In 1988, a Yellow Pages ad for Banner Travel mistakenly promoted “erotic travel” instead of “exotic travel” due to a typo by Pacific Bell, printers of Yellow Pages.

The error drove away much of Banner’s elderly clientele, reportedly cutting business by 80 per cent. While the Yellow Pages waived the $230 monthly ad fee, the agency’s owner, still dissatisfied, later filed a $10 million lawsuit.

The story is about an ad, but it is also a lesson on how important it is to have somebody managing the printing process to avoid costly errors.

Print brokers are more than the best deal-finders; we are technical experts who guide complex print projects from start to finish with precision, quality control, and industry insight—especially when things go wrong (and they will).

Some might argue that they hire a print broker to ensure things do not go wrong, but the highly technical and complex nature of long-run printing means that things can go wrong, especially where machinery is involved.

A print broker's role is to ensure that we overcome all challenges to deliver you a quality outcome—even fixing errors.

When print runs involve special requirements, such as unique packaging, high-end journals, or limited-edition tabletop games, a print broker can be the difference between a smooth process and a costly failure.

Why you need a print broker for complex print projects

High-volume print jobs face a range of quality and timing challenges, from managing paper and ink to maintaining machines. Small issues like colour calibration or paper alignment can quickly escalate, resulting in costly reprints or poor-quality outcomes.

A lot more than just a middleman

Print brokers leverage years of experience to advise on the best materials, finishes, and techniques for each project. From recommending durable, vivid paper for tabletop games to knowing each vendor’s strengths, here at MC2 we work to ensure high-quality results that would be challenging to achieve without industry connections.

Problem-solving and quality control

One of the key benefits of working with a print broker is our ability to anticipate and address issues in real-time. If a problem arises—like a supply delay or a technical glitch—our role as a print broker is to step in to troubleshoot. Hands-on management is especially valuable for complex jobs where errors can be costly.

Our job is to handle quality assurance at each stage of production, from proofing and colour checks to overseeing binding and final delivery—no detail is overlooked. This is particularly critical for projects with intricate artwork or custom finishes, such as embossing or foil stamping, where even minor flaws are highly visible.

Adding value beyond costs

While cost management is part of the role, print brokers add much more value by delivering technical support, managing production complexities and overcoming challenges. Established relationships with suppliers often allow for competitive pricing, but the focus is on quality and precision.

If you’re looking for reliable, professional print results, let’s chat.

MC2 Print – maria@mc2.co.nz | 021824933

TUBE  packaging is considered expensive in New Zealand despite its benefits because we only have a couple of TUBE packaging suppliers in the country, but MC2 can source packaging overseas for far less in the same amount of time. There’s no minimum quantity (although the per-unit price reduces with higher-volume orders).

Tube packaging is a ‘testament’ to ingenuity and sustainability and  can also be made from kraft stock, offering a unique blend of functionality, aesthetics, and environmental consciousness.

 

Recyclability and compostable

Stocks with a natural appearance and earthy tones can communicate that your products are eco-friendly. Kraft stock, for example, is recyclable and even compostable, meeting growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging options.

 

Perception, perception, perception

TUBE packaging exudes elegance but offers a robust structure that protects the product and adds to the perception of value. Whether it’s skincare products, gourmet foods, or speciality items, it’s the kind of packaging that helps create a customer experience because consumers often associate TUBE containers with quality and exclusivity—a nod to wine bottles and wheels of matured cheese, perhaps?

 

Customisation and Practical Considerations

At MC2, we specialise in customised packaging solutions. We offer free mock-ups for your tube packaging. Options like flat or rolled end tops cater to specific product needs.

 

TUBE packaging isn’t ornamental; it’s functional because it can be useful long after the product is removed.

While TUBE packaging can be expensive in New Zealand due to limited suppliers, MC2 leverages overseas sources. Our commitment to quality ensures that you receive the same or better product at a competitive cost.

Talk to us today about a free mock-up for your product packaging.

They say you can't judge a book by its cover, and that may be true of books. However, it certainly doesn't apply in the world of tabletop role-playing games (RPG) like Dungeons & Dragons because the role of the packaging and contents is to engage the imagination and inspire – both of which are critical to a game's appeal and identity.

Having worked with New Zealand based company Battlefront Miniatures on the Flames of War – a tabletop miniatures wargame primarily focused on World War battles – for more than a decade, as well as Gale Force Nine, MC2 was uniquely positioned to take on a vast RPG project for US based gaming company Beadle Grimm called "DM Vault for Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse (D&D)".

