That鈥檚 why we at 杏吧原创 suggest partnering with a family-owned printing company. The right partner can give you the same benefits as a large corporation with more flexibility and personalized service. Read on to discover more of the perks a family-owned printer like 杏吧原创 can offer.

Personalized Service

One of the most significant advantages of choosing a family-owned printing partner is the personalized service they provide. Family-owned businesses often have a deep-rooted commitment to customer satisfaction, leading to a more attentive and responsive approach.

• Knowledgeable Staff: Family-owned printers frequently employ experienced staff who are passionate about their craft, as these printing experts reflect well on their business. This expertise ensures that you receive helpful advice and guidance throughout your project, and are less likely to experience delays and quality issues.
• Quick Response Times: Smaller, family-run operations often have streamlined processes and fewer bureaucratic hurdles, allowing them to respond to your needs promptly. If you鈥檝e ever been in a situation where you needed a last-minute change made to your project, you understand how crucial this can be.
• Tailored Solutions: Family-owned businesses are adept at customizing services to meet specific requirements. Whether you need a simple saddle stitch magazine or an embossed, casebound book, they can tailor their offerings to suit your unique needs.

Price Flexibility

Family-owned printers are often able to offer competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. Their smaller overhead costs and direct relationships with suppliers can translate into significant savings for their clients.

• Creative Solutions: When working with a family-owned printer that really values your business, they may be more able to find creative solutions to help maintain your budget while still delivering the product you need. For example, when Sophia Institute Press came to 杏吧原创 with an idea for a new project, we were able to utilize specialty printing equipment in our Ripon, Wisconsin, printing facility to realize their vision while staying comfortably within their budget.
• Long-Term Partnerships: Building strong relationships with family-owned businesses can lead to long-term partnerships, offering consistent quality and more familiarity with your project, meaning you鈥檒l be the first to know about potential cost-saving solutions.

Building Strong Partnerships

Beyond the practical benefits, choosing a family-owned printing partner can foster a deeper connection and build stronger relationships.

• Shared Values: Family-owned businesses often share similar values with their clients, such as a commitment to quality, integrity and community. They may have a particularly strong commitment to sustainability, or prioritize safety for all employees.
• Trust and Transparency: Open communication and trust are essential in any business relationship. Family-owned printers prioritize these values, fostering a collaborative and transparent partnership.
• Community Impact: By supporting local, family-owned businesses, you contribute to the economic vitality of your community. For example, 杏吧原创 has a history of uplifting our communities, which is reflected in our mission statement: creating opportunities for our team, customers and communities through print.
• Low Turnover: Family-owned companies that support their employees often benefit from low turnover; a benefit that you as a customer can also enjoy. When building a long-term relationship with a family-owned printing company, it鈥檚 likely that you鈥檒l be working with the same skilled employees for years to come and won鈥檛 have to struggle to adjust to a new point of contact. 

Partner With 杏吧原创, a Family-Owned Printer

By choosing a family-owned printing partner, you’re not just selecting a vendor; you’re building a lasting relationship with a business that shares your values and is committed to your success. At 杏吧原创, we embody the values and advantages of a family-owned printing partner. We offer personalized service, competitive pricing and a commitment to building long-lasting relationships with our partners.

For your next printing project, consider partnering with 杏吧原创. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and high-quality books, magazines and catalogs. If you鈥檇 like to learn more about what 杏吧原创 has to offer, get in touch with us today.

* This article was developed with assistance from Google鈥檚 PaLM 2 large language AI model.

The post The Benefits of Choosing a Family-Owned Printing Partner appeared first on 杏吧原创.

In this article, we鈥檒l discuss why as an American publisher, you鈥檙e most likely better off choosing a printing partner that operates and prints solely in the United States.

The Timeliness Advantage

Reduced Lead Times

If your business and customers are located in the United States, working with an American printer is more than likely going to drastically reduce shipping times compared to an overseas printer. These faster turnaround times can be a game changer, especially for publications that focus on timely issues like sports and politics. But even for other types of print products, like books and catalogs, faster shipping means happier customers.

Improved Communication

Communication with your printing partner will be much easier if they鈥檙e located in the same country. Working with an overseas printer can come with massive time zone differences that make instant communication difficult. Easier communication can lead to faster problem-solving, helping ensure print runs are executing smoothly and to your exact specifications.

Some publishers also like to visit the printing facility for an in-person press check, giving them a better understanding of what their final product will look like. An in-person visit is much more feasible if the plant is a three-hour drive away versus a 12-hour flight. 

Greater Flexibility

During the printing process, last-minute requests and changes may arise. By operating close to home, domestic printers are more able to accommodate these requests than international printers, ensuring your final product reflects your desired changes. And, with quicker turnaround times, last-minute reprints become much easier and won鈥檛 require weeks or months of waiting for products to clear customs. 

Supporting American Values

Ethical Sourcing

Some publishers choose to work with an American printing partner because they prioritize supporting ethical business practices. For example, Geoff from MCDM Productions told us when his company was looking for a new printing partner, it was important for them to find a company that matched their own values. 鈥淲e take employee compensation and benefits, and ethics behind paper source and ink seriously,鈥� Geoff explained. 鈥淪ome of that you don鈥檛 get when you go other places. Getting the lowest price is not our priority 鈥� it鈥檚 about how everything is sourced and put together, and the overall customer service experience.鈥�

Supporting Local Economies

When working with an American printing partner, it鈥檚 easier to see the impact your print project has on the employees who produce it. As a family-owned company based in Marceline, Missouri, 杏吧原创 operates its print facilities exclusively in smaller towns where our work has a significant impact on the local economy, providing steady, stable jobs for families who have lived there for generations.

