High Quality Laser Printing for Your Menus

Since the local printers including "KinkiesFedX" (about $3.00 one-sided) cannot provide me with high quality laser prints at a price I can resell I've resorting to purchasing my own high end laser printer. Not expensive as some high end laser printers used in some print shops but definitely produces that color quality we take for granted. (Until we see a print-out from a cheap desktop model). And then of course this laser printer is extra special because of it's ability to print out on two sides and on card stock. Making it easy to slip a page into a tight Cafe Menu Cover. If you've ever tried it you might know what a pain in the kazoo it is trying to insert a flimsy piece of copy paper into one of these covers, let alone 2 pages into the same side. You'd have to use a cardboard backing.


For the nitty gritty; DR Design can offer a 6-panel menu, 8.5x14, 2-sided printout on card stock for $9.00 per menu? I think a no-brainer decision. Now maybe to the novice that sounds like a lot for printing. But consider the fact that pretty much any print shop would have to price quote a print run of  500 or 1000 pieces at the very least to run on any press to make it worth their while. You may only need 50.


I've priced a print run from a local (Large shop with digital presses) online... well the minimum was 1000 pieces..blah. 8.5x14, $620 on flimsy Gloss text. Now multiply that by three for a tri-fold - 6 view menu. Probably better deals out there. But tough and nearly impossible to find a low price for a short run. Consider the tri-fold menu has three slots (3-sided pages, all different). And you only need 50 menus. The only option is to go with laser printing. Inkjet - you say? Good color but lick your finger and run it across -(even 2 weeks after it dries) SMEAR!


Back to the laser printer I purchased. I read all the reviews I could find and the only negative was the price. "Yes indeedy, I need it! This thing is a monster that rocks!!!

View the PC mag review