File Preparation: The Foundation of Success

A well-prepared file is the cornerstone of a successful printing project. Inaccurate files can lead to costly delays, errors and subpar results. Here’s what publishers need to consider:

• File Formats: Ensure files are in the correct format (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and submit PDFs that adhere to industry-standard specifications.
• Color Management: Maintain consistent color throughout the printing process by using a robust color management system and specifying the desired color profiles. Be aware of the color type your printing partner uses (CMYK or RGB) and be sure to correctly format your files. You can use Adobe Bridge to sync your color settings.
• Image Resolution: Use high-resolution images (at least 200 DPI) to prevent pixelation and ensure sharp, clear prints.
• Fonts: Embed all fonts used in the document to avoid font substitution issues during printing.
• Bleed and Safety Margins: Adhere to proper bleed and safety margin guidelines to prevent content from being cut off during trimming. Bleed is typically .125 inches and safety margins a minimum of .125 inches, but make sure to verify with your commercial printer.
• Trim Size: Make sure to build your document to the final trim size.

If you have any questions about file preparation, your printing partner should offer resources to walk you through the process.

Proofing: A Crucial Step

Thorough proofreading is essential to catch any errors, inconsistencies or typos before they reach the printing press.

• Multiple Rounds of Proofing: Conduct multiple rounds of proofing, involving different individuals with fresh eyes each time, to ensure no errors or inconsistencies are missed.
• Digital Proofs: Utilize digital proofs to efficiently review the final appearance of the printed piece before physical printing commences.
• Color Calibration: Ensure accurate color representation on your monitor by ensuring it鈥檚 calibrated correctly when viewing digital proofs.

Communication is Key

Open and consistent communication with your printing partner is vital throughout the entire process.

• Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate your project requirements, deadlines and budget expectations from the outset.
• Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins with your printer to discuss progress, address any concerns and make necessary adjustments.
• Provide Feedback Promptly: Provide timely feedback on proofs and any other communication to keep the project moving forward efficiently.

A skilled and experienced printing partner can help you better reach your goals as long as you make sure to communicate them early in the process.

Mailing and Distribution

Remember: the work isn鈥檛 over when your project comes off the press. For publications that require physical distribution, careful planning of the mailing process is crucial.

• Mailing Lists: Ensure your mailing lists are set up correctly for optimum sorting, reviewed for duplicates and checked for moves via an established address update method.
• Postal Regulations: Knowing the postal regulations, including weight restrictions, dimensional weight calculations and mailing class requirements can help you spot opportunities to save money.  Work closely with your printer to make sure there isn鈥檛 an easy change that can be made to save postage.
• Mailing Methods: Choose the most cost-effective and efficient mailing methods based on your budget, timeline and the geographic scope of your distribution. Consider utilizing mailing solutions like coMailing and drop shipping to maximize postage savings.

By carefully considering these mailing factors, publishers can ensure their publications reach their intended audience efficiently and cost-effectively.

Choosing the Right Printing Partner

Selecting a reliable and experienced printing partner is crucial for a successful printing project.

• Expertise: Choose a printer with expertise in your specific type of publication (e.g., magazines, books, catalogs).
• Quality Standards: Look for a printer with a strong reputation for high-quality printing and a commitment to meeting industry standards.
• Capabilities: Inquire about the printer’s capabilities to ensure they have the resources to make your project a reality.
• Customer Service: Prioritize a printer with excellent customer service and a responsive team that is readily available to address your questions and concerns.

抖荫短视频: A Trusted Printing Partner

抖荫短视频 is a leading provider of commercial printing services, offering a comprehensive range of solutions for publishers, including:

• High-Quality Printing: State-of-the-art printing presses and finishing equipment ensure exceptional print quality and consistent results.
• Decades of Expertise: 抖荫短视频 has over 88 years of experience serving the publishing industry, with a deep understanding of the unique needs and challenges of magazine, book and catalog publishers.
• Customer-Centric Approach: A dedicated team of experts provides personalized support and guidance throughout the entire printing process.
• Commitment to Sustainability: A focus on responsible printing practices, including the use of eco-friendly inks and materials, as well as certifications for sustainable forestry practices.

