September is a good time to organise Christmas print because it gives you space to finalise your campaign, approve artwork and get everything produced before Q4 becomes busy. Leaving it until November can mean rushed decisions and less time to get materials in front of customers. Start by deciding which print formats suit your campaign and when you actually need them. If you want help planning your Q4 print, we’re the experts to talk to, give us a call on 020 8617 5959.
Start with When Customers Need to See Your Campaign
The most useful deadline is not the date your print arrives at the office. It is the date customers need to receive or see it.
If you want people to browse a Christmas catalogue, redeem an offer or buy a gift before December gets busy, your materials may need to be distributed during November. That means the printing itself needs to be completed earlier.
Working backwards keeps the schedule realistic:
- September: decide the offer, format and approximate quantities.
- Early October: finish the copy and design.
- Mid to late October: approve artwork and print.
- November: distribute materials and begin the campaign.
This also leaves some breathing room if artwork needs changing or internal approval takes longer than expected.
Choose Print That Has a Clear Purpose
It is easy to add too many items to a Christmas campaign. Instead, think about what each piece of print needs to achieve.
A product catalogue can work well when customers need to browse a wider range. Shorter catalogues are often saddle-stitched, while thicker versions may be suitable for perfect binding.
For a simpler promotion, a Christmas card containing an offer or gift voucher may be enough. A folded A4 letter gives you more room to explain an offer, while an A5 flyer can be useful for handouts, deliveries and bag-stuffing.
Retailers and exhibitors may also need roller banners or other display materials, while gift vouchers and loyalty-card inserts can encourage customers to return after their first seasonal purchase.
The aim is not to use every format available. Choose the few that suit how and where customers will encounter your campaign.
A smaller set of well-planned print materials is usually more useful than ordering several formats without a clear role for each one.
Give Yourself Time for Artwork and Revisions
Print deadlines often become tight because the design takes longer than expected, not because the printing itself is especially complicated.
Copy may need approval from several people. Prices can change. Images may need replacing. A promotion might be adjusted after the first proof. Even a small mistake in a date, QR code or contact detail needs to be corrected before anything goes to print.
For a standard print run, allowing around five to ten working days between final artwork approval and delivery is a sensible planning starting point. More complicated jobs, larger quantities or special finishes can take longer, so confirm the timescale for your particular order.
If your artwork is not yet ready, find out what the printer needs from you and when. Access to in-house graphic design and print expertise can also be useful when files need adjusting before production.
Order Quantities Based on How the Print Will Be Used
Ordering more copies is not always better, especially for Christmas campaigns with dated offers.
For direct mail, begin with the number of people you genuinely intend to contact after removing duplicate, outdated or unsuitable records. For flyers going into shopping bags, use expected customer numbers for the campaign period. If materials are being used at events, base the quantity on realistic attendance and how many your team is likely to hand out.
You may want a small extra allowance for damaged copies, late additions or additional locations, but avoid ordering a large surplus without a clear reason. If materials need to reach different branches, offices or teams, consider delivery requirements when calculating quantities.
Brief the Whole Campaign Together
If your Christmas activity uses several pieces of print, it helps to plan them as one campaign rather than placing completely separate orders.
Before requesting a quote, gather the basic information for each item: finished size, quantity, page count where relevant, preferred finish, artwork status and required delivery date. You should also mention if different versions are needed for particular shops, customers or offers.
This makes it easier to spot inconsistencies before printing. For example, a catalogue and flyer promoting the same offer should use the same prices, dates, branding and call to action. It also gives you a clearer picture of the overall print requirement rather than making decisions one product at a time.
Make September Your Planning Month
Planning Christmas print in September does not mean everything needs to be printed immediately. It simply gives you time to make better decisions before deadlines become tight.
Decide what customers need to receive, work backwards from your distribution dates and allow enough time for artwork approval and production. Concept2Print provides print and design services from Colliers Wood with UK-wide delivery. If you are preparing a Christmas campaign, contact the team with your formats, quantities and dates to discuss the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November too late to order Christmas print?
Not necessarily, but it gives you less flexibility. Straightforward jobs may still be possible, while larger or more complex orders can require more time. Planning earlier also gives you longer to check artwork and organise distribution.
Should I order all my Christmas print at the same time?
You do not have to, but planning the items together can make it easier to keep branding, offers and dates consistent. You can then agree separate production or delivery dates where necessary.
How much extra print should I order?
There is no fixed percentage that suits every campaign. Base the main quantity on realistic distribution numbers, then add a modest allowance for damage, extra customers or late requests rather than ordering a large seasonal surplus.
What should I have ready before asking for a print quote?
Ideally, know the size, approximate quantity, number of pages where relevant, required delivery date and whether the artwork is finished. If you are unsure about materials or finishes, the printer can discuss suitable options with you.