Packaged in a beautifully embossed tin, the set is packed with everything a DM (Dungeon Master) needs to immerse players in the game world of Sigil and the Outlands, including:

The production of the game was as epic as the game itself. Using multiple elements like paper, board, textiles, tin, and plastic, MC2 worked closely with the directors, designers, writers and our printers to create the premium set.

Available in a limited quantity of 1000 in total, the production project involved months of meticulous planning and proofing, including embossing flat and textured tin – not to mention the co-ordination, liaison and collaboration that Maria Chapman of MC2 had to pull off to complete the project on budget and on time.

"The project drew on all our skills and contacts, including attention to detail, meticulous planning and project management, tenacity and negotiating skills, problem shooting and diplomacy – but we're relationship people, so we loved every minute of it."

Producing a special edition RPG game set is like conducting a vibrant symphony where multiple elements like printing, embossing, graphic design, packaging, and game pieces come together to create magic.

The new owner of Artwrap, a venture specialising in books of original New Zealand art decorated wrapping paper from local artists, knew he was on to a good thing, but the product was so unusual it would be a challenge deciding just where to even begin with such an unconventional product; in this case, two new books featuring wrapping for birthdays and Christmas.

Even for MC2, where we specialise in printing anything, the idea was new, but the process was not uncharted territory. That said, the production process posed significant challenges. The initial hurdle was the cost of printing in New Zealand – a staggering three times more expensive than alternatives. This is where MC2 stepped in, taking the reins of the project to produce not just a stunning, high-quality, cost-effective project.

The client had purchased a company that produced the books but needed more, including the technical services and know-how required to produce the books, essentially a new product.

 

 

Research and Development: Understanding the existing product and envisioning the new.

Meetings and Planning: Discuss previous efforts and new requirements, including the desire for more designs (10 instead of 8) and addressing issues like the problematic perforation in the books. The perforation had to be strong but not too strong that the wrapping paper would tear.

Exploring Printing Options: While local printers were considered, the cost led MC2 to look abroad. Ultimately, printing was outsourced to China, balancing quality and affordability.

Perfecting the books

Creating a mock-up was crucial because it allowed MC2 to fine-tune details like the perforation and ensure the quality of the final product. The book, unfolding into A1-sized sheets with six folds, was printed on premium 128gsm satin matt stock, featuring stunning designs by New Zealand artists.

Logistical hurdles

One of the biggest challenges was managing the pre-press process and logistics. Ensuring timely delivery for the Christmas season meant opting for airfreight – a decision driven by the time-critical nature of the project, making the logistics a complex balance of timing, quality control, and coordination.

Reception and prospects

The result was nothing short of remarkable. The wrapping paper books received a warm reception at markets, particularly the Collective Christmas Market. This success has paved the way for further development and expansion of Artwrap's presence.

The journey with MC2 was more than just creating a product; it was about building a brand that resonated with the New Zealand spirit. From liaising with graphic designers to ensuring print-ready files, every step broke new ground for the publisher of the gift-wrapping books, culminating in a product that the publisher and customers alike were proud of.

Overall, the outcome underscores MC2's ability to navigate the complexities of product development, especially for a client new to the industry. It showcases how challenges can be opportunities with the proper guidance, innovation, and collaboration. The wrapping paper books are not just products; they celebrate New Zealand art and symbolise what can be achieved with vision and the right partners.

 

 

MC2 regularly acts on behalf of clients as an effective, end-to-end, print management partner.

We're pleased to share another print management testimonial from another satisfied client!

"Maria from MC2 has taken away all the stress and work involved with all our printing needs. She has excellent communication skills and always knows exactly what we require, and she communicates this to her printers effectively. MC2 allows us to focus on our customers and creating and designing new products rather than being tangled up with suppliers. Maria is an absolute pleasure to work with and we are proud to be associated with her. The quality of her work is second to none." – Lee Scheepers, MARLEE + JO Ltd

We are honoured to be a part of our client’s (The Tea Curator) dream, delivering beautifully designed packaging solutions, that MC2 print brokers had printed in China.

If want to purchase any of the products you can shop online www.theteacurator.co.nz – perfect Christmas gifts

Need ideas or assistance with your packaging contact us – MC2 print brokers