Partner With 抖荫短视频 for Printing Success

By following these tips and partnering with a reputable printing company like 抖荫短视频, publishers can streamline the printing process, minimize risks and achieve exceptional results. From meticulous file preparation and thorough proofing to effective communication and choosing the right printing partner, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and successful printing journey.

With over 88 years of experience, 抖荫短视频 has the expertise to guide your project through each step of the printing process, from file preparation to mailing. Contact us today to learn more about how we make the printing process smooth and pain-free.

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

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Utilize Customer Support Staff

One of the most valuable resources available during the transition is the customer support team at your new printer. These professionals are trained to assist you with any questions, concerns, or issues that may arise. Your Sales Representative and Customer Service Representative are there to help ease you through the transition, so be sure to take full advantage of their expertise. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for guidance on everything from file preparation to shipping logistics. 

Your customer support staff can often even give you advice on the best printing options to fit your budget while still creating a quality final product, including paper and binding options, as well as coatings and other applications.

Carefully Review Proofs

Proofreading is a critical step in any printing project, but it becomes even more essential when working with a new printer. A different printer may be working with different equipment, resulting in minor visual differences from what your customers are used to receiving. Take the time to carefully review all proofs and ensure that they accurately reflect your desired outcome. Pay close attention to details such as color accuracy and and overall layout. Establishing a robust quality control process will help minimize errors and ensure that your final product meets your high standards.

Understand Your New Printer’s Capabilities

Each printer has its own unique capabilities and limitations. Before embarking on a new project, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with your printer’s strengths and weaknesses. This will help you make informed decisions about the types of projects to pursue and the specific requirements that need to be met. Again, don鈥檛 be afraid to lean on your new customer support representatives to fully understand their printing capabilities. Your new printer may offer new capabilities to enhance your project, such as coatings, binding types or even paper options.

Establish a Relationship With Your New Printer

Your point of contact at the printer will play a crucial role in the success of your partnership. Take the time to get to know them and build a rapport. Open and honest communication is key to a successful working relationship. Discuss your project goals, timelines and any specific concerns you may have. As your relationship with your new printing partner grows, they鈥檒l likely learn to anticipate your needs and may even come to you with new ways to enhance your product or save on printing costs. By establishing a strong connection with your point of contact, you’ll create a foundation for collaboration and problem-solving.

Ensure a Painless Transition with 抖荫短视频

At 抖荫短视频, we understand that switching to a new printing partner can be a daunting task. That’s why we’re committed to making the transition as seamless as possible. For example, we offer a series of quick start guides to help you get your files ready for a successful print. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and support throughout the entire process. From initial consultation to final delivery, we’ll work closely with you to ensure that your printing needs are met with the highest level of quality and efficiency.聽聽By following these tips and leveraging the expertise of your new printing partner, you can successfully navigate the challenges of a new partnership and achieve outstanding results. With careful planning, open communication, and a commitment to quality, you’ll be well on your way to building a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship. Contact 抖荫短视频 today to learn more about how we make the switching process painless.

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

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About CreativePro Week

CreativePro Week was hosted from July 8-12 in Washington D.C. this year. The conference is planned for and hosted by creative professionals who design, create or edit in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat or Microsoft PowerPoint. This year featured 30+ expert speakers and over 75 informative sessions.

About James Wamser

James Wamser is an Adobe Certified Expert and Instructor. Wamser serves as a Customer Education Specialist at 抖荫短视频鈥檚 Ripon, Wisconsin, facility. Since 2004, he has also taught InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop at and chairs the Milwaukee InDesign User Group. Wamser is widely recognized for his expertise and regularly presents at seminars and workshops, sharing his knowledge and insights.

