Newsletter
Issue No. 89 April 18, 2003

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. Faces with Names. Lately we’ve been adding a photo to each newsletter to show you the faces behind the names and voices you speak with at Seattle Bindery. We’ve also added these photos (and email addresses) to the “Contacts” page of our website, for your convenience. It’s a handy way to find each person’s email address quickly. All you have to do is click on the link and it will open an email for you: www.seattlebindery.com/HTML/Contacts.html.

2. A Customer Story. A small business customer recently sent an “unsubscribe” message regarding our biweekly newsletter. I went to see him and learned that he was upset with us for choosing an electronic versus printed vehicle for our eNewsletter. He thought we were missing an opportunity to support printers, as well as the chance to show off our combined capabilities. I explained that price factored into our decision: The last time we sent out postcards the postage was around $250, mailer processing was $400, and printing was over $1,000. At 26 pieces a year, the cost became prohibitive. However, with email and fax, I can “touch” 1,400 people for almost nothing. Marketing-smart folks repeatedly urge us to send frequent, simple messages and not blow the budget with a single hit. After pondering this a few minutes, the customer was considering sending out his own eNewsletter.

3. Maybe Too Accessible? Our favorite columnist, Michele Nichols, cites a cartoon by The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Jim Borgman. It depicts a businessman telling a co-worker, “I am now available by phone, fax, email, snail mail, voice mail, overnight delivery, car phone, cell phone, and pager ... hide me!” Michelle observes that “24/7/365” availability can prove to be a liability, if it interferes with every business person’s need to stay informed and current in his/her own industry. For the entire article, click here: www.businessweek.com/smallbiz/content/mar2003/sb20030325_5516.htm?c=b

4. Equipment Upgrades. In earlier newsletters I’ve mentioned that now, when there are more job applicants than jobs, is a good time to upgrade staff. I think this also might be a good time to upgrade equipment. Lately, I’ve been noticing some pretty good deals on equipment. In fact, one of our customers is looking for a 29” 2-color Heidelberg, in good condition, and for a reasonable price. He mentioned that he doesn’t really “need” the press, but for the right price it could be a smart purchase. But, he cautioned the need to “buy right,” explaining that he wouldn’t drive up his break-even point now unless the “deal” is just right. This wisdom struck me as worth repeating. By the way, if you have a 29” Heidelberg 2 color press to sell, send me an email me and I’ll hook you both up.

5. Helpful Hints. Print Buyer’s Online offers a great “Best Uses of Bindery” piece with helpful tips: www.printbuyersonline.com/content.asp?id=1305

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Phone 425-656-8210
Fax 425-656-4400