Spectrum Blog
Spectrum Color Printing and Mailing goes to a Buy Online Model
by Jim Simmons on 05/06/11
Well after the many months of endless review and back and forth with software suppliers in an effort to find the best solution for Buying Printing Online, Spectrum Color Printing and Mailing a Las Vegas Printer has finally done it again. Taking out the Las Vegas printing market is no easy task and the competition is fierce. But, with the new website which now allows you to get instant pricing and turnarounds you can be done with your print order without having to pick up a phone.
www.spectrumcolorprintingonline.com is fully capable of placing most printing orders in 5 minutes or less. Brochures, postcards, newsletters, booklets, catalogs, rack cards, presentation folders, stationary and business cards are all done within 3 clicks. Look-Buy-Pay-Done.
Spectrum Color Printing has been producing quality and affordable commercial printing and direct mail services since 1985 and there is no end in sight to this dynamic company both in quality and affordability which are big issues says Jim Simmons owner. The printing industry has made a dynamic shift in the last 10 years from true artisans to any person with enough cash to buy a digital press and hang a shingle. Jim Simmons states that are not our competition really it’s the long term artisans and our clients that make this business worth all that requires for sustainability.
Spectrum Color Printing has the unique advantage that when a project comes into production we have the correct equipment for that job, by placing it into our digital, sheet fed or web offset plants. So, in essence we are serving the client unlike many that have a certain set of equipment that they must pound out due to their mortgage and many times the client pays the ultimate price with poor quality and higher pricing.
If you have any questions feel free to let me us know.
Spectrum Color Printing and Mailing
www.spectrumcolorprintingonline.com Buy Online
Las Vegas Printer finds success the old fashioned way
by Jim Simmons on 03/23/11
Practicing the forgotten form of true online customer service over machine automation spells success for Las Vegas Printer. Using a quick quote form provides a bankable price solution for longtime commercial printer.
Quick Quotes Provide Print Customers with Missing Personal Touch
Jim Simmons, Founder of Spectrum Color Printing, chooses to provide a personal touch using a quick quote form on his print companies website rather then using pricing calculators right now until Jim integrates calculators with much needed personal touch features and here’s why.
Ever since entering the printing business back in 1985, Jim continues to break the mold that exists today in the way many printing companies operate. While competitors continue to ramp up their online presence, spend ridiculous amounts of money on trying to create the perfect ‘buy from me now’ online print systems and provide a name before being let in among other intrusive forms of automated email capturing all designed to drive a would be customer to a online shopping cart has Jim scratching his head.
The question Jim asks over and over again when approached by, you got to do this, do that, get this, get that and do it now by seasoned web and internet marketing specialist is “where’s the personal touch”. To this day Jim is still waiting for the answer.
Jim did not just walk out of a cave. He says, I’ve been at this for most of my life and what I’m seeing is an industry shift to what he calls the ‘give it to me now’ ideals. Well, for Spectrum Color Printing and Mailing, that is not what it’s about. To Jim, it’s about providing a service, a value and knowing exactly what your customer wants while competing online.
Does a Printing Price Calculator get it Right?
Why utilize a print calculator by its self? It may produce a price but does it necessarily produce the desired result. Spectrum prefers to swim against the current and offer some non-automated systems which address the customer’s true needs via a Quick Quote form. A form where the client or potential customer may receive a price rather quickly but also receive intangibles that include all costs associated with custom design, special requirements, packaging, shipping, delivery and most importantly, fulfillment.
To know what the customer expects and to fulfill those expectations takes simple effective communication which maybe turned around faster then one may think while still offering more value then pricing calculators which seem to only drive a customer to a shopping cart.
A Personal Touch Provides the Right Price
Offering a personal touch may not be the norm these days but at Spectrum Color Printing it’s what they do best. To provide the customers with real pricing for the type of print product or service they desire. To achieve the end result both parties strive for takes a personal touch.