Reduced Environmental Impact

For American companies, choosing a domestic printing partner is an important step in minimizing carbon emissions resulting from long-distance shipping. Additionally, printing companies based in the United States adhere to certain environmental standards that help protect the environment from harmful production practices. Some companies even go a step further, obtaining certification from programs like the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Forest Stewardship Council. These certifications ensure companies adhere to responsible chain of custody procedures, resulting in kinder treatment of the earth and its forests.

Partner With 杏吧原创, a True American Printer

In summary, there are numerous benefits to choosing an American printing partner, both from a logistics standpoint and an ethical one. When you partner with 杏吧原创, you gain access to over 87 years of printing expertise, supported by our dedicated staff of Customer Service Representatives and Sales Representatives. With four state-of-the-art printing facilities located strategically across the Midwest, we offer mailing and distribution solutions to fit your schedule and budget. To find out more about our book, catalog and magazine printing solutions, get in touch with us today.

The post The Benefits of Choosing an American Printing Partner appeared first on 杏吧原创.

Expert Project Management: Your Dedicated Partner

From the initial quote to the final delivery, your project will be managed by your Customer Service Representative and Sales Representative. The two will work together to keep you updated on progress, addressing any concerns and ensuring your project stays on track. Using their expertise and attention to detail, our highly trained employees play a vital role in helping meet deadlines.

Cross-Departmental Communication: A Seamless Workflow

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful project. At 杏吧原创, we foster an environment of open and transparent communication across all departments. Our Customer Service Representatives work closely with our pre-press, production and mailing teams to ensure everyone is aligned and informed throughout the printing process. This streamlined workflow eliminates bottlenecks and minimizes the risk of delays.

For example, 杏吧原创 recently implemented a job shadowing initiative at our Saint Joseph, Michigan, printing facility. When 杏吧原创 employee and Pressman Charles Peoples shadowed with Shawn Dockham on the Kolbus Perfect Binder, he found a way to help the bindery team avoid an extra step in their process.

鈥淲hen loading the books onto the stack it is important to flip them a certain way so the bindery team can avoid an unnecessary step flipping them,鈥� said Peoples.聽 Per Dockham, the Kolbus Collator Operator, 鈥淲hen we鈥檙e running 200 books a minute, every second counts.鈥�

By shadowing other departments and regularly communicating with each other, our employees find new ways to improve efficiency and consistently meet deadlines.

State-of-the-Art Printing Technology: Precision and Efficiency

Investing in cutting-edge printing technology is essential for delivering high-quality products on time. 杏吧原创鈥檚 five printing facilities are equipment with state-of-the-art printing technology that is capable of producing a wide range of print materials with exceptional precision and speed, while also cutting back on emissions. Our advanced technology allows us to handle large print runs while maintaining strict quality and color standards.

Experienced Staff: A Commitment to Excellence

Our team at 杏吧原创 is comprised of experienced professionals who are passionate about printing. From our customer support staff and prepress specialists to our press operators and shipping coordinators, everyone is dedicated to delivering exceptional results. Their expertise and commitment to excellence help ensure that your projects are completed and delivered on time and to your exact specifications.

How 杏吧原创 Can Help You Meet Your Deadlines

If you’re looking for a printing partner that can help you meet your deadlines and deliver high-quality products, 杏吧原创 is the right choice. Here’s how we can help:

• Personalized Service: Benefit from the expertise of our dedicated Sales and Customer Service Representatives.
• Fast Turnaround Times: Using efficient print production methods, our team works hard to ensure your project makes it out the door on your schedule.
• High-Quality Printing: Enjoy exceptional print quality and attention to detail from our highly trained printing staff.
• Mailing Expertise: Rely on our mailing experts to find the best way to get your product delivered on time and within budget.

Get in Touch With 杏吧原创 Today

By choosing 杏吧原创 as your printing partner, you can rest assured that your projects will be completed on time, to the highest standards of quality, and with exceptional customer service throughout the entire process. We are committed to helping you achieve your publishing goals and exceed your expectations.

To learn more about how 杏吧原创 can help you meet your printing deadlines, please contact us today. We look forward to partnering with you on your next project.

* This article was developed with assistance from Google鈥檚 PaLM 2 large language AI model.

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But how can you achieve consistent, accurate print color?

Color Modes

There are a few different ways to achieve accurate print color. In general, RGB is used for electronic displays like your computer screen, and CMYK is typically used in offset printing.

CMYK

Most commercial printing uses the CMYK color model. Those four letters each represent a color: cyan, magenta, yellow and black. Think of it like this: you start with a white sheet of paper, then the sheet gets darker as more color is added. Combining the colors you have (cyan, magenta, yellow and black) creates a vast palette. CMYK is called subtractive mixing because as colors are added to the page, the light reflected from the page is reduced.

RGB

The RGB model uses red, green and blue color combinations to create a wide array of colors. RGB is known as additive mixing because you start with black, then add and combine red, green and blue light to get colors. The more color you add, the more light gets reflected off the page or screen. If you mix all your colors, you get white.

Spot Color

Spot color is used when you need a precise, specific color. For example, a John Deere catalog might use spot color to ensure they get that specific shade of green. If you have a specific Pantone color you鈥檙e using 鈥� maybe the 鈥� you might use spot color.