Getting It Right, Right From the Start

James presented his session over best practices for setting up your print design files at 9:15 A.M. Wednesday, July 10. Here are some of the key takeaways from James’ presentation:

• Utilize Quick Start Guides: 抖荫短视频 offers a variety of downloadable guides covering essential topics like exporting PDFs, creating perfect bound covers and setting drill hole allowances. These guides can be found at .
• Setting Up Your Document: Always build your document to the final trim size. If you’re updating an existing document, double-check the trim size, margins and bleed settings. James recommends using a minimum margin of 鈪� inch and setting the bleed to 鈪� inch as well. If your project involves drilling, be sure to factor in enough margin space. Additionally, only use CMYK colors unless your project specifically requires Pantone inks.
• The Power of Templates: Templates can be a huge time-saver and can help you achieve a flawless layout from the get-go. While some templates can be found online, it’s preferable to obtain them from your commercial printer. These templates will have the correct specifications tailored to your specific project. Templates are especially helpful for letterfold prints (where all three sides shouldn’t be identical) and perfect bound covers (which require reserving space for the spine).
• Optimizing PDF Exports: Always consult your commercial printing partner for recommended PDF export settings. These settings ensure your design files function properly within their printing system and typically encompass factors like margins, bleed and marks, color conversion and more.
• Double-Checking with Acrobat Pro: If you’re using Adobe Acrobat Pro, you can use the preflighting features to verify your document’s setup. Key areas to check include trim size (set page boxes), bleeds and margins, image resolution, font embedding and ink usage (using the output preview function).
• New Feature Guides: James has compiled extensive New Feature Guides for , and .

James鈥� session also included live demonstrations of these InDesign best practices, as well as a short Q&A session. If you weren鈥檛 able to attend, you can watch the recorded session on the .

About 抖荫短视频

抖荫短视频 is a commercial printing company that specializes in books, magazines and catalogs. With a team of experts just like James on our side, we鈥檙e dedicated to providing publishers and creative minds with the tools they need to produce high-quality, beautifully designed printed products. For more information about what 抖荫短视频 can do for you, get in touch with us today.

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Here’s how a printer can become your partner in your publishing success:

Navigation and Expertise

The world of printing can be full of unfamiliar terms and technicalities, especially for an author new to self-publishing. A good print sales representative can act as your guide, offering informative consultations to answer your questions and explain the printing process step-by-step before it begins.

From there, an experienced printing team will advise you on everything from paper selection and binding options to file formats and printing schedules. They can also help you navigate industry standards and ensure your book meets all the technical specifications for distribution. There are a lot of potential hiccups along the way when taking a book through the printing and distribution process 鈥� a quality printer can help you save time, avoid headaches and produce a high-quality, professional-looking book.

Quality Control

As an author, entrusting your book to a printer can feel like a leap of faith. For your peace of mind, a good book printer will work hand-in-hand with you to ensure a high-quality, error-free product. You will be given digital proofs of your book to fully review and approve before the print run begins. This is a very important step: pay close attention because mistakes are far less costly if caught at this stage rather than after printing is complete!聽 Specifically, look for typos, errors in layout, trim marks and any other formatting before it鈥檚 too late.

Reputable printers use only high-quality materials and advanced printing technologies to ensure your book looks and feels professional. After all, this is your masterpiece 鈥� the final printed book should fill you with pride every time you pick it up.

Design and Layout Support

Don’t have design experience? No problem! Some printers offer design services and can recommend qualified design partners. This takes the pressure off you to create a print-ready file and ensures your book’s cover and interior layout are visually appealing and translate well to physical form. Aspects of book design to consider include page layout, typography, cover art and much more. All these factors can have a huge effect on how your book is perceived and whether it sells 鈥� if you鈥檙e not confident in your skills as a designer, consider leaving it to .

Inventory Management and Distribution

Once your book is fully printed and bound, the work isn鈥檛 done just yet 鈥� have you considered distribution? Many printing companies offer warehousing and fulfillment solutions, storing your books and shipping them directly to retailers or customers upon order. If you鈥檙e just getting started as a self-publisher, you may not have the space or time to handle storage and distribution. This frees you up to focus on marketing and promotion while letting the printer handle the logistics. Plus, an experienced printing company will be well-versed in mailing systems, ensuring your books get to their destinations as quickly as possible.

Cost Management and Flexibility

Budgeting is crucial for new publishers. Reputable printers understand this and offer a variety of printing options to suit your needs and budget. They鈥檒l ensure you鈥檙e well informed of all paper, binding and finishing options to help you find the perfect specifications to fit your budget. Whether you choose a smaller print run for initial marketing or a larger quantity for wider distribution, an established book printer can provide competitive pricing and flexible solutions.