So far Jim’s methods of practicing the long forgotten form of customer service have paid off. Customers become loyal clients, the products and services are exactly what the customer sought out and the added personal touch delivers much needed answers to some important relevant questions and recommendations a calculator just can not provide
What Do You Prefer, Human Verses Machine?
Jim asked the question what do you prefer, a fast accurate price which includes recommendations or a machine giving you a price and taking your order? Jim does have a point. Why not produce a fair price that assures a customer a given result verses a price without assurance.
Spectrum Color Printing will continue to set the bar high, offer new cutting edge solutions like QR code printing while incrementally implementing the right technology which best serves the customer first. We would rather earn a loyal customer by addressing and understanding their true needs and delivering upon those print needs verses a hit and run calculator hoping a machine gets it right.
Integrated Print Pricing Calculators Combined with Personal Touch Spells Success
Jim did not rule out calculators all together, saying these types of solutions are on the table but until Spectrum Color Printing integrates them with interactive designs and check list defaults to assure a connection with the personal touch all bets are off the table. The old saying rings true at Spectrum you only have one chance to make a good impression or get it right and that’s what we do best at the same time Jim points out were not offering products off the shelf were providing custom print solutions.
Providing the right price fast, getting it right, producing the orders to customer specs delivering on time and maintaining open line of communication continues to spell success for this Las Vegas based printer, Spectrum Color Printing and Mailing.
What Is the Real Value behind Cheap Printing?
by Jim Simmons on 03/19/11
Just the other day, after a grueling haul of boxes full of freshly printed rack cards, banners and brochures to one high end client for a seemingly very important event, something odd happened.
The question of what is the real value behind cheap printing entered my mind ever since I delivered some Spectrum Color Printing printed products directly to a customers event site.
The question became so profound that I thought it would be a good idea to share this with other print buyers and customers out there so they understand that the cheapest price or allure of a so called free print offer may not be a value after all.
Providing Added Value has its Rewards This occurrence may have been by chance or by fate, but Im glad it happened. It reassured me that providing added value had its rewards. None the less, here is what happened.
As an owner, sometimes we get so busy, that every now and then Ill be the one stopping everything I am doing to help meet a deadline even if it requires loading the printed products into a truck and delivering them to the clients location or event myself.
As shared, Im glad this happened on this day or you may not be reading this story because I was the one who made this delivery.
OK, Spectrum has provided commercial print solutions, products and services including newly offered large format printing to our customers now for almost three decades. Our staff has delivered printed products to many a trade show, special promotion and event over the years as an added value.
The Day, the Story, Shocking but True The day I delivered these printed products was different in many ways. First, I’m not going to share neither the event name nor the customer for reasons we all may understand shortly, but here is what happened.
I pulled up, it was game time, the drop off schedule was noon and it was ten till. I contacted my client’s rep via cell when I arrived at the events delivery entrance and asked where she preferred the products to be dropped off. She said meet me at the ‘location’ here.
So I loaded up the dollies full of boxes, move the truck away from the busy unloading area and began what appeared to be an accent of Everest. Winding walkways, up and down stairs, over and around technicians, power cables, and crews you name it, the hustle bustle event set up was in full gear.
Then it hit me like a child walking into a toy store for the first time, wow, what an event this is going to be. I was mesmerized by the spare no expense set up, the towering displays, and the amazing presentation that was taking shape. After all, I’ve been to many an event before but to this date, I have never seen anything on a scale so large and awe striking as this event was setting up to become. I was thinking millions upon millions were being spent as I took it all in and there I was just delivering some print.
After asking a few event staff security personal where the location was I wheeled the print around the last corner. It was at that point I saw my client, whom I didn’t expect to be here at the location surrounded by other on handhelds razing a fracas so to speak. As I wheeled up closer I could here what was going on.