鈥淭he thing to be careful of with Pantone is that there is absolutely no substitute for a swatch book or an ink drawdown. What you see on a screen 鈥� even when looking at Pantone鈥檚 own website 鈥� can be drastically different from how the actual ink will print,鈥� Prepress technician and Certified G7 Expert John Myers cautioned.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

There are a few things you can do to set up your publication for accurate print color.

When designing, Myers recommends working in CMYK whenever possible. This is because art created in RGB colorspace will need to be converted to CMYK ink channels. This can cause unexpected changes in tonality (how light and dark the image is).

鈥淭he color you see on the screen is not necessarily what you will see on the printed piece. There is no substitute for printed samples or color proofs when it comes to knowing exactly what you are going to get,鈥� he said. Myers also recommended looking at your samples under different lighting conditions, like fluorescents, LEDs, natural light, etc.

If you prefer designing your publication in RGB, most programs will allow you to convert from RGB to CMYK. 杏吧原创 can accept RGB images, but we recommend our customers convert to CMYK before submitting their files.

One common color issue we see is with font colors. Sometimes fonts intended to be 100% black will contain cyan, magenta or yellow, which will affect the color of your text. (CMYK needs black as a fourth color because combining just cyan, magenta and yellow will create a deep brown instead of a true black.) Fortunately, this is a fairly easy issue to check. In InDesign, you can use the Separations Preview to see if the black type contains other inks. In Acrobat Pro, Output Preview can be used the same way.

One more way to ensure accurate print color is by seeing the product for yourself. Myers recommended visiting for a press check if possible.

鈥淧rinting is infinitely more complicated than it can seem from the outside and getting an inside look at what goes into creating the finished piece is invaluable. Come to the plant and watch the presses run, give input on color on the fly, and learn more about how the sausage is made, so to speak.鈥�

Precise Printing

We鈥檝e used the term 鈥淕7 certified鈥� a lot. But what does it mean?

The G7 certification program is an international calibration methodology that helps ensure uniform color across all print mediums. When a commercial printer achieves G7 certification, it shows their commitment to quality and consistency. G7 qualification is issued according to three distinct compliance levels. The qualification is issued to the facility 鈥� for example, 杏吧原创鈥檚 plants in Fulton, Missouri, Ripon, Wisconsin, and Saint Joseph, Michigan, achieved G7 certification independently. A printer must meet the requirements for each G7 compliance level to achieve .

G7 Grayscale: The fundamental level of G7, this compliance level ensures that neutral tones are calibrated to match with the ideal G7 neutral density curve. Successfully printing these colors makes it far more likely a printer can recreate other colors across the CMYK spectrum.

G7 Targeted: This level is achieved when Grayscale compliance is met, and the solid ink measurements for primary and secondary colors (CMY and RGB) and substrate colors are within the spec of the G7-based color targets.

G7 Colorspace: This level demonstrates that extremely tight tolerances are maintained throughout the entire color spectrum, using an entire IT8.7/4 target. This level is also divided into printing and proofing processes, with stricter requirements for proofing.

A G7 certification means you can expect excellent on your printed project.

The Importance of Proofs

鈥淭he biggest concern for getting color right is consistency,鈥� Myers said. 鈥淚f you want one printed piece to match another or to match a physical product, you need to be very careful about how the art is built and supplied to the printer. Once again, there is no substitute for printed samples or color proofs when it comes to knowing exactly what you are going to get. Things like lighting can play a very important role If you’re looking at something under fluorescence versus natural light or incandescent.鈥�

If you鈥檙e serious about creating an exact color profile, it鈥檚 important to carefully proof your product, as there are many factors in the printing process that can affect how colors appear. 鈥淚n the industry, we also talk about paper as being the fifth color, because the substrate you print on can be wildly different from another. You could print the same page on the same press on two different substrates, and they could look wildly different depending on the quality of the paper and what kind of optical brighteners are used,鈥� said Myers.

Getting It Right With 杏吧原创

You want your colors to be perfect. Getting accurate print color is important to 杏吧原创. Our G7-certified facilities and experts can help ensure you receive a product that looks great. Reach out and one of our dedicated Sales Representatives will be in touch.

The post Color Correct: Why and How to Achieve Accurate Color Representation in Print appeared first on 杏吧原创.

Factors That Contribute to Printing Costs

The final price tag on your printed product reflects a multitude of factors. Let’s dissect the core components that contribute to printing costs:

Materials

Paper is a substantial portion of overall printing costs. The weight, type and size all influence the cost. For magazines and catalogs, high-quality paper with special finishes can significantly increase the price. Opting for thicker paper with additional applications can help you create a durable, impressive-looking project, but it may result in increased costs.

Ink is also a factor in material costs. Black and white printing can help reduce costs, but won鈥檛 provide the same visual appeal as a well-crafted full-color print project. Similarly, specialty coatings can add to your printing costs but will result in an eye-catching final product.

Quantity

Printing costs typically follow an economy-of-scale principle. The more you print, the lower the cost per unit. This is because setup costs are spread across a larger volume. For example, printing 1,000 copies of a book might be considerably more expensive per unit compared to printing 10,000 copies.

Printing Method

Your chosen printing method significantly impacts the cost. Offset printing, the traditional method for large print runs, is cost-effective for bulk orders but has high setup costs. Within offset printing, there are two main options: web press and sheetfed. Web press is generally more cost-effective 鈥� while the setup costs can be high, it is more efficient in terms of impressions per hour. Web press is generally preferred for large runs of magazines and catalogs.

