This article points out many of the most critical aspects of working with print vendors. You should write a book and add some points about realistic deadlines.

As a designer, I've recently been wrestling with the problem of clients who want to buy their own printing. Clients today are not as concerned with print quality as they are with getting rock bottom prices. Since there is money to be made on the printing, I usually pass on jobs that require me to turn over electronic design files only.

Anyone have an opinion on that?