By Tena Hartwig
January 14th, 2010
We might be seeing more up-trending financial charts, but overall, the economy is still in the tank.
And with tough economic times, comes price-sensitive customers. Manufacturers know that raising prices could be a recipe for disaster, so they’re opting to shrink the size of their packaging instead.
For instance, Georgia Pacific, maker of Quilted Northern toilet paper, chose to hack ½” off the length of its standard roll in lieu of increasing the price. This pricing strategy has become more prevalent in recent years, and I can’t help but wonder what impact these sly practices will have on companies’ bottom lines in the long term?
We all know the value of a loyal customer and this frequent downsizing seems to be nothing but a sneaky price increase that will surely upset customers once they catch on to it. While the smaller product might go unnoticed at first, customers may switch brands permanently when they realize these manufacturers are shrinking products behind their backs.
What do you think, should manufacturers “wipe out” these dishonest practices? Would you switch brands because of shrinking products?
By Stephanie French
November 25th, 2009
In part one of this blog I mentioned ways to work with your printer to save costs. Now, I’m going to address ways you can plan ahead on projects to ensure you’re producing pieces in the most cost-effective way.
Be flexible with paper choices. Most printers carry “house” stocks that they purchase in large volumes and keep in stock. By using house papers instead of specifying stocks you can save considerable money. For example, on letterhead you might usually spec Classic Crest but your printer might have a house uncoated text that looks the same—the savings can be substantial based on quantity.
Use conventional sizes. 8.5×11 or 9×12 are the most cost-effective sizes for brochures and folders. Unique sizes may seem fun and interesting, but sometimes they don’t fit on parent sheets, which increases costs.
Group pieces together. Take advantage of opportunities to “gang run” items of the same stock and color. It’s an excellent way to save paper and money.
Smaller quantities? Go digital. Digital printing has come a long way. There are many paper options now that weren’t available a few years ago and, quality has improved dramatically. Digital isn’t great for larger quantities—anything over 1000 pieces—but for small jobs it’s a cost-effective fit!
Do you have tips or money-saving print ideas you can offer?
By Stephanie French
September 29th, 2009
Corporate holiday gifting is always difficult. It’s a fine balance between personal and professional. Yes, you might have conversations about Jane’s love of martinis, but gifting a flask with your company logo is probably a bad idea. Here are some tips to help you this year.
It’s not all about you! Remember, you want them to enjoy this gift. Avoid giving standard promo items like pens, shirts with your logo or anything for an iPhone. Here’s a rule—if you’d give it away at a tradeshow it’s probably not a good holiday gift.
Think family. A gift your client can share with their family is a great idea. Games, cool toys, tickets to the movies, museums or zoo make excellent gifts and can be easily given in a pinch.
If all else fails, go with food! You can’t go wrong with good food. Pick a local favorite. Giving something unique to your region is great and supports local businesses. Some of my favorites in Ariz. are Urban Cookies and Fairytale Brownies. Plan ahead for these items—custom goodies take time to produce but are well worth the effort.
Most importantly, consider the recipient. Show them you care and that you know and value them as a client or vendor.
Have you given or received any unique corporate holiday gifts? Do you have any gift ideas?
By Kristina Toft
September 16th, 2009
Last weekend I stopped at Target (love you, Target!) to pick up a new mop. As usual, I was there much longer than I needed to be. Not because I was shopping for items I didn’t go there to purchase, which is a usual occurrence, but because I was admiring the beautiful, simple, classy packaging of one of my favorite cleaning products—Method. I just love the fresh and “clean” approach Method uses to present its products. The packaging is truly beautiful and speaks for itself.
Even the writing on Method’s labels is refreshing—and its natural, non-toxic products are better for us, and the environment.
I am always on the prowl for unique packaging. Seen any lately? I’d love to hear about it!
