customer is where real growth happens. Research shows it can cost up to five times more to acquire a new customer than to retain an existing one ( Harvard Business Review ). Yet too often, businesses focus on chasing the next lead while overlooking the ones they already have. Here’s the truth: a thank-you is more than courtesy. With the right strategy, it becomes the foundation of customer retention, keeping people engaged, loyal, and coming back again and again. Customer Retention Starts With Print Recognition Every customer wants to feel noticed. If they only hear from you when you’re selling, they’ll drift. Print gives you a chance to show recognition in a way that feels tangible. Imagine sending a card a week after a purchase: “We loved serving you! Here’s a reminder of what’s coming up next.” That single piece of mail not only thanks them, it tells them they matter. Loyalty Grows...

By the time December hits, mailboxes are overflowing with red-and-green cards and “Season’s Greetings” messages. Most are polite, predictable, and forgettable. If you’re going to spend the time and money on holiday print, why not create something people actually keep? The good news: you don’t need a huge budget or months of planning. A few smart design choices can help your holiday print feel fresh, memorable, and on-brand. Here are five ways to make sure your print stands out this season. 1. Go Beyond Red and Green. Traditional holiday colors work, but they also make your piece blend in with the pile. Choosing unexpected palettes can instantly set you apart. Think navy and silver for a polished, wintery feel. Or try plum and gold for something rich and elegant. Even a pop of teal or copper can give your piece a modern twist while still feeling festive. Quick tip: Pair one unexpected color with a metallic or textured accent. It signals creativi...

This time of year, gratitude means more than another inbox greeting. In November and December, your customers’ email is flooded with promotions, reminders, and automated holiday wishes. The risk? Your “thank you” disappears with a click. Print tells a different story. A card on the counter or a postcard on the fridge carries presence. It lingers. And when you combine the emotional weight of a tangible holiday message with smart strategy, you create loyalty that lasts well beyond the season. The Emotional Side of Holiday Print Think about the last time you received a handwritten holiday card. You didn’t just glance at it and move on. You paused. You might have smiled, shared it with someone in your household, or even displayed it. That small act gave the sender a place in your home and in your memory. Now compare that to a digital greeting. A quick open, a polite glance, and a click to delete. The difference is clear: print feels real. It’s...

When it comes to planning a successful event, every detail matters: the message, the materials, and the way people experience it. Many businesses assume they need to go big and outsource to large agencies or online vendors. But the truth is, working with local experts can give you an advantage that no out-of-town provider can match. Local printers and marketing partners don’t just produce materials. They know your community, understand your audience, and help you create events that feel authentic. Knowledge of Your Audience A national vendor may know “trends,” but your local partner knows people. They know where your customers shop, what community spaces are busiest, and even which colors and styles resonate in your market. That knowledge translates into event marketing that connects. A local printer might suggest distributing rack cards in a popular nearby grocery store or printing posters for a neighborhood fitness center, strategies an outsider would nev...

At its core, event marketing is about people: bringing them together, sparking conversations, and creating shared experiences. Digital reminders can help, but there’s something about a physical piece of print that makes an event feel real.  Imagine this: a local nonprofit is preparing for its annual fall fundraiser. They’ve got the date, the venue, and the cause lined up. The question is: how do they spread the word in a way that feels personal, not just another post in someone’s feed? The Story of a Community Fundraiser Instead of relying only on email and social media, the nonprofit prints a set of rack cards. These aren’t generic flyers. Each one features a bold headline — “Join Us for a Night of Community and Impact” — along with the date, location, and a short invitation. The cards are distributed strategically: Stacks in local coffee shops where neighbors gather. A stand in the library lobby where parents come ...

When someone picks up a printed piece, whether it’s a rack card, flyer, or handout, they decide in seconds whether to keep reading. In busy settings like hotel lobbies or retail counters, you rarely get a second chance. That’s why design clarity isn’t just about looking nice; it’s about making sure your message lands. Here are practical ways to simplify your message so your print doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. 1. Start With One Goal Before you design anything, ask: “What’s the single action I want someone to take after reading this?” If the goal is to drive foot traffic to a store, the headline should push that: “Visit Us This Week. 20% Off All Accessories.” If it’s awareness, the goal might be to make your name stick. In that case, a bold tagline with your logo front and center may be enough. Tip: Write your goal at the top of your design file before you start. Every element you add (headline, photo, o...

