The Printed Word and Legal Ramifications

Business cards, brochures, magazines, or flyers…in each one of them there is an inherent claim that they promise no matter the form of marketing materials.

In promising a service to be delivered through the use of these items in helping build your company’s brand is a delicate act in that you better be telling the truth about what you can and cannot do. In other words, don’t write a check your butt can’t cash.

Compared to the good old United States, Europe and the United Kingdom have far more stringent laws in regards to what can be claimed about what a product provides. A good example would be cosmetics ads.

The European advertising industry has developed a best practice model for advertising self-regulation following consultations with consumer and public health bodies under the auspices of the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection . This model recommends the involvement of non-industry stakeholders in the process.

However, since the cosmetics business is a lucrative one, it’s going to mean war. L’Oreal recently filed an official complaint about a Dior mascara ad with actress Natalie Portman, arguing that the claims made in the ad were scientifically impossible. The ad was banned in Europe but still can be seen in the U.S.

Makeup ads featuring actress Julia Roberts and supermodel Christy Turlington have been banned in the United Kingdom because of 'airbrushing,' or as we like to call it in the U.S, “photoshop.”

Britain's Advertising Standards Agency issued the ban after a politician complained about the two ads, for foundation products made by L'Oreal's Maybelline and Lancôme brands. L'Oreal admitted the photographs it used had been digitally manipulated and retouched.

Of course, these are extreme examples of what can happen if your claims are considered "exaggerated," but remember, err on the side of judgement, and save yourself a lot of trouble and money in the process.

Creating the Perfect Logo

McDonald’s…Coca Cola…Subway…not only are these companies known for what they serve to millions every day, but also for their instantly recognizable logos.

For business owners and graphics designers:  before you design a logo, you must understand what a logo is, what it represents and what it is supposed to do. A logo is not just a sign–it’s a reflection of one’s commercial brand.

In essence, according to many business experts, a logo must be the following: describable, memorable, effective with or without color, and "scalable" (effective no matter the size).

In order for the above mentioned qualities to shine through in a logo, a designer will have to carry out the following tasks:

• Establish what you want to convey and who your audience (clientele) is
• Research logo creation (popular ad agencies)
•  List of ideas (color, size, font) for your concept
•  Learn the software and complete the logo

Each person’s process is different and experience is usually the key factor when creating your own logo design process.

The best logos have stood the test of time!

·       

T

In Business and In Life, Having a Tough Skin is Every Thing

If the world was full of roses and sunshine every day, of course everyone would be happy. No issues at all in any situation! However, as we all know, those concepts are an ideal…something is always going to happen to perhaps sully a moment, a minute or a day.

The question remains, how does one wade through unfavorable things that crop up momentarily or for a lengthier time? Well, the only thing we can do is toughen up.  That doesn’t mean ignore it, cry about it, or whine about it – it just means accepting it and plowing right through it.

You do it through counting your blessings, imagining yourself in someone else’s shoes and then asking how you would deal with it. We all want to see life through rose colored classes, but sometimes, the tint on them starts to fade and reality starts to dawn; but that’s OK. It’s called life.

Life is no doubt filled with ups and down – profits one day, mistakes galore the next, but they can be used as tools of growth – reassessment and rearranging might be necessary, but if you’re thinking about what you can do to better things, you are already on the right path for the next day, and the day after that!

As people, it helps to learn how to not run yourself into the ground by overanalyzing and being reactionary. Some people strive for perfection in each and every moment of their lives that it is almost overwhelming. Of course we want perfection 100 % of the time, but sometimes, taking little slices of greatness is far more enjoyable and educational than to stress out.

With that in mind, let’s all take a minute to exhale, and in the words of Scarlett O’Hara, “After all, tomorrow is another day.”

A Christmas Message from AA Printing

Well, it is time for another Christmas, and it has been an exciting year for AA Printing. We’ve invested in new equipment, additional staff and more resources to give you what you want and need for all of your direct marketing needs. Also, we’ve branched out and created our new division, ARC Distribution to help with all your mass business mailings. Both companies work hand in hand to address your concerns in helping you build your company’s image and brand!

