When you’re preparing for an upcoming training session, leadership workshop, or multi-day certification program, your materials matter.
Workbooks. Facilitator guides. Participant binders. Tent cards. Branded folders. They are not just paper. They are part of the experience.
So why do so many training companies default to FedEx or another big box printer? It feels convenient. But in most cases, it is the most expensive and least strategic choice you can make. If you are a training company or consultant looking for a reliable print partner, here is why you should reconsider the big box route and what a true concierge print partner can offer instead.
1. Big Box Printing Is Surprisingly Expensive
At first glance, FedEx seems simple. Upload your file. Choose paper. Select binding. Done.
But once you begin adding:
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Higher page counts
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Color printing
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Tabs
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Custom covers
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Coil or perfect binding
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Rush turnaround
The cost climbs quickly.
Most training companies are printing recurring materials. Over the course of a year, those inflated per-job prices add up significantly.
At Impact Group Training, we offer competitive pricing designed specifically for training organizations that print regularly. Because we understand the training industry, we can recommend options that maintain quality without driving up unnecessary costs.
If you are printing for multiple cohorts or nationwide sessions, the savings become even more substantial.
Learn more about our print capabilities here: https://impactgrouptraining.com/print-services
2. Big Box Employees Do Not Understand Training Materials
This is one of the biggest differences.
When you walk into a retail print location, the person helping you likely does not understand:
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How participant guides are used in-session
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How often pages need to lay flat
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The difference between a facilitator guide and a learner manual
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Why tab dividers matter in a certification program
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How paper weight impacts writing experience
They are simply processing a transaction.
At Impact Group Training, we have 20+ years of experience in the training and development industry. We understand:
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Multi-day workshops
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Train-the-trainer programs
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Corporate leadership development
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Certification programs
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Franchise and multi-location rollouts
We do not just print what you upload. We ask questions.
Should this be coil bound so it lays flat?
Would a heavier cover stock elevate the experience?
Should we adjust margins to prevent content from disappearing in binding?
Would shipping materials directly to the venue save you stress?
That expertise makes a difference in how your training is perceived.
Explore our approach to supporting training companies: https://impactgrouptraining.com/about
3. You Do Not Have a Direct Line to the Print Team
When something changes the day before a training, you need answers fast.
With a big box printer:
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You are routed through a store phone tree
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You speak to whoever happens to answer
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You may not reach the person actually producing your job
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There is little ownership if something goes wrong
With Impact Group Training, you have a direct contact.
You are not just an order number. You have a person who knows your program, your preferences, and your timelines.
If a file needs to be adjusted, quantities change, or a last-minute reprint is needed, you have someone to call who understands the urgency of live training environments.
That level of personalized service is why many consultants choose us as their long-term print partner.
4. Finishing and Paper Recommendations Matter More Than You Think
Printing is not just about ink on paper.
It is about:
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Paper weight
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Coating
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Binding style
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Tabs and dividers
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Drilling
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Folding
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Packaging
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Kitting and fulfillment
Choosing the wrong combination can:
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Increase costs unnecessarily
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Make materials harder to use
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Reduce perceived value
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Create frustration during the session
Because we specialize in serving training companies, we guide you through those decisions.
We act as a concierge partner, not a retail counter.
Need branded folders and inserts packaged per participant?
Shipping to multiple locations?
Want materials staged per facilitator?
We handle that.
See our full range of services here: https://impactgrouptraining.com/services
5. Your Training Experience Deserves More Than “Good Enough”
Your materials reflect your brand. When participants walk into a session and see:
It sets the tone. Cheap or poorly finished materials send the opposite message.
Impact Group Training exists specifically to serve training companies and consultants who care about the full learning experience.
We combine:
We are not a big box store.
We are your print and design partner.
Ready to Elevate Your Next Training?
If you are planning an upcoming training and want a partner who understands the stakes, we would love to talk.
Whether you need help with:
We are here to make the process smooth, strategic, and cost-effective.
Start the conversation today: https://impactgrouptraining.com/contact