Newsletter
Issue No. 109 February 20, 2004

Bindery
Folding
- Micro Folding
- Map Folding
- Gate Folding
- Glue Folding
Stitching
Trimming
Rotary Perf & Score
Gathering & Collating
Perfect Binding
Wire-O™
Plastic Spiral
Kleensticking
Drilling
Round Cornering
Shrink Wrapping

Tabbing
Custom Index Tabs
Copier Tabs
Tab Reinforcing
Spine Reinforcing
Patch edge Reinforcing
5 Hole Drilling

Finishing
Autoplaten Diecutting
Diecutting to 41"
Scoring & Perfing
Embossing
Foiling
Numbering

1. Invoice Accuracy. A recent poll by Printbuyers Online. com asked if buyers review the final invoice from their printer before sending them on to the accounting departments. Overwhelmingly (87%) responders confirmed that they “always” review the final invoice, while no one replied that they “never” review invoices. As one print buyer, Lorenzo Cowgill, put it, “To me, this is the best indicator of the kind of relationship your printer wants to have with you.” This suggests printers’ sales reps might also want to review invoices before the’re sent out. http://www.printbuyersonline.come/content.asp?id=1680

2. Tools from the NAPL. In January, NAPL released their budgeted hourly cost studies, Web Blue Book, which updates and explains how hourly cost rates are constructed and how printers can calculate their equipment and labor costs in order to stay profitable. The NAPL also just released new software (CS InterACT Software for Web Press Operations, Version 2.0) that enables web press printers to quickly and easily input their cost factors and get customized hourly cost rates. http://members.whattheythink.com/news/newslink.cfm?id=13783&printer=pr

3. Binding Tips. When choosing between perfect and mechanical binding, your first consideration should be end use. Does it need a printed spine? How user-friendly does it have to be? Under what conditions will it be used? Is “operating temperature” a factor? Must it fit in someone’s pocket? What shelf-life should it have? There are also marketing considerations, such as whether the product should employ the same binding method as similar products, so that it’s recognizable in its market, or whether it should make use of an atypical method in order to distinguish it from competing products. We can help determine the right mechanical binding for your project.

4. Marketing Tips. One friend sent along several suggestions that companies often overlook. “Few companies routinely survey their customers and prospects to understand their personal perspectives of different marketing tactics. It’s a simple idea; ask the people you’re trying to reach how they prefer to hear from you.” We also suggest regular performance surveys, polling customers to ascertain if you’re really living up to promises you make. Now, if I can only follow my own advice.

5. Small Business Business. An interesting study by City Business Journals Network, the folks who publish all those regional business journals, including the Puget Sound Business Journal (www.bizjournals.com/seattle), makes the point that small businesses drive the American economy, with 6.9 million of them compared to 117 thousand mid-market companies. The report suggests that this business segment is an often overlooked or ignored source of business. Time and money are the most important concerns for small business owners. While it may take many more of these small fish to equal a big Fortune 1000 fish, they’re lots of ‘em. Focusing on this niche market could present an untapped opportunity.

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email at miltvine@seattlebindery.com
6540 South Glacier Street, Suite 120, Seattle, Wa 98188
Phone 425-656-8210
Fax 425-656-4400