We can’t express enough how much we are grateful to those who have been there for us from the very beginning when we opened our doors in 2010; you have supported us, made suggestions, offered us referrals, and have helped us grow immensely.

With that in mind, we want to say thanks, and let you know that we do listen to any concerns or questions that you may have. We look forward to seeing you all in 2013 and once again, THANKS, AND MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

THE 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (AA PRINTING VERSION)

On the first day of printing, AA Printing gave to me…500 business cards for $39.99, just below 40!

On the second day of printing, AA Printing gave to me, 500 4x6 
postcards for $89.99, just below 90!

On the third day of printing, AA Printing gave to me, a ten cents black and white copy.

On the fourth day of printing, AA Printing gave to me, a very reasonable $15 editing fee.

 On the fifth day of printing, AA Printing gave to me, great customer service for FREE!

On the sixth day of printing, AA Printing gave to me, a durable stand up banner that will last times a plenty.

On the seventh day of printing, AA Printing gave to me, Peter’s great design tips that will help ‘til eternity.

On the eighth day of printing, AA Printing gave to me, NCR forms to help my business keep track of its money!

On the ninth day of printing, AA Printing gave to me, FREE delivery.

On the tenth day of printing, AA Printing gave to me, vinyl car signs that will look cool and shiny!

On the eleventh day of printing, AA Printing gave to me, faces very smiley!

On the twelfth day of printing, AA Printing gave to me, wishes of Christmas and New Year’s that are happy!!

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT…FROM THE STAFF OF AA PRINTING!

NOTE: We always give you same or next day printing!

Stay Cool and Classy in the Face of an Angry Client

As we’ve mentioned before, printers take immense pride in their work; they strive for perfection. However, there can be a rare instance where something with a job has gone awry. The product has left the shop in the customer’s hands and it contains an error, unbeknownst to the client and the printer.

Of course, upon extremely closer inspection, the client is not happy when they finally study the product. Sometimes, there is a glitch, a spot, a small bend, in their cards, brochures, flyers, stands, etc.

Printers must handle an angry client with class.

The customer is mad…very mad. So they head back to the print shop, product in hand. When they walk in, you can tell they are perturbed. While their anger is justified, don’t counter it with angst of your own.

Take a deep breath. Exhale. Be nice. This is probably what you’re going to have to deal with when the customer comes in mad:

• Customers love to slam the product down on the counter if there is a mistake. They want to accentuate their anger. Don’t mirror the action.
• Customers love to start off their tirades with, “Listen here,” “You know what,” or “What the hell.”
• Customers, because they found an error, decide to play the role of “doctor” diagnosing what could have gone wrong, blaming the graphics, blaming the proofing, blaming the owner. Just let them vent if they aren’t cursing or threatening anyone.

We should remember that everyone strives to be their best, and printing companies and their employees are no different. They want their customers to be happy because that means return business and referrals, which are the key to growth and stabilization. Keep communicating and keep striving. And saying "sorry" can make all the difference in the world ... sometimes.

Going the Extra Mile

At the heart of any business-client relationship is customer service. Ask any business owner who wants to stay in the black what is the most important part of being a good business proprietor they will tell you maintaining the customer’s trust.

Being a great business owner means anticipating client needs, working with them to make sure you are on the same wavelength, then carrying out the work to their specifications. In the printing realm, if you can’t at least have an idea of what your customers need to maintain their brand and marketing needs, you shouldn’t be in the business.

Also for many businesses, investing in the new technology, equipment and additional staff also helps one go the extra mile in serving clientele. Doing so exemplifies success, determination and good business sense. As a result, a business owner more than likely will get repeat business and the all important referrals.

So remember, going the extra mile will pay off in long term benefits to you and your clients.

Smiling Faces, Poor Letters and Spacing

Ever look at a card, a poster, a brochure, and something looks slightly off about the lettering? The words are spelled correctly; the grammar is correct…but something is throwing your eye off ever so slightly. You know what it could be?