Sheetfed printing, on the other hand, is ideal for smaller print runs where quality and specialty applications are more of a concern. Sheetfed printing allows for more flexibility in paper choice and coating options, at the cost of overall printing efficiency. Sheetfed printing may be a better choice for projects like coffee table books, where quality and color accuracy are more important than speed.

Digital printing is a viable option for smaller print runs with tight turnaround times, as the setup costs are significantly lower than offset printing. However, the per-unit cost can be higher for larger print runs. Unfortunately, there鈥檚 no clear answer to which printing method is most affordable, as it depends heavily on your individual project specifications and quantity.

Binding

The binding method chosen for books and magazines affects the cost. Perfect binding is a common choice for larger page count magazines and catalogs, while saddle stitching is used for smaller lower page count magazines. Between these two options, perfect binding is usually more expensive, while saddle stitching is more cost-effective. However, perfect binding is generally considered the more durable, visually appealing option.

When looking at bookbinding, using a softcover can be a great way to save on costs, as hardcover books require a more complex and expensive binding process. Keep in mind that softcover books, while most cost-effective, are not as durable as hardcover books.

Planning and Project Management

Another often-overlooked factor in labor costs is the hours required to bring your project to print and oversee the printing process. Project management is a joint effort between your Sales Representative and Customer Service Representative, as well as the facility鈥檚 print scheduling staff. This combined effort ensures the project matches your vision, schedule and budget.

Packaging and Distribution

While it鈥檚 not technically a part of the printing process, the cost of packaging materials and shipping the finished product to distributors or retailers needs to be factored in. This cost can vary depending on the weight and size of the printed materials. Packaging can also increase labor costs, as it will require additional manpower to pack and label your printed products securely. However, a printer that handles distribution can end up saving you money, as they鈥檒l be well-versed in USPS promotions and regulations.

Contact 杏吧原创 for a Quote on Your Next Project

Understanding printing costs empowers you to make informed decisions. When you contact 杏吧原创 for a quote on your next printing project, one of our dedicated Sales Representatives will walk you through everything that factors into the final price, from setup costs to paper. Additionally, our print experts may be able to find you new ways to save money.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about what sets 杏吧原创 apart!

* This article was developed with assistance from Google鈥檚 PaLM 2 large language AI model.聽

The post Understanding Printing Costs: A Breakdown of Factors appeared first on 杏吧原创.

Here are some examples of 杏吧原创 customers who enjoyed amazing benefits from making the switch:

Sophia Institute Press

Sophia Institute Press is a publisher that specializes in Catholic publications and materials. 杏吧原创鈥檚 relationship with Sophia Institute Press began in July 2020, when we printed several children鈥檚 books for them. Soon after, Sophia approached us with an idea for a brand-new monthly publication, modeled after similar Catholic daily use titles available in Europe.

Thanks to the collective skill and expertise of our elite printing staff, 杏吧原创 was able to identify and match the specifications of these European titles to create Benedictus, a customized monthly publication that exactly matched Sophia Institute Press鈥� vision. Not only did our product meet their needs visually, but we also found significant cost savings through the use of specialized printing equipment at 杏吧原创 鈥� Ripon.

Read the full Sophia Institute Press case study here.

Airport Improvement

Airport Improvement is a publication that features stories, case studies and updates about planned, ongoing and completed projects at airports across North America. When their previous printer of 13 years abruptly ended their partnership, Publisher Paul Bowers was forced to make a change. Luckily, 杏吧原创 was there to help.

Thanks to 杏吧原创鈥檚 dedication to customer service, Paul was able to maintain his processes and continue putting out an incredibly successful and profitable magazine. 鈥淸杏吧原创] made the transition so seamless 鈥� it was unbelievable. I didn鈥檛 have to change any of my systems when I came on with 杏吧原创. They were able to adapt to my system. Whether it was scheduling for when we send magazines out or things like inserts, I鈥檝e been very happy and thankful to 杏吧原创 for being there. We鈥檝e been very lucky and profitable, and they鈥檙e a key part of what we do.鈥� 鈥� Paul Bowers, Publisher of Airport Improvement

Read the full Airport Improvement customer spotlight here.

Edible Communities

Edible Communities is a unique concept 鈥� a licensing organization where each seasonal publication focuses on a specific region’s food scene. This creates a challenge: maintaining a consistent brand experience across various regions and numerous publishers, each with potentially different printing needs and preferences.

When Edible Communities began printing with 杏吧原创 in 2017, we only printed a few of their seasonal publications. However, our partnership blossomed over the next several years, and we now print over 20 Edible magazines. Thanks to our expertise and project management skills, we鈥檝e ensured brand consistency across all of our Edible publications, and our Edible publishers benefit from the convenience of working with a single print and distribution team.

Read the full Edible Communities case study here.

Seton Home Study School

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, Seton Home Study School was left high and dry when their previous printer shut its doors. At the same time, the demand for their printed homeschool curriculum books was skyrocketing. Luckily, they were referred to 杏吧原创 by their previous print sales representative, and the timing couldn鈥檛 have been better.

During this time, the print industry was suffering from unprecedented paper supply chain shortages, and printing companies all over the country were navigating strict paper allotments.聽 As their new printing partner, 杏吧原创 was able to create a backstock of the specific paper needed to print Seton鈥檚 books and meet the education company鈥檚 increased demands. Thanks to our industry expertise, Seton Home Study School thrived during this difficult period.