Imagine This… You’ve just opened a new coffee shop downtown. The espresso machine is humming, the tables are set, and the pastries are fresh out of the oven. The only problem? No one knows you’re there yet. Sure, you could run digital ads, but your audience (tourists, office workers, students) is already right outside your door. They don’t need another Instagram ad. They need a simple nudge that grabs their attention in the real world. That’s where rack cards come in. Step 1: Get Clear on Who You’re Trying to Reach Instead of scattering your marketing everywhere, think about where your best customers are moving through their day. For a coffee shop, that might be: The hotel lobby where visitors check in each morning. The office tower across the street. The student union packed with hungry undergrads. Rack cards work because you can place them directly into those high-traffic spots — the very places your audience already is. Step 2...

Trade shows are about more than being seen. They’re about being remembered. While digital tools can help you plan and follow up, it’s the printed materials attendees carry home that often leave the strongest impression. From booth displays to handouts, smart print strategies can turn casual conversations into real business opportunities. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the most of your trade show presence with print. Step 1: Build Anticipation Before the Show Your impact at the show starts weeks earlier. Imagine a potential client arriving with your postcard already tucked in their bag. A simple pre-show mailing can make your booth the one they look for when the doors open. Send an invitation with your booth number, highlight a product demo, or include a coupon they can redeem if they stop by. If you’re hosting a VIP reception or workshop, printed tickets or passes make the event feel tangible and exclusive. Adding a QR code that links to booth ...

October is the sweet spot for holiday marketing. Start now, and you’ll reach customers before the season gets crowded and be able to take advantage of longer lead times for design and mailing. Wait too long, and you’ll likely face higher costs, rushed campaigns, or even missed opportunities altogether. And here’s something to keep in mind: direct mail averages a 4.4% response rate compared to just 0.6% for email , and 72% of consumers prefer promotional mail over digital messages. Nearly eight in ten say they find print more trustworthy than online ads . In other words, this is the moment to let print work hard for you. 1. Send Postcards Before the Rush Postcards are one of the simplest, most effective ways to launch your holiday promotions. They work well for early-bird sales, event invitations, or just planting a reminder about your brand before the season takes off. Tip: Don’t stop at one. A short series of postcards (say one in October, anothe...

When you only have a few seconds and just a few feet of space, every word matters. That’s the challenge with banners. They don’t have room for fine print or paragraphs. They need to grab attention, get to the point, and spark action fast. If you’ve ever stared at a blank layout wondering what to say, this list is for you. Here are some of the most effective power words and messaging styles to help your banner work harder, not just hang there. The “Look at Me” Words You have one job in the first second: get noticed. Words that create curiosity, urgency, or excitement tend to pull people in. Try words like: Free Now New Limited Today Only Big Exclusive VIP Instant Sale These don’t just sound bold—they act like magnets. Use them in headlines or standalone calls-to-action. The Action Drivers Once someone notices your banner, the next step is telling them what to do. These verbs give your message momentum: Visit ...

Dear You, We haven’t officially met, but chances are you’ve seen me around. Hanging outside your favorite coffee shop. On a fence at your kids’ school. Maybe stretched across a brick wall, promoting an event you didn’t know you needed to attend. That’s the thing... I don’t need a password or a pop-up. I just need a little space. And when you give me that, I show up. Big. Bold. Unmissable. Let me introduce myself properly: I’m your banner. And I still matter. I'll prove it. I Don’t Disappear After a Scroll I don’t compete with cat videos or flashing ads. I don’t vanish if the Wi-Fi’s down. I’m not limited by screen time or buried in tabs. I live where your audience does: on sidewalks, in lobbies, at street corners, and sports fields. I’m right there with them, saying what you want to say, again and again, without skipping a beat. If your message is important, I help it stay put. I’m Buil...