 It’s the “kerning.”

Kerning refers to the process of adjusting the spacing between characters in a proportional font, so everything looks even and pleasing to the eye.

Here are examples of bad and good kerning.    

BAD!

          

SELF EXPLANATORY!

Printers Should Be Picky

A print shop is much more than just a print shop; it’s where clients like you come to us needing assistance in making your dreams come true.  Sounds rather lofty, doesn’t it? But it’s true. There are two types of print shops in the world: the ones who do care and the ones who don’t. And either attitude is dependent on the owner and how his viewpoint trickles down to the employees.

My credo has always been to do one’s best, no matter how long it takes. That’s why I’m picky and my employees are too. They proof, inspect, suggest, nudge, ponder, and pause over any product we deliver to our customers -- it doesn’t matter how “big or small” the job is – each job is very important.

While we work quickly, it doesn’t mean we don’t work smartly…meaning that we keep focus on the task at hand and cover all bases before we say a job is finished. Too many printing companies are all about the rush to get as much done to increase their sales volume.

Now of course, sales is important, but here’s the kicker: doesn’t it make more sense to keep the sales through quality and then grow your business through referrals from those satisfied clients than to hustle for new customers all the time because you do such a lousy job that clients leave?

Things Not to Say to an Employee of a Locally Owned Print Shop

1. I NEED IT NOW, AND YOU BETTER PRINT IT NOW.
2. WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN’T PRINT 10,000 BUSINESS CARDS IN 30 MINUTES?
3. WELL, I’LL JUST GO TO KINKO'S, THEN!
4. DO I GET A STUDENT DISCOUNT (when there is a sign right in front of their face mentioning your shop has a student discount)?
5. DO YOU MAKE COPIES?
6. I CAN GET IT SOMEWHERE ELSE!
7. I CAN GET A BETTER DEAL AT ...
8.  I NEED JUST ONE BUSINESS CARD PRINTED!
9. WHAT’S WITH THE DESIGN FEE?

Glossary of Printing Terms

Here are some of the terms that are heard often in a print shop!

Acid-free Paper

Paper made from pulp containing little or no acid so it resists deterioration from age.

Artwork

All original copy, including type, photos and illustrations, intended for printing.

Author's Alterations (AA's)

At the proofing stage, changes that the client requests to be made concerning original art provided. AA's are considered an additional cost to the client usually.

Bind

Usually in the book arena, but not exclusively, the joining of leafs or signatures together with either wire, glue or other means.

Bond paper

Category of paper commonly used for writing, printing and photocopying.

Camera-ready Copy

Text, photographs and art fully prepared for reproduction according to the technical requirements of the printing process being used.

Collate

To organize printed matter in a specific order as requested.

Commercial Printer

Printer producing a wide range of products such as announcements, brochures, posters, booklets, stationery, business forms, books and magazines.

Four-color Process Printing

Technique of printing that uses black, magenta, cyan and yellow to simulate full-color images.

Grade

General term used to distinguish between or among printing papers, but can refer to the category, class, rating, finish or brand of paper.

To Die (Cut) For

Fancy, elegant cards. Quirky invitations. Oddly shaped gift certificates. You’ve seen, given or received one. Sometimes we study them and ask ourselves, “How did they do that?” The answer is “die cutting.”

Die-cutting is just a fancy term for cookie cutter. Printers use steel rule die shapes to cut through a wide range of materials quickly and easily. Those materials include paper, construction paper, cardstock, fabric, faux fur, felt, foil, heat and shrink plastic, leather, paper, wood, polyfoam, self-adhesive rubber (for making rubber stamps), sheet magnet, sponge, static cling, vinyl, and thin metal.

Consider die cutters scissors on steroids. Imagine the time, patience and dexterity you need when it comes to using scissors to cut fancy shapes. Die cutting machines can repeat the process over and over again, getting the shapes you want just perfect.