Building a Long-Term Partnership

Assuming you find the perfect printer, there鈥檚 a good chance your relationship won鈥檛 end after just a single project. If you plan on continuing to self-publish in the future, look for a company that values long-term relationships. 抖荫短视频 can become your trusted advisor, offering guidance and support as you grow your readership and write more bestsellers. An ongoing partnership ensures consistency and quality for all future book projects.

Partner With 抖荫短视频 for Self-Publishing Success

The printing process doesn’t have to be a struggle for new self-publishers. By partnering with a reputable book printer like 抖荫短视频, you gain access to expertise, quality control and valuable support services. That way, you can focus on your passion 鈥� writing and publishing fantastic books, while the printer handles the technical aspects and ensures your book reaches readers quickly and in a professional and polished format.

Remember, a good printer is more than just a service provider; they’re your partner in bringing your literary vision to life. Contact 抖荫短视频 today to learn more about our print and design services and to see for yourself why our family-owned printing company has been successful for over 87 years.

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You certainly don鈥檛 do it because you hate to sleep. Nor do you do it for the pay, which is nonexistent. You do it for the real-world experience and the ability to contribute. You do it because you have a passion for creating great content.

So, if your publication printer is kind of meh, you deserve better. You need a partner who matches your passion and delivers print products and services that elevate your publication.

Getting Beyond 鈥淢eh鈥�

Here are some attributes to look for in choosing a printer for your student-run publication.

Do they specialize in publications?

Maybe you think your student-run publication is too small for a publication printing specialist.聽 Forget that notion. A partner with decades of experience in the special-interest publication world can deliver advantages your local printer can鈥檛. When your printer knows the ins and outs of the publication business, it takes a load off you. Think about what you could do by spending fewer hours getting from digital file creation to final print production. Did we mention sleep?

Is their customer service structured for you?

A great printing partner is set up for ease of doing business鈥攁s in easy for you. Look for a layered team structure that provides leadership and plenty of bench strength. You want multiple people who are familiar with your publication so that you don鈥檛 miss a beat when your main contact is away.

Do they offer multiple print platforms?

When you鈥檙e putting together a student magazine, your focus should be on content and design 鈥� not whether your printing partner has the right equipment for the job. The ability to print on multiple digital and offset platforms can reduce your costs and provide the flexibility to easily scale quantities up or down. And, if you want to ensure consistent and reliable quality from device to device, ask if your printer has a G7庐 Master Qualification from IDEAlliance and Master Printers of America.

Do they provide a multitude of paper choices?

This is where publication specialization and economies of scale play in your favor. A skilled paper management team has your back. They鈥檒l help you identify and secure paper stocks that meet your budget and publication goals. It鈥檚 also helpful if they have an extensive in-house paper selection, which can provide greater value on thin budgets. The right printer can provide environmentally friendly paper options that fit your budget.

Do they offer education and training that鈥檚 just a phone call away?

Publication printing now involves collaborative workflows between you and your printer鈥攅specially in the preparatory stage. But you鈥檙e likely not an expert in digital file preparation. Yet messing one up can slow production and increase costs. Professional, customer-friendly help should be readily available to you and your staff. Ask how your printer invests in knowledge sharing. The answer can mean the difference between frustration and success.

Do they use sustainable production practices?

Sustainability is likely a large consideration in your operations. It should also be in your printers. And we don鈥檛 mean just slapping an environmental logo on your publication and calling it a day. Responsible printers know an eco-friendly footprint begins with file creation and runs through distribution. Sustainable practices involve everything from their choices of equipment and consumables to the lighting in their facilities. Check out your printer鈥檚 environmental policies to ensure that they measure, manage, report and continually improve their environmental impact.

Can they help you reach your audiences where they are?

The most successful student-run publishers are adept at using data and multichannel strategies to reach audiences where they are. Print may form the core of your distribution strategy, but you may also incorporate digital distribution to expand your reach or address readers鈥� preferences. A great publication printer will not only offer the most efficient mail distribution services but also provide digital publishing apps, website solutions and other content delivery options to maximize your reader connections.

Can they provide room for you to dream and grow?