Read the full Seton Home Study School case study here.

Sporting Classics

Some customers, like Sporting Classics magazine, choose 杏吧原创 for the same reason we鈥檝e remained successful in the print industry for over 87 years: our stability. Sporting Classics is a love letter to all things outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. When Chief Operating Officer Wayne Nanney chose to switch to 杏吧原创, he was looking for a consistent and reliable partner.

鈥淲e chose 杏吧原创 to print our magazine over others because we were trying to find stability in a volatile market. 杏吧原创鈥檚 rates were very competitive, but more importantly, the supply chain was robust and they weren鈥檛 making excuses for shortfalls or delays. Our publishing and mailing dates are always on target. The customer service from the executive level and sales level to the print shop is exceptional.

鈥淪porting Classics made a good decision to print with 杏吧原创. 杏吧原创 is a valued business partner of Sporting Classics.鈥� 鈥� Wayne Nanney, COO and CFO of Sporting Classics

Read the full Sporting Classics customer spotlight here.

杏吧原创鈥檚 Unmatched Stability

When switching to a new printer, you may be concerned that your new partnership is going to get turned upside-down if your printer is acquired by another company, or worse, shuts its doors altogether. With 杏吧原创, you don鈥檛 have to worry 鈥� we鈥檝e been around for 87 years, and we鈥檙e not going anywhere. In fact, we鈥檝e acquired an additional three state-of-the-art printing facilities since 2010, helping us grow to be the third largest book and magazine printer in the United States and Canada.

Make the Switch and Experience the 杏吧原创 Difference

This article shared just a few of the many benefits 杏吧原创 has to offer. Interested in learning more about what we can do for you? Whether it鈥檚 books, magazines or catalogs, 杏吧原创 has multiple print platforms, binding types and applications to fit your needs and your budget. Find out more by contacting us today, and let鈥檚 get started!

The post The Switching Advantage: Why Businesses Choose 杏吧原创 appeared first on 杏吧原创.

Understanding Your Printing Needs

The first step to optimizing your budget is to clearly define your printing needs. Here are some key questions to consider:

What are you printing? Brochures, catalogs, magazines, books or something else entirely? Understanding the type of project will influence paper selection, binding type and finishing options.

What is the purpose of your printed piece? Is it for marketing, internal communication or something else? This will determine key design factors and printing quality needed.

Who is your target audience? Knowing your audience will help determine the quantity you need to print and the distribution strategy.

What is your desired turnaround time? Do you need a rush order, or do you have some flexibility in your printing schedule?

By answering these questions, you can create a clearer picture of your project requirements, allowing you to make informed decisions about the printing process and associated costs.

Cost-Saving Strategies for Printing Projects

Here are some practical strategies you can implement to get the most value from your printing budget:

Web Printing for Larger Runs: Web printing, which involves a large roll or 鈥榳eb鈥� of paper being fed into a press, can be a more cost-effective option than sheetfed or digital printing, depending on the size of your run. While digital printing is typically the more cost-effective option for smaller projects, as it avoids the startup costs of creating plates, the cost savings become apparent once the total number of pieces runs into the thousands.

Select the Right Paper: Premium paper can elevate the look and feel of your project, but it’s not always necessary. Consider choosing a more cost-effective paper option for your project. Reducing paper weight for the body pages while keeping a heavier stock for the cover may provide the perfect mix of a high-quality look and feel and reduced printing costs.

Reduce Your Page Count: Reducing your page count can be an effective way to considerably reduce overall printing costs. Even five or six fewer pages can amount to significant savings, especially when dealing with a large print run.

Consider Your Binding Type: Depending on what you鈥檙e printing, you鈥檒l likely have the option of choosing between multiple binding types, which will affect your overall printing costs. When printing magazines or catalogs, you鈥檒l have the choice between perfect bound and saddle stitch binding, depending on your page count. Saddle stitch, while generally considered to be the less durable option, often comes with significant cost savings. Similarly, when printing books, consider choosing softcover binding to reduce printing costs while maintaining an attractive appearance.

Quality Considerations When Cutting Costs

While cost reduction is important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of quality. Here’s how to ensure your printed piece remains professional and impactful even with a budget-conscious approach:

Invest in High-Resolution Images: Low-resolution images will appear blurry and unprofessional when printed. Always use high-resolution images to maintain a crisp and clear visual presentation.

Prioritize Design: Thoughtful, beautiful design will help give your project a high-quality and polished look regardless of your choice of paper or binding type. Taking the time to create an elegant design throughout your project can play a big part in maintaining overall quality.

Proofread Carefully: Typos and grammatical errors can undermine the professionalism of your printed piece. Take the time to proofread your document thoroughly before sending it to print.

Choose a Reputable Printer: Choosing a reliable printing company with a proven track record of quality is essential. An experienced printer will be able to guide you in choosing specifications that will maintain overall quality while reducing costs. Additionally, a reputable printer more than likely offers strict quality control, ensuring no errors occur during the printing process.

Building a Long-Term Printing Partnership

Developing a long-term relationship with a printing company can be your ace in the hole when it comes to developing cost-saving print strategies. Once your printing partner knows your project like the back of their own hand, it will be that much easier for them to think outside the box and come to you with suggestions to help reduce costs while maintaining quality. Remember: materials and labor are only part of the equation. What about distribution? An experienced printing company will have mailing experts ready to step in and find the best way to get your project where it needs to go for the smallest amount of money possible.