And your wrists won’t hurt, either.



An example of great die cutting. Go Pittsburgh!



SCORE!

When people think of a printing shop, thoughts usually turn to copiers, scissors, blades, and lots of paper. 

However, print shops across the country are filled with much more than those everyday tools of the trade.

One very important tool that is the unsung hero of a print shop is the scoring machine. What prey tell is a scoring machine? Ever receive a perfectly folded invitation in the mail? Have you noticed that perfect crease in the birthday card you just bought? Well, thank the scoring machine.

The scoring machine can range in price from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on whether it is a lightweight, portable one or an industrial size one that weighs hundreds of pounds.

Despite the range in prices and sizes, there is no debate on the importance of the scoring machine. It folds, it makes creases and even binds if need be.

When it comes to printing, the scoring machine is the quiet MVP.

Chicken Scratches with Meaning…

Despite your feelings about English classes in school – some loved writing and reading; while others detested it. Depending on your age, you probably recall reading, The Scarlet Letter, The Good Earth, Animal Farm, 1984, and a host of others…and writing the attending paper that was invariably demanded by your English teacher.

You sweated over the details, the characters, the plot, and tied them all together for what you considered a job well done…that is until you got your graded paper returned with red ink marks that resembled chicken scratch. 

Marks that left you scratching your head.

If, decades later, you still don’t know what those marks mean, here a little chart to view. These marks are considered standard by proofreaders, journalists, writers, reporters, printers, etc.

ENJOY!

Does Anyone Remember Encyclopedias?

Before the Internet, before Wikipedia, before Google, there was the encyclopedia.

If you know what these are, that's a good thing!

For all you young folks out there, libraries had them; your friends’ parents had a set and more than likely your home had them too. Encyclopedias, which more than often were printed and published by Britannica, were chock full of facts, figures and pictures. The encyclopedia was the go-to resource for millions of school children who needed info for a school project or report. Utilizing the encyclopedia for your research was the difference between getting an “A” or “B” on that history or geography project.

Now, the encyclopedia has gone the way of typewriter and the album, with most children scrunching their shoulders when shown one. They have no idea.

Encyclopedias were once the cornerstone of libraries across the country. Large, foreboding and shelved neatly and handled delicately, librarians were on guard that they remained damage free. You needed information from them? You were either going to either pay a few cents for copies, or you sit quietly in the library and write the information down in your notebook.

Those days are over.

It’s actually kind of sad. Children today will never know the joys of finding information for themselves without the use of a key stroke and a computer…the critical thinking needed to use the Dewey Decimal System and looking for information alphanumerically is obsolete!

A shame.

Check Yo’ Proof Before You Wreck Yo’ Proof

Yeah! Proof is bond!

Straight from the printer, proof is bond!

Yeah! Yah! Ah-yeah! You doin’ this with yo printer

Where my printer?

Proof is bond! (Yeah!)

You better check yo proof before before you wreck yo proof

Cos I'm bad for your cards, I come real stealth

Ignoring errors on your proofs, when you meet with me and my designer

You doin' foul just by looking at it and sayin’ “Looks good”

Just lookin' at the color and pictures, always let me know

You ain’t looking at the info

Here to let you know boy, oh boy

So you better read a proof

Yeah, come on and check yo proof before you wreck yo proof

Cause jacked up printing is bad for your health

*Note: all due respect to ICE CUBE for the inspiration.

Printing for a Special Event

Do you have a business mixer or a baby shower planned? No matter what special event you are in the midst of planning, one of the most crucial components of it being successful is the invitation. Although the majority of interpersonal communication is now via email, text or telephone, nothing is more fun than getting a specially printed invitation in the mail. Here’s what you should do in conjunction with your printing company:

ü  Have the information you want to present in print ready to go. Have the who, what, where and why; along with RSVP information.  Also, will you be using a photograph or logo? Take that into consideration.

ü  Try something new, but timely. A printer and graphics designer can introduce you to new, contemporary design and printing trends. They can offer information to help you understand the key aspects of stationery paper, including thickness and weight, finish, color, shapes and more.

