Printing in the UK? (plus metallic/foiling)

[ahram17]

Hey guys,

This is my first post here, already loving this site. I'm a graphic designer working on a custom deck that I'm looking to get produced soon and run on Kickstarter.

I've had a hard look through this forum but can't find any lists of UK Playing card Printers. All that keeps coming up is the USPCC and Expert companies in the USA.

Obviously shipping/taxes come into effect when shipping here so I was hoping someone might have a list or be able to point me in the right direction regarding some experiences they've had producing cards in the UK? What companies would you recommend?

Just to add: I'm thinking of adding foiling (dependant on cost) as it would enhance my design. Again, does anyone have experience of printing with this in the UK?

[Mike Ratledge]

It might be that - like many other artist - you find its less expensive to produce with Legends PCC or Expert and use a fulfillment center here in the US. The bottom line is that between 65-80% of backers will be here in the states. Using someone like Eddie's Gambler's Warehouse Fulfillment would almost certainly save you money in the long run.

I am not familiar with. British printers, especially for playing cards. Maybe Joe and others know more?

[montecarlojoe]

Only what a google search can tell me - I think there are a couple but I can't speak to quality.

http://www.ivorygraphics.co.uk/playing-cards" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.playingcardmanufacturer.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.playingcardspersonalised.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

They all seem a bit novelty end of the market to me - but can't hurt to get some samples...

[jerichoholic]

Never seen any UK companies that do foiling. Your best bet is to try another company as was suggested, perhaps MPC? And have someone do fulfillment from the US. There are a few companies out there that do it.

[ahram17]

Thanks guys. Appreciate all the comments.

I think you're right. The ones i have found have been similar to those montecarlojoe have found and have been very novelty, I just thought I may be missing something. I'll certainly get some samples but I'll likely now look to ship from abroad with some of the proven companies.

Thanks all.

[synedrionmg]

I feel your pain as well - I'm currently trying to get something moving myself on this front and I've pretty much managed to organise and arrange everything in all areas except a playing card printer to actually manufacture the decks themselves as I've inquired for a large run with all the major players that everyone uses but none of them have even replied which is really leaving me with the only option of using a 'novelty' company which there is no way in hell I'm going to as want a good quality product, so this part of the process does prove very disheartening and frustrating. The cards themselves and the quality on them are the most important thing for me so I won't move forward on anything at all unless I can pass this hurdle which at the moment I'm failing miserably at lol.

I'm in the UK as well, probably the closest to home that comes to mind is Cartamundi (Europe) but to date I haven't come across a UK-based playing card manufacturer in any way close to the level of quality as the US-based ones.