Make the Most of Your Printing Budget With 杏吧原创

If your current printer can鈥檛 meet your needs while staying within your budget, 杏吧原创 may have a solution for you. Our dedicated sales representatives work in tandem with our experienced printing staff to make the most of your budget. With over 87 years in the print industry, 杏吧原创 is known for the highest level of customer service and printing excellence, whether we鈥檙e printing books, catalogs or magazines.

Don鈥檛 leave the results of your next print project up to chance 鈥� partner with a printer that prioritizes quality and has the awards to prove it. Ready to get started? Get in touch with us today to see the 杏吧原创 difference for yourself.

* This article was developed with assistance from Google’s PaLM 2 large language AI model.聽

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How It All Started

Maddox and Archer share a common trait: their humble beginnings in the print industry. Both men started in print right out of high school in an entry-level role. 鈥淎 friend of mine suggested working at the Ovid Bell Press; I was hired on and started right around my 18th birthday,鈥� said Maddox. 鈥淭hen, I was a Sheetfed Operator for about a year. I went from there to Web Operator, and after that, I took the foreman job on nights for about 12 years. After that, I worked as the Bindery Manager, then Night Shift Lead in the press room before I got the management spot about two and a half years ago.鈥�

While Maddox has worked in print for around 25 years, Archer boasts a four-decade career in print. 鈥淚t’s scary to think this is actually my 41st year in the printing industry,鈥� said Archer. 鈥淚 started out of high school in 1983 as a utility in the press room at RR Donnelley, sweeping the floors and dumping trash, working my way up to Press Operator there. I was there for 11 years.鈥� He then worked foreman, supervisor and management roles at several printing companies in plants across the country, including Denver, Colorado; Clarksville, Tennessee; Jefferson City, Missouri; and Roanoke, Virginia, before taking the manager position in Saint Joseph in 2017.

How It鈥檚 Changed

It鈥檚 no secret that thanks to technology, the world has changed drastically in the last few decades, and the print industry is no exception. 鈥淲hen I started in the trade, pre-press was still stripping film and burning plates, now that鈥檚 all computer to plate,鈥� said Maddox. 鈥淵ou had to key ink by hand, now it鈥檚 all automated. The industry has changed a lot in the last few decades.鈥�

Archer adds, 鈥淲hen I first got into the industry, color controls and register systems were all done manually. Now there鈥檚 newer design equipment, gapless technology on our blankets, computer to plate 鈥� it鈥檚 all digital now. It鈥檚 reduced errors and increased productivity. In the bindery, with our new binder, everything is set up automatically. We鈥檝e seen increased uptime with the design of new pockets and increased speeds for that same reason.鈥�

The Day-to-Day

Maddox鈥檚 typical day as Press Manager looks a little different at the moment, thanks to 杏吧原创 鈥� Fulton鈥檚 current push to install newer equipment. 鈥淩ight now, I鈥檓 mostly dealing with equipment installations, searching for parts for this new equipment or trying to make new contacts with vendors,鈥� said Maddox. 鈥淥verall, I鈥檓 trying to get my department to give the next department the best product we can. It can be challenging because a lot of this stuff is hard to come by. But looking toward the end of the tunnel, I know everything is going to be great.鈥�

Up in Michigan, Archer went through a similar challenge when he first started at 杏吧原创 鈥� Saint Joseph seven years ago. 鈥淲hen I first got here, the plant needed a lot of change. We had older equipment that needed to be maintained and replaced. Getting a job in and out the door required a different effort and focus than we have today,鈥� said Archer. Thankfully, that light at the end of the tunnel arrived. 鈥淭oday, we’ve got processes in place. I might have spent more time with quality issues in the past. We don’t have many of those anymore. My typical day today is, I catch up on emails and do a standard meeting in the morning to find out what we’ve done in the last 24 hours and what we鈥檙e going to do in the next 24 hours.鈥�

Their Love of Print

Archer cites the variety his job provides as a reason he鈥檚 stayed in the print industry for four decades. 鈥淥ne of the things I always wanted to do was come in every single day and it be different. It鈥檚 never the same, there鈥檚 always something different; you鈥檙e making something different. Different content, different paper, different challenges. It鈥檚 constantly challenging you. That鈥檚 something I enjoy. The next problem that needs to be solved.鈥�

Maddox noted the combination of skills needed to be successful as a reason he loves working in print. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of hands-on work, and a lot of technology is involved. It鈥檚 a broad spectrum of things someone needs to know.鈥�

Tips for Magazine Publishers

Over the years, Phil Archer has worked with countless magazine publishers, whether they鈥檙e first-timers or veterans of the industry. His advice? Understand the product you鈥檙e trying to create. 鈥淭ake advantage of our onboarding process to understand how your design is going to look on press. Are you using the right paper? For example, if you have photographs, you don鈥檛 want matte stock, you want nice gloss,鈥� said Archer.

Archer continued to emphasize the importance of considering what the item will be used for. “Is this a coffee table book, or something that people are only going to read once? If it’s a coffee table book, consider perfect bound or case bound. Saddle stitch is a great way to save money, but it doesn’t have the same longevity.” Having knowledgeable printers in your corner to help you with these decisions can be a game changer.

