January is a reset month for many small businesses.
New promotions. New budgets. New urgency to bring customers back after the holidays.
And when it’s time to print flyers, posters, or postcards for January sales, one question comes up again and again:
Is it better to choose cheap printing or the fastest printing service available?
The answer isn’t always obvious. This guide breaks down when speed matters more than price, when cheap printing makes sense, and how to choose the right option for your January sales strategy.
The January Reality: Timing Is Tight
January sales campaigns often come together quickly.
Businesses are:
- Launching post-holiday promotions
- Clearing inventory
- Promoting New Year offers
- Responding to slower foot traffic
That means print timelines are tighter than usual. Waiting too long — even to save a few dollars — can mean missing the window when customers are actually paying attention.
What Do We Mean by “Cheap Printing”?
Cheap printing usually focuses on:
- Lowest possible upfront cost
- Longer production or shipping times
- Fewer customization options
For some projects, that tradeoff is fine. But in January, timing often affects performance just as much as price.
Cheap printing only works when:
- Your sale isn’t time-sensitive
- You’re ordering far in advance
- You can afford to wait
If a promotion launches late, even the cheapest print materials won’t deliver results.
What Do We Mean by “Fast Printing”?
Fast printing prioritizes:
- Short production times
- Reliable delivery windows
- Campaigns that launch on schedule
The fastest printing service isn’t about rushing for the sake of speed, it’s about making sure your materials arrive when they’re still relevant.
In January, relevance is everything.
Why Fast Printing Often Wins for January Sales
1. January Sales Have a Short Attention Window
Post-holiday buying behavior changes quickly. Promotions that hit early in January often perform better than those that arrive late.
Fast printing helps you:
- Launch on time
- Capture early-month momentum
- Avoid missed opportunities
2. Late Print = Lost Sales
If flyers or postcards arrive after your promotion starts, you’re already behind.
A slightly higher printing cost is often offset by:
- Better turnout
- Higher response rates
- Fewer wasted materials
In other words, speed protects your investment.
3. Speed Supports Flexibility
January plans change. Inventory shifts. Offers evolve.
Fast printing gives you the flexibility to:
- Adjust messaging
- Print smaller batches quickly
- Respond to what’s actually working
That flexibility is hard to put a price on.
When Cheap Printing Does Make Sense
Cheap printing isn’t wrong, it just has the right context.
It works best when:
- You’re planning evergreen materials
- Timing isn’t critical
- You’re ordering well in advance
Examples include:
- General brand flyers
- Informational inserts
- Long-term signage
For time-sensitive January sales, though, speed usually matters more.
Fast vs Cheap: What Really Drives Results?
Here’s the tradeoff most businesses overlook:
A cheaper print job that arrives late often costs more in missed sales than a faster job that costs slightly more upfront.
That’s why many January campaigns prioritize:
- On-time delivery
- Clear messaging
- Strategic placement
Over the lowest possible print price.
Best Print Products for Fast January Sales Campaigns
Some print products naturally perform better when printed and distributed quickly.
Flyers
Flyers are ideal for:
- In-store promotions
- Local handouts
- Short-term sales
Fast flyer printing ensures your message is seen while the offer is still active.
For design tips that improve performance: Flyers That Sell: 7 Proven Tricks to Make Yours Convert (and Get Read)
Postcards
Postcards work well for:
- Local promotions
- Direct mail campaigns
- January reminders
Speed matters here too, postcards only work if they arrive before the sale ends.
For strategy inspiration: What to Print for January Sales: Flyers, Posters & Inserts That Drive Traffic
Posters & In-Store Prints
Posters support visibility once customers are already nearby. Printing them quickly helps you:
- Refresh windows
- Promote limited-time offers
- Capture walk-in traffic
How to Balance Speed and Budget (The Smart Way)
You don’t have to choose only fast or only cheap.
Many businesses balance both by:
- Printing core materials fast
- Ordering secondary materials in bulk
- Planning evergreen prints ahead of time
This approach keeps January campaigns agile without overspending.
If you’re mapping out the full month, this guide helps: What to Print for January Sales: Flyers, Posters & Inserts That Drive Traffic
Fast Printing Isn’t About Rushing — It’s About Relevance
The real question isn’t fast vs cheap.
It’s relevant vs late.
In January, relevance depends on timing. The fastest printing service helps ensure your message lands when customers are ready to act — not after the moment has passed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fast printing always better than cheap printing?
Not always. Fast printing matters most for time-sensitive campaigns like January sales. Cheap printing works better for evergreen or long-term materials.
Does fast printing mean lower quality?
No. Speed and quality aren’t mutually exclusive. The key is choosing a service that balances both.
What should I prioritize for January promotions?
For January sales, prioritize on-time delivery, clear messaging, and formats like flyers and postcards that can be distributed quickly.
Final Takeaway
If your January promotion has a deadline, speed matters more than saving a few dollars.
Fast printing protects your timing, your relevance, and ultimately your results.
And in January, results are what matter most.