Maybe you鈥檙e just getting started or maybe you鈥檙e heading a student-run publication with decades of history. Either way, you aspire to reach new heights. The right publication printer will dream and grow with you. Help you stop outside the box. They should offer a wide range of reader engagement tools like inkjet imaging and variable data digital printing. And if you include advertising, then bindery options like gatefolds, belly wraps, tip-ons, inserts, uniquely shaped labels or poly bagging can invite readership and encourage deeper advertising engagement.

Don鈥檛 Procrastinate. Partner With 抖荫短视频.

We live and breathe special-interest publications. And, we have a special enthusiasm for student-run publications. You鈥檙e the future of publishing, and your commitment inspires us to expand our capabilities.

That鈥檚 not just idle talk. We constantly invest in the equipment, services and solutions to meet the demands of student-run publications.

You鈥檒l also love our easy-to-do-business-with approach. We start by providing you with a friendly, experienced customer service representative who鈥檚 part of a team steeped in know-how. And you can rest easy knowing that your 抖荫短视频 team is hard at work getting your publication produced at the highest quality, on time and within budget.

Getting in touch is simple. Just submit your information and a friendly 抖荫短视频 associate will be in touch within 24 hours.

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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 抖荫短视频

Customized Solutions

One size doesn鈥檛 fit all. 抖荫短视频 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, 抖荫短视频 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, 抖荫短视频 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 抖荫短视频. 抖荫短视频 offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality, ensuring businesses and associations get a ton of value for their investment. 抖荫短视频’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 抖荫短视频

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 抖荫短视频 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 抖荫短视频 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� 抖荫短视频 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 抖荫短视频 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 抖荫短视频. 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 抖荫短视频

Making the switch to a new printer is a significant decision and may seem daunting. However, 抖荫短视频 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, 抖荫短视频 has earned a stellar reputation in the printing industry. Client testimonials and industry recognition solidify our position as a trusted and reliable printing partner. 抖荫短视频 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 抖荫短视频, fill out a contact form to get in touch with us today.

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Postal rates just changed on July 10, and within a few days I was already fielding many questions like these. I don鈥檛 have a solid answer for any of these questions, but I do have a couple hints.

On July 14, just days after the last USPS postal increase, the USPS released an Industry Alert about a January 2023 Release Overview. This Overview shares information on items the USPS is planning to change. And its planned effective date of January 8, 2023, hints at the date of our next postal increase.

At the most recent MTAC (Mailer Technical Advisory Committee) meeting, the Postmaster General announced the rate increase is being pushed a couple weeks from January 8, 2023 to January 22, 2023. This is, of course, subject to approval by the Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC), but it will allow software vendors a couple more weeks to update after the new pricing is announced.

Now that we have a clue about when to expect the next rate increase, let’s look at how much it may affect us. Working in the industry, I hear a lot of rumors. Lately, I have been hearing mentions of a four to six percent increase, but I have not seen anything concrete to support this rumor with any confidence. For reference, the last couple of price increases each landed at around six to nine percent.

A factor that may cause the next rate increase to be higher than expected is the new numbers produced on July 13 in the Consumer Price Index summary. The CPI measures the average change over time in prices paid by consumers for goods and services. The pricing at the USPS is basically tied to the CPI, and the updated data supplied by the shows that the CPI increased by 1.3% in June alone, compared to the total of a 9.1% rise in the CPI over the last 12 months. This high rate of a monthly increase may impact the pricing at the USPS as they plan for the next fiscal year.

Transportation and fuel pricing continues to influence everything. Challenges in these areas will drive the pricing of all aspects of delivery for all consumables, and I expect mail and in-home delivery to be no different.

The Overview has quite a few topics of interest with the disclaimer that this document is pre-decisional and open to changes by the Board of Governors and the PRC. Here are a couple of items I found interesting…

• Postal network redesign and classification updates
• 2023 Mailing Promotions
• First Class and Priority Mail Changes
• Zone Moderations and Removal or Eliminations of several services.

I don鈥檛 want to go into any of these too deeply since these are early discussion points, but if you want to have a look for yourself, please seek out the .

For methods to manage rising prices in your marketing mail, read my last blog, 4 Ways to Deal with USPS鈥� New Postage Rate Increases.

抖荫短视频 continues to seek and share the latest and greatest postal information to help our customers navigate this turbulent postal landscape. When any plans become concrete, 抖荫短视频 will be sure to share announcements.