What You Should Know About the Print Industry

As a four-decade veteran of the print industry, Archer wants the world to understand that print is thriving. 鈥淚t鈥檚 over a 70 billion dollar industry. It鈥檚 a big industry, but also close-knit,鈥� said Archer. 鈥淚t鈥檚 all over the world. It鈥檚 kind of like being a doctor; you can go all over the world and have a job in just about any city, anywhere you want to go there鈥檚 work to be done.鈥�

Finally, Archer stressed the benefits of a career in printing. 鈥淭here鈥檚 opportunity for advancement at all levels. If you don鈥檛 have a degree, you can still make it to plant manager. You can learn to be a supervisor. You can keep learning new roles. There are always opportunities for advancement and increases in pay.鈥� Archer added, 鈥淔or someone coming out of high school and college is not an option for them, the printing industry is alive and well. It鈥檚 gonna be there for a long time. To come in and learn a trade and have a career with the opportunity for advancement is a fantastic way to raise your family. We can help with that.鈥�

Consider a Career in Print With 杏吧原创

If you鈥檙e interested in starting or continuing your career in print, 杏吧原创 is a great place to learn the ins and outs of the trade. 杏吧原创 has state of the art printing facilities in Saint Joseph, Michigan; Ripon, Wisconsin; and Fulton, Brookfield and Marceline, Missouri. Our company culture emphasizes trust, teamwork and integrity, and we鈥檙e passionate about hiring local talent from the communities that house our printing facilities. and launch your career in print today!

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Keep reading to learn about seven powerful ways to implement printed materials into your college recruitment strategy, inspiring the next generation of students to choose your university to call home.

1. Viewbooks

Viewbooks are comprehensive publications that provide an in-depth look at a college’s programs, campus and community. They are often larger and more detailed than other recruitment materials, aiming to give prospective students a thorough understanding of what your college has to offer.

A viewbook can be a great way to paint a picture of what life is like as a student at your college. To make that picture as enticing as possible, we recommend printing viewbooks on high-quality paper with colorful, vibrant imagery. It鈥檚 a sure way to stand out and above the slew of digital viewbooks your prospective students may be receiving.

2. Alumni Magazines

Colleges often produce magazines for alumni that highlight campus news, events and alumni achievements. These magazines can also double as a recruitment tool by showcasing the college’s successes and sense of community, helping prospective students see the value of attending and what life could be like post-graduation.

The other clear benefit of printed alumni magazines in college recruitment is their ability to create a dedicated, engaged alumni community. Alumni who feel valued will be more likely to help with recruitment efforts by encouraging the students they know to apply to their alma mater.

3. Course Catalogs

Course catalogs detail the college’s academic offerings, including course descriptions, faculty profiles and program requirements. These catalogs are essential for current students to plan their academic paths and for prospective students to explore the college’s academic options.

Offering printed course catalogs to prospective students will ensure they can easily browse your school鈥檚 course offerings to see if it鈥檚 a good fit for their desired major. Plus, according to , studies indicate that around 62% of college students favor physical books over digital textbooks. This preference has decreased slightly in recent years but still shows a significant preference for print over digital formats.

4. Campus Guides

Campus Guides are publications that provide detailed information about the college campus, including maps, building layouts and other campus amenities. Campus guides often cover the history of the campus, highlighting key landmarks and providing historical background on the college’s founding and development. They also use photography to showcase the campus, including photos of buildings, landmarks and other features that make the campus unique.

Campus guides are designed to help new and prospective students navigate the campus and learn about its history and culture. They can also be valuable resources for alumni and visitors looking to learn more about the college’s campus. A well-crafted campus guide that features high-quality photography can be a valuable tool in promoting your college to prospective students.

5. Event Programs

Consider turning to a professional printer for programs for recruitment events, such as open houses, campus tours and information sessions. These programs provide a schedule of events and other important information for attendees, helping to make the event more organized and informative. High-quality printed programs will give any recruitment event a more elevated and professional feel.

6. Direct Mail Campaigns

One major role of college recruiters is to design and print direct mail campaigns targeted at prospective students, encouraging them to apply or visit the campus. Direct mail campaigns can be personalized and targeted to specific groups of prospective students, making them a highly effective recruitment tool. High-quality mailpieces are sure to be more enticing to prospective students. Plus, a full-service printing partner can help take the headache out of your mailing strategy, and may even be able to save you money on mailing costs.

7. Digital Editions

Digital editions are electronic versions of print materials, such as viewbooks, alumni magazines and course catalogs, that can be accessed online. While these are not a 鈥榩rint鈥� product in the traditional sense, partnering with a printing company that can create easily accessible digital editions to accompany printed materials can be an effective way to improve the reach of your recruiting efforts.

These digital editions can reach a wide audience and provide interactive features that enhance the reader’s experience. The nature of digital editions also removes the issue of limited space that comes with print materials, allowing your recruiting team to deliver more content without increasing costs. Consider combining digital editions with your print strategy to maximize results.

Print Powerful Recruiting Tools With 杏吧原创

As a college recruiter, you know how important it is to stand out. These seven methods can help you get the word out to prospective students and show them why your school is the best choice, as long as you work with a printer that鈥檚 up to the task.

With 87 years of experience, 杏吧原创 is an established and knowledgeable printing company that has experience in all sorts of industries, including universities and alumni associations. Not only do we produce high-quality print materials that fit your budget; we can create digital editions to maximize their reach. If you鈥檙e ready to elevate your recruiting strategy with high-quality print, contact us today to get in touch with one of our experts.

