For our July issue of the Progress Report, we’ve identified four major ways print buyers can sail more smoothly through rough economic seas. Each suggestion below helps you “declare independence” from unnecessary print headaches, hassles and costs!
Always work to the printer’s strengths, with the realization that all printers are not equal in operational and manufacturing efficiencies. It’s vital to recognize that technological capabilities, processes, and workflow can have a huge impact on productivity, quality, turnaround and costs.
Find the best-in-class service for a comfortable, confident print relationship. If your print rep is really looking out for your best interests, he'll honestly assess your projects with integrity and objectivity. Do your projects match up with his company’s abilities to achieve the results you expect? As a print buyer - It’s your right to know.
Make sure your printer is improving and you're getting the best value. Savvy print buyers always assess their stable of printers for manufacturing prowess—their commitment to automation—their “lean” attributes—their quality processes—and their investment in tools and talent.
Communicate and collaborate further upstream of your print order for a smooth experience. Your printer should be eager to discuss specs, schedule, workflow and expectations early in the process.
By Mike Thornton, President - Progress Printing
Downshifting Costs for Advance Auto Parts
“My priority with Advance Auto Parts (and any customer) is to look beyond the project and ask questions. What is the piece designed to do? What is the purpose and desired result? What happens once it leaves our plant? These three questions are vitally important,” says Progress account executive Gerald Bowles. “From the answers, I can usually offer higher value at a lower cost.”
Advance Auto designed a conference folder to contain a multi-fold brochure, an oil rag, a writing pen and pad. “These thick, bulky items made me question the stock—an expensive 100# uncoated cover sheet in only one size and only in cartons—which meant excessive waste,” says Gerald. “Most of all, I was leery about the folder’s sturdiness to pocket all the inserts at the fulfillment center…and to remain in presentable condition through its 700-mile journey to the conference.”
Gerald researched alternative stocks and suggested a stout 18 pt. C2s cover. The designers balked at first because they preferred the natural, earthy feel of uncoated vs. the hard, rigid touch of coated stock.
The solution? Soft touch aqueous coating. The cost savings to the customer was 22%. “They absolutely loved the soft finish and the conference was a great success,” Gerald says.
In honor of the month of July, we’re sharing four stories about how you can get the "fireworks" of reduced costs and better printing. All it takes is working creatively with your printer.
Specs of Wisdom with Mike Thornton, President
“PDF workflow, paper format, and postage (size and shape) are three essentials to discuss,” says Mike Thornton, president of Progress Printing. “These represent areas where so much can be done if print buyers are willing to have constructive dialogue prior to committing to specs.”
"Take the time to meet with your printer prior to launching a project. There are so many techniques to improve your print job and save money," Mike adds. “We’ve had so many experiences to document this reality. These customers captured great savings due to effective pre-production meetings. There's no magic. It’s all about business fundamentals.”
Bright Ideas For Paper & Postage with Gary Nowicki, Sales Rep
“I recently attended a trade show and talked at length with a prospect who perked up when we talked about paper and postage,” says Gary Nowicki, Charlotte-based Progress print consultant.
To automate the mailing, Gary suggested knocking out a mailing panel, followed by in-line ink jetting and stitching to eliminate the cost of buying, printing, and inserting envelopes. The new contact was delighted.
"These are challenging times...talk to your printer for ways to reengineer your job for maximum savings and optimal quality,” he says
Simplicity Saves Time with Ava Oxley, Scheduler
One of our top customers has a repeat job with a dizzying array of point-of-purchase cards. Scheduling assistant Ava Oxley, our Excel guru in the Progress Business Center, massages the customer’s daunting spreadsheets into a simple format. This worksheet helps the customer and Progress keep the versions and variables straight. “This saves the customer so much time when questions arise,” says Ava.
Your job is complicated enough! Don't hesitate to talk wth us about ways to streamline your print and mailing workflow.
Printing Green Doesn’t Cost More with Ann Via, Account Manager
Many customers assume printing green costs more. Not necessarily so, says account manager Ann Via. Progress is certified by stringent Forest Stewardship Council standards. When customers request FSC stock, they can be confident it has been harvested responsibly from managed forests.
“FSC certified paper for sheetfed presses doesn’t cost extra,” declares Ann. “If a customer is planning a sheetfed printed piece, they can 'go green’ with no additional cost. There’s lots of great FSC papers that print beautifully to choose from.”
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