ü  Pace yourself. Last minute drama leads to poor quality. Consult with an event planner or other reference sources to find out exactly when invitations should be created and mailed out so you don’t put any undue pressure on yourself, designer and printer!

Follow these ideas and the printing process will come off without a hitch, just like your special event!

A Day to Forget, Another Day to Remember

Life is not perfect in the workplace all the time no matter how much we wish it would be so.  Orders, equipment, staff, bosses, computers, copiers, they can all have a bad day. The question is how to cope especially in a high pressure environment when assignments are due and the tension is thick:

·         Deal with the pressure crunch. Accept that nobody is a superhero, and that mistakes happen when too much is attempted at any one time.

·         Get the right person doing the right thing. Delegate immediately to those best able to respond.

·         Go the bathroom (or your car or somewhere out of sight) and let it out. Throw a tantrum in privacy. Take a break. Then comb your hair, straighten your tie, and head back into the office ready to carry on in a more positive way.

·         Ask for help. If you don't understand something, or find something harder than you expected, it is not a shameful thing to ask for help.

·         Go home early where warranted. If a day is bad because you brought a bundle of issues from home with you, sometimes nothing will turn that around. If you feel exhausted, teary, distressed and wanting to say inappropriate things, it is probably a good idea to call it a day and go home.

·         Don't take snide comments to heart. If you are having a bad day because someone said something nasty to you, grin and bear it. It is important to not over-inflate the unhelpful or rude observations of colleagues who have a clear agenda to be disruptive, hurtful or unkind.  DON’T FESTER ABOUT IT.

The Perils of Printing for the Professional Print Shop

Some days in the shop, things go by swimmingly …the machines hum quietly but constantly, the phone rings with regularity, and customers are picking up their orders at a syncopated pace.

HOWEVER, those days of perfect bliss can occasionally be tempered by a day when Murphy’s Law kicks in and no matter how hard you try to get everything back in order, it doesn’t work. It’s those kinds of days when the print shop staff just has to relax, count their blessings and be appreciative of things that have gone well recently. Of course, though, it’s time to think about what can go wrong and how to make sure problem is rectified as soon as possible:

·         The server goes kaput at the most inopportune moment. Make sure you haven’t tripped over a cord, first. If that’s not the problem, get your tech on the phone, STAT.

·         The “simple” copy machine goes limp like an aging wrestler at Wrestle Mania. It just couldn’t take the constant action anymore. It needed a break. Did you accidentally turn it off? Did the new clerk hit the wrong button? If not, call your copier company. NOW.

·         The industrial copier that prints the magazines, brochures, calendars, stationery, etc, decides to emit mysterious roller marks only a third into a very important job that needs to be finished at the end of the day. Check those rollers for marks, smudges, skips, etc. Then reach for the phone if the problem isn’t fixed.

Yup, it’s the kind of day in which you say to no one out loud, “This stuff is going to do my head in today!” Just remember to be calm, kind and direct to your repair person. More than likely it’s that kind of behavior that will get them out to the shop as soon as possible. And you'll be off and printing again very soon!

The Paper Chase

Choosing the right paper for your direct marketing media can be tricky.

Sometimes you’ll find a paper that you really want to work with, but in the end you realize that if you choose it, the production cost will go up significantly. This is usually just a concern when you work with a bigger production and need a lot of paper, then the price will escalate quickly. But even smaller projects can have problems with cost, especially if you choose unusual inks or post processing methods. It’s therefore recommended that in the beginning of your project, you take your time and think through a few issues prior to meeting with your designer and printer.

Here are some of the things to keep in mind about the use of paper for your printed media production when discussing concerns with your printer:

•  What is your final product? It can be a book, poster, flyer, business card, etc.
• How long would you like the durability of the product to last? A book that will be read throughout the years should definitely be planned for a longer durability than a one day flyer.
• What feeling do you want your product to give the receiver? Should it be fancy? Cheap? Solid? Traditional?
• What kind of material will the product be handling? Will it be spread after spread with large photos? Or a textbook?
• After you have answered these questions you can take a look at the different elements that can be crucial for your paper choice.

