Do it in-house

If a print job is really small, say a few media kits to send out for a public relations effort, you may be able to handle it in-house. To make in-house print jobs look professional, upgrade to a color printer that's speedy and efficient. And don't forget to use high-quality paper.

I recommend: Check out a few of the top professional grade printers from HP, Canon and Epson. For your paper needs, go to Office Depot.

Print on demand

The next step up from printing your materials yourself is to use a quick-print/copy shop. This option is best if you have to have materials printed in large volumes at the last minute and the materials are limited to black and white. You don't even have to leave the office to send a job to a quick-print shop. Just send the documents online and pick up the finished product at a location near you.

I recommend: FedEx Kinko's, OfficeMax, Office Depot and Staples all offer online on-demand printing.

Find a professional printer

If you're in the market for a glossy, four-color brochure or die-cut business cards, it's best to go to a professional printer that uses printing presses rather than copying machines. Put large or complex jobs out to bid with a few printers to see which one can complete the job on time and within your budget.

I recommend: Learn how to choose the right printer for your job at ThePrintGuide.com. Locate a printer that specializes in the category of printing you need with PrintAccess.com's national directory. If you need help designing your materials, search Print Access for printers that offer graphic design services or check out DesignFirms.org to find a designer for your project.

Be prepared

If you have an in-house designer or have decided to do it yourself, get up to speed on the process. You'll save time and reduce the hassle factor if you know what's expected of you.

I recommend: Get a heads-up on printing lingo at PrintUSA.com and UniversalPrinting.com. After you've got the terminology down, bone up on how to prepare files for print with this pre-flight checklist at About.com.