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But there often isn鈥檛 enough time to slow down your workflow and try new things, especially when it comes to layout and page design. In some cases, it might be the InDesign process itself delaying things.

The faster your process is, the more you can try, and the more innovative your layouts become.

The second edition of our Words of Wisdom Webinar Series, Getting it Right, Right from the Start, will give magazine designers the know-how to do just that.

and will cover a variety of best practices for magazine publishers using Adobe InDesign. These tips will help you save time and stay up to date on the latest design trends.

Below are some of the topics we鈥檒l talk about during the webinar. We will also dive into things like Table of Content creation, PDF Export settings, how-to examples and other best practices for magazine publishers. We hope you鈥檒l join us!

Templates 鈥� Whether you are creating from scratch or using a template, it鈥檚 critical to make sure your magazine is set-up perfectly, with the right trim size, proper margins and bleed. Template advocates say they save time, offer new designs and break a style or design rut we can sometimes fall into. There are literally hundreds of templates available 鈥� both free and paid 鈥� if you are interested in using some foundational support in your overall creation. We鈥檒l point you in the direction of some good ones and sprinkle in some words of caution so you can avoid pitfalls.

Styles 鈥� Most magazine professionals use Character, Paragraph and Object Styles in their document. But are you taking advantage of all the features they have to offer? We will look at how you can use Nested Styles and GREP to save time when formatting your content.聽A single new technique could more than recoup the time invested in joining our webinar.

Fonts 鈥� Every document depends on them and their impact on the reader. The font you choose can impact the messages you鈥檙e trying to send 鈥� for both good and bad. We will point to fonts to avoid, current trends, and the places where you can find good, quality fonts.

We hope you鈥檒l at 10:30 a.m. Central time on May 25 to see learn more about creating your publication.

The post Words of Wisdom Webinar: Getting it Right, Right from the Start appeared first on 抖荫短视频.

As a print buyer, you want to be aware of the printing particulars that impact your print product; not line-by-line specifics. You don鈥檛 have time to get stuck in the weeds and lose sight of the bigger picture.

When it comes to printing, you need someone looking out for you. A representative who works hard and understands the entire printing process, from prepress to packaging.

At 抖荫短视频, we believe in creating value for our customers with end-to-end digital and print solutions. But that value relies on our ability to execute. It doesn鈥檛 matter how quality a printer鈥檚 solutions are if they can鈥檛 deliver on them each day and with every project.

That鈥檚 where our Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) step in. They are the crucial point-of-contact who guide our customers throughout the printing process.

Since 抖荫短视频鈥檚 hometown Marceline was founded as a railroad hub, a passenger train is an apt analogy to describe their importance to our operation:

If our printing presses are the engine, our Customer Service Representatives might be the train conductors. They make sure the train is on schedule; they coordinate with the crews and make sure customers are comfortable. They have an eye on everything; the train doesn鈥檛 move a millimeter without their approval.

If you peel back the process behind any one of our print projects, you鈥檒l find the fingerprints of a Customer Service Representative.

Extensively Trained, Experienced Experts

Given the prominent role they play in every project, our Customer Service Representatives don鈥檛 just hop on board after hiring. Newcomers to the department spend six weeks training to learn about everything from our unique prepress process through our finishing processes. After this training, they are paired with a mentor for continued development. That being said, 鈥渘ew鈥� is relative. Our CSRs have been part of the 抖荫短视频 family for 20 years on average.

Regardless of experience, Customer Service Representatives are constantly learning and training. There are numerous training sessions throughout the year that update the entire team on new operating procedures.

For Dana Kelly, a passionate problem solver and CSR who has been with 抖荫短视频 for 22 years, learning is a key part of the job.

鈥淚 will never know everything about the printing business, but I鈥檝e learned to keep asking and I will find the right person to answer my question,鈥� Kelly said.

The core focus of our CSRs is to act as the intermediary between the customer and the press facility. They are customer advocates working to make sure their customers鈥� needs are continually met and that the project proceeds smoothly through the printing process.

Given this relationship, they must understand all aspects of the printing process: From the minutia of proofing to big picture planning around deadlines.

But beyond having an expert understanding of the printing process, our CSRs also have empathy in no short supply. They must be problem solvers who care and great communicators who are quick to respond to customer needs.