Getting Along with Your Graphics Designer: Tell Them What You Want, Really, Really Want

People who practice graphic design are some of the most artistically gifted people in the workplace. They use diverse media to create various ideas for direct mail marketing…they have the ability to develop your ideas into the printed form.

When talking to graphic artists, they have many of the same concerns, especially when it comes to having a great relationship with their clients.

So what exactly can you do to make your relationship with a graphics design artist a mutually beneficial one when seeking to have something printed? Follow these ideas:

• Don't design. Graphic designers are problem solvers. So, present them with a problem to solve, because they are much more versed at visual problem solving than you are. Why else? Because design elements are related and must be handled with cohesion in mind.
• Graphic designers need structure. Pretend you don't know anything about the designer's process and see what works for them. "What do you need from me to start?" Communicate the generalities first: "I'm looking for a print brochure to be designed, around letter-size, color, maybe 8-16 pages."
• Understand the designer's value. Without respect, the first two issues above can't be resolved. It's important to understand the value that graphic designers bring. This can be especially difficult for some technical people, such as software developers, engineers, and technical writers. Some positions within the organization may regard graphic design work to be merely "cosmetic" and "embellishments."

Follow these friendly tips, and you’ll forge a great relationship with your graphic designer.

Spell Check… Man’s Best Freind

Oy vey!

Your fingers are furiously flying across the keyboard, typing as fast as your mind can process your thoughts.

You’ve got to create a brochure, a poster, a business card, letterhead, etc. with concise wording that gets your point across to everyone.  After you’ve finished writing, you’re ready to send that draft and artwork to the designer at the print shop so they can complete your vision. You’re about to hit the “send” button on the email…but...

STOP!

It would behoove you to do one more thing before sending any document off to a printer…CLICK THE SPELL CHECK TAB!

With the advent of computers and their fast speed, it seems there is no time for old-fashioned thinking when pecking away on the keyboard. And of course, with correct spelling being thrown out in favor of acronyms such as LOL, ROTFLMAO, and whatever fad term is pervading popular culture at the time, the skill of spelling has become a rapidly disintegrating one. 

However, as one begins a career in business or is already established, it is important to be careful when writing copy for print production. Your brand, your image, and your reputation depends on making sure everything is correct!

So before you hit that “send” button, remember that little big thing called SPELL CHECK!

Only Printers Bleed

Ever walk into a print shop and start talking to a staff member about what you need designed, and one of the first questions they ask is about the bleed?

And then you cock your head to the side like a puzzled dog, and think, “Bleed? Am I bleeding? I have no idea what is being mentioned.”

The staff manager understands your quizzical look and says, “You have no idea what I am talking about, do you?”

You smile weakly and shake your head.

So the staff member begins to explain as simply as possible:

“The bleed is a design term used every day in the print world. It is printing that goes beyond the edge of the sheet after trimming. The bleed is the part on the side of a document that gives the printer a small amount of space to account for movement of the paper, and design inconsistencies. Bleed ensures that no unprinted edges occur in the final trimmed document.”

Images, background images and fills which are intended to extend to the edge of the page must be extended beyond the trim line to give a bleed.

Bleeds in the United States are usually 1/8 of an inch from where the cut is to be made. This can vary from one print company to another. Some printers ask for specific sizes; most of these companies place the specific demands on their website or offer templates that are already set to their required bleed settings.

Full bleed printing is from one edge of the paper to the other without the standard borders by which most personal printers are limited. This is useful for printing brochures, posters, and other materials. Often the paper is trimmed after printing to ensure the ink runs fully to the edge and does not stop.

How to Avoid a Communication Breakdown with Your Printer

It’s happened many times to many a print shop…a customer rushes in panting and breathless because they need something printed now, now, NOW. 

