Newsletter
Issue No. 169 June 30, 2006

Bindery
Folding
- Miniature to Map
- Closed Gate
Presentation Folder Gluing
Stitching
- 10 pockets
- Loop Stitching
Trimming
Rotary Perf & Score
Gathering & Collating
Perfect Binding
Wire-O™
Plastic Spiral
- Autospin 30mm elements
- 2.5:1 Oval Hole Pattern
Transfer Tape
Drilling
Round Cornering
Shrink Wrapping
Eyeletting
Film Laminating

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. Thinking outside the, er, Beetle. Here is a perfect example of someone not being restricted to the “rules” of normal expectations. Click here. I don’t think a committee would ever have come up with this. This came from good old “out of the box” thinking (probably conceived over an “adult beverage”). My point is: creative thinking should be encouraged in order to come up with things your competitors never would dream up. What does your organization do to encourage, facilitate, recognize, or reward real creativity? I know we have a long way to go!

2. Overs, again. A long-time customer called to discuss our overs policies. He had been very clear on his paperwork that no overs were desired, but we mistakenly billed for overs anyway. Well, we goofed on that one, but it brings up (again) the thorny issue of overs policies. If I understand the politics correctly, the longstanding “trade practices” espoused by the powers that be (PIA, NAPL, etc.) have been withdrawn. So, absent a replacement, we’re all flying solo. The traditional trade practices suggested a maximum of 10% for overs. My customer’s position was that overs should be built into the price and not charged at all. Of course, if you do include overs costs in your price, you may be at a disadvantage if a competitor doesn’t. My opinion (you knew I’d get to that) is that the key is communication up front. If the customer asks for 10,000 units, say, and agrees to 10% overs, then I think the order should be written for 11,000 with no overs. Anyone else want to speak on this topic?
 
3. Drivers as Sales Reps. The same long-time customer who raised the issue of “overs” (see above) brought up an equally compelling issue regarding the possible/recommended role of drivers operating as sales reps. The concept isn’t new, but, with increasing competitive pressures and increasing “commoditization” of printing, who can pass up a good idea? The concept is that while the receptionist may be the “voice” of your company, the driver may well be its “face” and in a perfect position to be an ambassador for the services your firm provides. Has anyone formalized this into an arrangement with measured results?

4. Paper Reps. We have tried to include anyone who may be interested in our distribution list for this newsletter. We now distribute around 1,600 of these newsletters, but I recently noticed that paper reps are underrepresented on our list. I’d like to add as many of these folks as I can, so if you have a “favorite” rep or someone you think would find our newsletter useful, send me their email address. I’ll send them a “test copy” to see if they want to be added to the list. As always, a simple reply with “Remove” in the subject line takes anyone off our list any time, no questions asked. Nominations?

5. World Cup Fever. What can the business community learn from the current soccer tournament? Well, as Americans, we’re not particularly invested in La Copa Mundial, but one look at the colorful fans dancing and singing in Germany’s stadiums proves this thing matters. Now and again it’s important to pay attention to what’s hot in other business sectors. Who knows, you just might be able to apply it to your own business.

For past issues, please visit our website at www.seattlebindery.com

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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

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