Scam, noun. A hoax dressed up to look like a real business plan. Designed to make money for its creators.
Does your current print management company offer you an "open book" on their procurement? Do you believe you're paying a true reflection of the market rate?
You're probably not. Below the surface of those tidy margin percentages, there is additional leverage to increase profit. Two ways, in fact.
Twenty-five years in print. Three print companies previously owned, £10m+ combined turnover. We've dealt with most of the UK's top twenty print management companies.
Every print supplier on a management company's roster signs an NDA. Speak up and you lose your place on the roster , a detrimental hit to their business. We haven't been tied to a print company since 2024. So we can.
The UK's paper supply runs through approximately three main paper merchants. Print management companies have a direct relationship with each, and an arrangement.
Print management models rely on paper being procured through pre-agreed merchant price lists that are typically 10–15% above standard trade rates. Printers are instructed to purchase via these channels, with the uplift forming a margin or rebate back to the print management provider.
Every print supplier on the roster has signed an NDA and agreed to a confidential kickback — sometimes dressed up as a "technology contribution" or "management charge".
| YOUR PRINT SPEND | PAPER COST | PAPER KICKBACK | PRINT KICKBACK | HIDDEN PROFIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £50,000 | £30,000 | £4,500 | £7,500 | £12,000 |
| £100,000 | £60,000 | £9,000 | £15,000 | £24,000 |
| £250,000 | £150,000 | £22,500 | £37,500 | £60,000 |
| £500,000 | £300,000 | £45,000 | £75,000 | £120,000 |
Your print management company discloses a 5–15% margin as part of their "open book" policy. That's what you believe you're paying. Here's what you're actually paying at a median 7.5% uplift:
| YOUR PRINT SPEND | PERCEIVED COST | ACTUAL COST | GAP |
|---|---|---|---|
| £50,000 | £3,750 | £15,750 | £12,000 |
| £100,000 | £7,500 | £31,500 | £24,000 |
| £250,000 | £18,750 | £78,750 | £60,000 |
| £500,000 | £37,500 | £157,500 | £120,000 |
When you tender a "shopping basket" of regular print items, each print management company comes back with almost identical pricing — because they're all using the same kickback model.
Over 60% of what they'll actually print for you is outside the basket. Different quantities, bespoke finishing, new materials — the "open book" policy conveniently doesn't extend to any of it.
We've built a transparent, live-market alternative that can save you 35%+ on your print spend.