Covid-19, the deadly Coronavirus pandemic still claiming lives at an alarming pace, has not peaked in many states. Yet in response to the growing number of protests demanding an end to financially crippling business and social restrictions, some states have already started allowing non-essential businesses to reopen. Many states are taking a cautious approach, easing restrictions gradually based on the data, looking for concrete evidence of declining infection rates. 

In response to the global Coronavirus pandemic, on March 25 Minnesota Governor, Tim Walz issued Executive Order 20-20, to help contain the spread of Covid-19 and flatten the curve. The Stay-At-Home order went into effect March 28, mandating all nonessential businesses close until April 10.  The Stay-At-Home order has since been extended to May 4, and Governor Walz has indicated he may extend the order further if necessary.

With the summer coming to an end and the fall quickly approaching, you might not be thinking about the new year quite yet, but in the printing industry now is the time to get started on your 2018 calendar projects.

While an annual calendar may not seem like the most original marketing idea but the reality is that they are one of the best avenues to promote your company. 

So, you’ve finally finished dotting your I’s and crossing your T’s on your direct mail campaign. You’ve spent countless hours carefully collecting data, choosing the best direct mailer for your needs and now it’s time to send it out. Envelopes are often an afterthought – the less attractive, less interesting necessary evil just to get your direct mail into the hands of your consumer.

Recently a print buyer from an agency requested a mockup of a side-sewn bound book needed for a presentation. He provided detailed specifications down to the color of thread and the paper stocks required.

When he received the mock-up he realized side-sewn did not match how he pictured the book should look. It turned out what he really needed was a Smyth-sewn book. He had to do the presentation without the correct mock-up.

Like many print professionals, he wasn’t aware of the difference. Whether you are producing a book, brochure, calendar, or pamphlet, it is important to know what options you have for binding together printed pages.

Polywrapping - you’ve seen it before, usually around magazines and thicker catalogs that have inserts. Did you know that it’s now a great solution for direct mail campaigns? You can even “wrap” promotional items, newspapers or flyers!

The portable document format (PDF) revolutionized commercial printing services by making it possible for anybody to supply print ready files, complete with all the text, graphics, and data. The PDF is largely responsible for the rapid growth and popularity of digital printing and print on demand. It's commonplace for printers to receive print ready PDF files for both offset printing and digital printing projects. Equally common is the discovery that the PDF files are not print ready.

Secure data printing is a tricky beast. Keeping up with ever-evolving compliance requirements while still staying on schedule is a handful, at best.

Direct mail marketing can be a powerful tool, allowing companies to reach past or potential customers who may not be actively engaged via email, social media or another medium. Direct mail encompasses a wide variety of materials, including postcards, newsletters, brochures, catalogs and more. It can be one of the easiest and most effective ways to reach out to new and existing clients.