Putting people first

It鈥檚 fitting that 鈥渃ustomer鈥� is the first word in their job title, because at the end of the day, the customer is their top concern.

Our Customer Service Representatives are experts at what they do, and not just because of their extensive training and experience. Our CSRs are integral to our operation 鈥� and to any successful print operation for that matter 鈥� because they value the people behind the project.

They create value for customers through helping the project overcome any complications first and foremost. But equally important to the collective success of a project is the close working relationships our CSRs cultivate with customers. These strong foundations help projects overcome any challenge. In this sense, they truly embody 抖荫短视频鈥檚 value of putting people first.

鈥淲e feel like we are your only client,鈥� said Chris Keene of the Zoological Society of Milwaukee. 鈥淐ustomer Service is very responsive, and the print quality is always very good.鈥�

Some of the relationships between customers and CSRs even span decades. These representatives have been there for customer milestones such as marriages and births, as well as more somber moments. No matter what the future holds, you can bet our CSRs will be there for customers in whatever way they are needed. Not all of these ways are necessarily in their job description. But it鈥檚 some of the most important work our Customer Service Representatives do.

Whether it鈥檚 last-minute changes or late-night phone calls, our CSRs are driven. They do whatever it takes to deliver a quality print product on time and budget.

All of our employees are important in helping keep 抖荫短视频 running 鈥� from prepress and technical support, to press operators and the sales teams. As our CEO Don 抖荫短视频 always says, 鈥淥ur people make the difference.鈥�

But without the tireless efforts of our Customer Service Representatives, our train would never leave the station.

The post When the Extra Mile is the Most Important appeared first on 抖荫短视频.

However, there are some people who don鈥檛 want the digital side of things. It turns out, people are worried about their online privacy. That doesn鈥檛 mean you have to lose them as readers or customers. Make that hesitant attitude work for your organization. Use printed products to get your message in front of your tech-wary readers without compromising their desire to avoid digital tracking.

How many people worry about digital privacy?

According to , a lot. Roughly 81% of the public believes the potential risks they face from data collection by companies outweigh the benefits. They feel like they don鈥檛 have control over how their personal information is used and most people don鈥檛 understand what the data is used for.

Keep your audience鈥檚 concerns in mind.

But I need some data.

Obviously, the key pieces of data you鈥檒l need for a mailer are name and address. However, it鈥檚 still possible to provide hesitant recipients with a sense of comfort and control. If you鈥檙e mailing directly to them, make it clear how you obtained that information. are good places to get industry-specific mailing lists. If you鈥檙e transparent about getting their address from something they remember opting in to, it will come across as less invasive. Plus, it helps when it鈥檚 a topic they actually have an interest in.

Give them the opportunity to opt in.

Give your readers a break.

One of the beautiful things about print 鈥� whether it鈥檚 a magazine, catalog or book 鈥� is that you can just relax and thumb through it without expectation. You don鈥檛 have to be vigilant about privacy or digital threats, you can take a break and just enjoy. In addition to concerns about privacy, many people 鈥� especially millennials 鈥� suffer from , making direct mail a particularly refreshing alternative.

Create an oasis for your readers.

But how do I get my numbers?

Good point! One of the reasons we love digital so much is that it鈥檚 easy to keep tabs on how many people are actually interacting with your content. Unfortunately, there鈥檚 not good way to get those precise analytics from print.

Find a way to tie in a digital aspect with value. Many catalogs use digital points systems that allow people to opt in. Consider using a code or specific URL that lets you track how many people came there from your printed piece. The key to this strategy is providing a high-value incentive to jump from print to digital.

Provide your audience a place where they can go for more information or personalization if they want it.

People like personalization, right?

Generally, yes. Personalized marketing, also known as one-to-one marketing, has been shown to result in higher when utilized in emails. That鈥檚 awesome, just be wary of the creepy factor that happens when personalization is or .

People trust print.

People still trust print more than any other medium. Their trust in print advertisements exceeds every other type of ad, especially those . People find traditional print media than social media platforms and digital news outlets. Use this innate trust to put your readers/customers鈥� minds at ease.

The post Appeal to Readers鈥� Desire for Privacy with Print appeared first on 抖荫短视频.