First question normally asked is “Do you have your artwork?” Then, more than likely, the next question is “What kind of paper do you want?” And finally, “How many copies and when is the latest you need it by?”

If the client can’t give you an answer, undoubtedly that is going to make life difficult for all involved. Therefore it is crucial for everyone to work together for a successful conclusion that gets money in the register and a client with their product.

Here are some tips for clients who are in a last minute rush:

·         Have your artwork ready. Have it on a flash drive. And remember, if the artwork is of poor quality and heavily pixilated, it won’t look sharp and clear on the final product. A graphics designer and Photoshop can only do so much.

·         Wait your turn. While print shops do have a multitude of machines, more than likely they are not idle. All day, every day, documents are being printed, whether large or small. And if it is a very busy time, more than likely if you need a magazine, a book or a large poster printed, you are not going to get it in the next five minutes. Sorry, but that happens.

·         Be nice to the print shop employees. Yelling, being demanding and going into hysterics is not going to help your cause. Being friendly, understanding and willing to negotiate a delivery time will.

Every client is important, there is no doubt. Every client has different needs and objectives. Our goals as printers are to serve you in the best way possible. Keep the lines of communication open and everyone will be satisfied.

Why You Need Direct Mail Marketing!

Need to get your message out to as many people as possible in a manner that is organized, direct and prompt? You can’t beat direct mail for a number of reasons. AA Printing has a direct mail division called ARC Distribution that can handle your needs. Here’s how Arc Distribution can make direct mail marketing the right choice for you and your company (campaign, etc):

• Direct mail marketing is quick to produce. You can prepare and mail a small promotion within days or weeks. Direct mail is perfect for quickly testing prices, offers, and potential audiences. You have complete control over the media, the audience, and your offer.
• Direct mail marketing offers quicker response. Not only is direct mail quicker to prepare, but response time to direct mail is usually quicker as well. You can project the final results of a mailing quickly and accurately. You can build an advertising campaign with more confidence by testing small lists, then building to larger lists.
• Direct mail marketing is highly targeted. Using carefully developed lists, you can target your mailings more selectively than you can with most other media. You can reach almost any market segment, buyer profile, or area of the Treasure Coast you feel is most appropriate for your business.
•  Direct mail marketing means less competition. Your advertising message does not have to compete with other advertising messages. And, your competitors are less apt to know your current strategy.
• Direct mail marketing is more personal. Not only can letters be personalized via mail-merging techniques, but you can use more informal language in writing your letter and you can direct your letter to the specific interest of the reader.
• Direct mail marketing allows for easier response. The inclusion of an order card and return envelope makes it convenient for the consumer to respond to direct mail.
• Direct mail marketing creates list of loyal customers. Direct mail allows you to build and maintain a list of prime prospects for your future direct mail campaigns.

Pixels and Printing

In computer graphics, pixelation (or pixellation in British English) is caused by displaying a bitmap or a section of a bitmap at such a large size that individual pixels, small single-colored square display elements that comprise the bitmap, are visible. Such an image is said to be pixelated (pixellated in the UK).

See the kitty? Now, the photo looks nice and clear. However, if you zoom into the box, the image of his fur is pixelated. So imagine if you wanted to print a large poster of the kitty for a present or a portrait to hang on your wall. What is going to happen is that you will get a very pixelated portrait. Who wants that? So before having an image professional printed by a printer (hopefully AA Printing Service) call the designer so he can make sure your image is sized to reduce as much pixelation as possible!

Welcome to Our Blog!

A printing company with a blog? Sure, and why not?

Here at AA Printing Service we are fortunate to have a variety of clients who have different needs and objectives. Whether it is business cards, magazines, or brochures, everyone wants to  brand their own unique personality through direct marketing items. So this is why we are here!

We wanted to introduce ourselves in the "blog-o-sphere" and let you know what we are all about. Look for posts about a wide variety of topics about printing and publishing (there is a difference) and about how you can make sure your business has the best branding out there.

OK?

The staff of AA Printing Service!