Monthly Archives: November 2011

Changes in Endurance Digital

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Source: paperspecs.com
November 29, 2011

Already FSC Chain-of-Custody certified, xpedx’s Endurance Digital, a coated paper for digital printing equipment, will now include 10 percent postconsumer wastepaper in all sizes.

The paper is a 91-bright sheet available in Text and Cover, gloss and silk, and in a variety of sizes and weights. xpedx targets it for high-volume digital printers, commercial printers and in-plant printers.

Endurance Digital paper is certified by the Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) Printing Applications Laboratory. It has full certification for HP Indigo printers, including heavier weight 130 lb. paper, and is guaranteed for Xerox iGen, KODAK Nexpress, Canon, Konica-Minolta, Océ and other toner/laser-based printers and DI (digital imaging) presses.

Because of new equipment in the market, xpedx has also expanded the Endurance Digital portfolio to include the new sizes of 26 x 14.33 and 22.5 x 14.33.

Variable Data Printing Basics

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Variable Data Printing Basics
From our friends at Net Publicatio
http://www.Netpub.net

In simplest terms, Variable Data Printing (VDP) involves varying or
changing the information that is put on a printed piece. But that
description greatly minimizes the full scope and sophistication of this
method of personalized printing. A print shop equipped with VDP technology
can customize every piece of a single print run with a targeted message
that resonates with each direct mail recipient. This capability is
light-years beyond laser-personalized letters and a simple change of name
in an address box. Variable Data Printing combines design and text elements
with data analytics to ensure that a promotional mailer speaks directly to
a customer. Once a customer’s personal profile (age, gender, location,
purchasing habits) is determined then graphics, color, logos, and pictures
can be adjusted to create compelling and unique content for a specific
audience.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Planning a VDP Campaign

WHO should use it?

Anyone who is currently marketing with direct mail should seriously
consider Variable Data Printing customization rather than continuing to
deliver non-personalized, static messages.

WHY use VDP?

Statistics confirm that messages targeted to an individual’s profile and
preferences result in higher direct mail response rates and increased ROI.
In addition, short run printing with digital technology has made VDP
possible and very affordable.

WHERE do I begin?

Partner with a company that has the proper tools and equipment, which
includes digital printing technologies, in-house design with specialized
VDP software, expertise in direct mail, and expertise in data analytics.

WHAT is the best usage?

Any direct mail campaign designed to: attract new clients, raise funds,
purchase a product, or sell a service. VDP can be implemented for catalogs,
postcards, letters, envelopes, packages, self-mailers, booklets, business
correspondence, event tickets, custom publications, and cross-media
marketing campaigns.

WHEN do I start?

Start now. Don’t wait. The University of Nebraska Medical Center describes
their ROI in this way, “The returns for variable printing vary from double
the normal return at the basic level to 10-15 times the return for fully
variable jobs.”

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Posted By NetPublications to Grogg Blogs at 11/18/2011 12:51:00 PM

The Expresso Book Machine

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I am a bit biased. I don’t like the Expresso Book machine. But it’s bcause I have seen them being demonstrated (more than once) and not work. But being one to forgive and forget (a little), I am sharing this video here. It appears they got it to work long enough to make a demonstration video. I am sure we will hear more about Expresso Book machines going into all sorts of new retail shops. How about a coffee shop (espresso anyone?) / Expresso Book machine store? Yawn….

Well if you don’t care for that, how about the Giant Fire Breathing Robot Baby Video? Now that’s what I’m talking about!

Calendar Photobook Specials through www.funphotobooks.net

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Save 20% when you order by November 30
Photo books and calendars are easy to make, lovely to give.

Looking for a great gift idea — or two? Now you can save big on two gifts your friends and family are sure to love. Simply enter the code GREATDEAL20 at checkout to save 20% on every book and calendar in your order.

The more you make, the more you save. Holiday shopping — done!

Tip: You can use this code as many times as you like until Nov 30.

Tips on How to Save With Direct Mail

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11/10/11
This came today from NetPublications blog – “Grogg Blogs”
www.netpublications.net

The Direct Mail Association (DMA) reports that 79% of households read or
skim through their direct mail. In addition, response rates for direct mail
have held steady over the past four years. This information secures direct
mail’s status as a highly effective mode of marketing communication for
generating a very positive ROI. This is good news for marketers. But if you
are just slapping a stamp on a mail piece, you could be missing out on
substantial postal discounts that can often cover the entire costs of
printing and mailing.

Whether you prefer first class or bulk mail, USPS offers discounts on
postage if you follow certain guidelines. Essentially, the less the USPS
has to physically interact with your mail, the more savings that is passed
on to you. A few simple modifications can make your direct mail piece
“machinable”, which is post office terminology for being fully automated.
By tweaking a few basic design characteristics, you can ensure that your
direct mail campaign has benefited from optimum discounts.

1. Dimension and weight of the piece (postcard, self-mailer, letter, flats)

2. Design features

o Fold style/orientation (horizontal, vertical, bi-fold, quarter fold)

o Location of address block and address placement

o Ancillary Service Endorsement

3. Closure methods

o Tabs (wafer seals)

· Sizes (1, 1 ½, 2”)

· Perforated/non-perforated

· Quantity and placement (top, trail edge, lead edge)

o Glued (continuous glue lines or glue spots)

4. Quantities

o Minimum of 500 pieces for first class (estimated 2 to 3 days for delivery)

o Minimum of 200 pieces for bulk (standard) mail (estimated 2 to 9 days for
delivery)

Mail regulations can be complicated and often seem open for interpretation.
For this reason, we recommend building a relationship with your bulk mail
center. It is best to call ahead to find out the most convenient time to
pay them a visit. Bring a sample of your mail piece and solicit their
advice on the best way to achieve postal discounts. They will usually
provide you with a “take home” package containing templates and other
pertinent information.

To achieve even further discounts, it is best to partner with a direct mail
house that has capabilities in both Intelligent Barcode, and postal/courier
route presorts.

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Posted By NetPublications to Grogg Blogs at 11/08/2011 02:33:00 PM