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What To Consider When Switching Printers

Most publishers and business owners start sweating at the idea of leaving their established printer 鈥� and for good reason. There are many factors to consider when looking for a new printer, and it can be difficult to find the right fit. Beyond things like quality, cost and availability, it鈥檚 important to make sure your new printer is easy to work with and will represent your business well.

Quality of Printed Materials

The quality of your printed materials reflects on your brand. If a business puts out a low-quality magazine, readers might assume their products and services are similarly low quality. When connecting with a new printer, make sure to ask for samples of similar projects they鈥檝e done, so you can accurately judge the quality of the printer鈥檚 work.

Quality of Service

When starting a relationship with a printer, it鈥檚 important to make sure your needs will be met. Printers providing high-quality service are helpful, proactive and communicative. On the other hand, poor service can leave you confused and frustrated, and may even result in your projects being late or incorrect.

Printing Capacity

Higher distribution comes with many benefits; increased ad revenue and a larger presence, to name a few. The last thing you want is a printer who can鈥檛 handle your growing distribution. When choosing a new printing partner, you鈥檒l want to make sure their capacity is large enough to accommodate larger runs, especially if you foresee growth in your business or association鈥檚 future. But, don鈥檛 get lost in a sea of clients by simply choosing the largest printer you can find; instead, look for that 鈥済oldilocks鈥� printer that seems to fit you just right.聽 Not too big and not too small.

Cost Considerations

When trying to maintain a budget or turn a profit, cost is a crucial factor. Cost considerations may even be the driving force behind the decision to switch printers. Unfortunately, cutting costs often means sacrificing quality 鈥� so it鈥檚 important to find a printer not looking to cut corners on your project or your quality.

Benefits of Choosing 杏吧原创

Customized Solutions

One size doesn鈥檛 fit all. 杏吧原创 provides tailored solutions, addressing the unique needs of each customer for a personalized experience. Whether your business or association is simply looking for high-quality printing services or you鈥檇 also benefit from mail and distribution, 杏吧原创 has you covered. We鈥檙e ready to help you through each step of the process, from to fulfillment.

Understanding Your Printing Needs

Before making the switch, it’s essential to assess your current printing requirements and consider future scalability. With over 87 years of experience, 杏吧原创 knows the printing process inside and out. Our sales and customer service representatives can bring your specific vision to life with a wealth of expertise to back them up.

Price and Quality 鈥� the Best of Both Worlds

Many printing partners will force you to choose between price and quality 鈥� but not 杏吧原创. 杏吧原创 offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality, ensuring businesses and associations get a ton of value for their investment. 杏吧原创’s commitment to excellence means every print project meets the highest standards. We use state-of-the-art press equipment to produce finely crafted projects, which are rigorously checked for errors and inconsistencies by our expert employees.

Step-by-Step Guide to Switching to 杏吧原创

Initial Consultation/Discovery

The journey begins with a comprehensive consultation to understand your printing needs and expectations. Our customers get to know us, and we get to know them. 鈥淕ood reps are like pain archeologists,鈥� says Andrew Shackelford, Commercial Sales Representative. 鈥淚n the discovery process, we help identify pain points and service issues with the customer鈥檚 current printer, then create a plan for how we can solve them.鈥� We encourage potential customers to come in for a plant tour, so they can see our dedication to quality in action.

Tailored Proposal

After understanding why you鈥檇 make a move, and whether we would be additive to the success of your plans, the 杏吧原创 rep provides a detailed proposal, outlining our services and associated costs. This proposal is custom-tailored to address the specific needs identified along the way. You will work closely with your sales rep to address any questions or concerns regarding the proposal.

Onboarding Process

Once the proposal is accepted, the 杏吧原创 team will begin working to introduce the new customer and their project into our system. 鈥淭he process of changing printers is never easy, but we work to make it as comfortable as possible,鈥� says Shackelford. 鈥淚 like to have an onboarding call 鈥� first one-on-one, then I鈥檒l bring in the rest of the team.鈥� 杏吧原创 has dedicated Customer Service Representatives, Mailing Specialists and Pressroom Supervisors ready to jump into our new customers鈥� projects.

The onboarding process is important: the 杏吧原创 experts learn how best to meet the new customer鈥檚 needs. We learn first-hand what is important to you and your staff.聽 We understand any production constraints and help you deliver a better product.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition

Minimizing downtime during the transition is a priority for 杏吧原创. Once you are officially on board as a client, we prioritize service and communication to ensure you stay up to date on the status of your print project. We encourage our customers to share any concerns with us after making the switch, so we can fix potential concerns immediately. The best way to accomplish this is with a thorough post-production review of the first project, sharing what went well, what can be improved, and what issues might simply be growing pains as we learn about each other.

Transition Seamlessly With 杏吧原创

Making the switch to a new printer is a significant decision and may seem daunting. However, 杏吧原创 has the tools and expertise to make the transition a positive experience. With our industry experience, customized solutions and commitment to excellence, we鈥檒l maintain or even improve the quality of your publication once it鈥檚 in our expert hands.

With decades of experience, 杏吧原创 has earned a stellar reputation in the printing industry. Client testimonials and industry recognition solidify our position as a trusted and reliable printing partner. 杏吧原创 was recently named the 29th largest printer in the U.S. and Canada, as well as the third largest magazine and book printer. Aside from these rankings, the quality of our work speaks for itself. To learn more about printing with 杏吧原创, fill out a contact form to get in touch with us today.

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