I Wanted To Save the Company Money, He Said I heard the client talking to her staff. They were all up in arms over the huge large format giant corporate logo displays, large transparent logo decals and what our industry calls PSA, pressure sensitive vinyl which is custom large format self adhesive vinyl printed graphics. All I could hear is the colors are wrong - we should have used this company - I wanted to save money and sure enough as I wheeled up on the group I could see all the displays, large format and corporate logos laying on the ground the size of a football field were all the wrong colors and some didn’t even read right, wow!
But I played it off, acting like I did not hear anything that was going on, then I heard Oh hi Jim as they all quickly quieted down. We shook hands, the client was surprised to see me there delivering the products but none the less introduced me to the crew and staff and the lady whom I was to deliver to. She said may I have a look I said sure. The funny part was, and it was not funny at all, was hearing her say at least our printer got it right.
We shook hands again; I thanked them for their business and wheeled my empty cart back to the loading area. Sure I could have taken the time to pitch my client on Spectrums large format that we offer now but my gut told me now was not the time.
Why Risk Choosing a Cheap Printing Solution On my way back to the docks, it dawned on me, this was a spare no expense event like I have seldom seen before and I could not understand why a print buyer would even risk choosing a cheap printing solution for an event like this.
Maybe they wanted to be the star? I saved the corporation 30 percent? But in my mind I knew this person was in trouble. So here I write about what is the real value behind cheap printing?
It’s obvious that cheap printing does not care about quality controls or checking sample runs to verify a clients precise color guidelines are met. It was apparent even to me that the image quality was lacking in presentation and from what I saw it just cost the client dearly on the events visual presentation.
You Get What You Pay For As I was talking to my client that day, I still heard the others who moved further away say maybe if we move these farther apart or maybe when it gets dark it will not be so bad reminded me of the old saying you get what you pay for. I felt good knowing my company hit the color, did the job as expected and will feel confident offering large format to this customer in the future.
Moral, Cheap is Cheap The moral is cheap is cheap. Even cheap business cards may appear low priced but how do they feel when you’re making that first impression? I actually met a new friend at a network event who handed me a card and it flopped in my hand. Well, I had to sell him right there, because I said, look, feel that? This is the first impression you’re making when handing out a business card and here you thought you just saved money on the cheap ones. He said wow, your right and thanked me. A week later I printed him some new redesigned cards with a QR code on the back. He continues to send work my way saying the same thing. Cheap is cheap period.
Print Buyers Time Verses Savings One final note, to all the print buyers out there, like to think this above story does not ring true for you.
Think about this. How much time does it take to get three bids, analyze those bids, request a proof and manage the purchasing of the print or large format order?
If a person spends an additional hour or two a day doing this repetitive task what does that cost the company in terms of repeating this process over and over again?
Find a Good Printer and Stick with Them Spectrum Color Printing recommends you find a good niche printer for your commercial printing and large format then stick with them. You will know what you’re getting and you will save time having to shop every job to save a few bucks.
A good printer will value your business, maintain accurate color call out records, know what you expect and deliver over and over again. Your pricing will not be cheap or some free lure it will be professional and representative of your companies brand and image.
So I ask the question what is the real value behind cheap printing? Cheap is cheap period. As the real story above foretells, the money saved probably cost someone their job and defeated the objective of the events presentation.
Be Prepared To Get That Hard To Believe Cheap Look Before you buy into that hard to believe price and place an online order that is cheap, just be prepared to get that hard to believe cheap look when the orders arrive.
The price of value will not be undersold. Find the value and stick with it. Whether you choose Spectrum Color Printing as your go to commercial printer and large format printing source or some one else, the value side of a printers price is worth every extra cent you pay.
Jim Simmons
Chief Executive Officer
Spectrum Color Printing
We are the Best at what we do!
What Does Your Commercial Printers Report Card Look Like
by Jim Simmons on 02/22/11
What Does Your Printers Report Card Look Like
Imagine the vast sea of online commercial printing and large format printers on the internet today. Are they no different then students all going to class each morning, sometimes night school?
What is the grade that your online printer receives? Some may be a new startup just entering first grade while others may be in graduate school so to speak. The point being is what does your printer’s report card look like?
Its really hard to tell until you have placed some work with one, however, a few pointers to look for which help educate the online print buyer as to the printer’s grade, if you will, are:
Most important, does your online printer have testimonials?
Testimonials speak the loudest. If your dealing with a new online printer they probably will not have any testimonials however if your dealing with a professional printer then chances are you will find a testimonial page. Always look for good testimonials. Find them then they earn an ‘A’
Second, does your online commercial printer take credit cards?
Why is this? Simple, not everyone may qualify to take credit cards online. There is a very in depth screening process which merchants must undertake in order to qualify to be able to accept credit cards. Thus if your printer shows they take credit cards then another ’A’ for their report card. Remember the credit card authorities already did all the background checks, pre qualifications and verifications.
Third, how much experience does your printer have?
This is a key before recess, why? Most professional printers who have survived the ages will post their experience on their website or literature. Most small businesses fail year one, if a printer shows they have 5 year, 10 year even 20 years or more experience tells you what grade they are in. A good rule of thumb is equate the years in business to their year of school so to speak. The more experience the better. They have seen performed and completed just about every type of printer services being offered and have many contacts in the business to better serve their customer base. Thus, lets give a printer in business who survived year one a ‘B’ and a commercial printer who has over 5 years of experience an ‘A’ and if a large format printer has over 10 years experience lets give them an ‘A plus’.
Forth, does the printer entice with the word ‘Free’?
Most almost everyone knows nothing is free unless its advice. Some printers may offer ‘free’ as a way to entice you the print buyer to come in and look around and buy something like a banner or a business card, but if you see the word ‘free’ find out what the catch is. Printers who offer free advice, quotes and or free shipping for a certain amount order price is a good thing. This printer will throw in free shipping because of the order size whereas printers who offer something ‘free’ one may want to question what they are truly getting for free. Most commercial printers provide free quotes. If a printer offers free advice, quotes and shipping then grade them with an ‘A’.
Fifth, test the printer that is correct; give your printer a test. How?
Simple, use the free quote form and see how quick the printer gets back to you. If a printer gets back to you that same day then definitely a scholar student and earns an ‘A’ anything over 24 hours then you must question if the printer is ditching class or even capable of getting the work done. After all if the online printer is unable to get you a quote, you think they will be able to deliver the printed product?
Sixth, look around, does the color printer provide a diverse offering? Or are they one dimensional?
Meaning if an online commercial printer offers only 1 or 2 products then it’s OK for a small start up looking for simple business cards or rack cards but the best thing to look for is a wide variety of offerings from commercial print services to large format to mailing and list targeting. Why? Simple, your brands integrity must be preserved and represented in the utmost positive light. Meaning if an online printing company offers vast array of products you may be rest assured your brand colors and presentation will remain consistent. Thus the more products and services offered within the printing sector scores another ‘A’.
Seventh, does your printer shoot straight? Does he or she have integrity?
Why is this important? Simple, many commercial printers and large format printers will use low ball pricing. Meaning they hit you with a price that your comfortable with however if they use fine print and believe me as a print teacher I see this a lot. They use fine print to hit you up for added fees like prepress, RIP, handling and other charges that are not included in the original quote. We all know most large companies and many small businesses will have vector art, art files and color spec sheets ready to upload for the requested catalog, banner, brochure, posters and other printed products. A commercial printer with integrity will make it clear that your quote DOES NOT include art and or layout charges for those who do not have artwork available. Most all printers will provide design services, just make sure it’s included in the quote. Even some online print companies use quick pricing calculators to give you a price BUT what is my real cost? A pricing calculator does not know what design, RIP, setup and prepress fees will be now do they? Find a online printer who shoots straight up scores an ‘A’ any printer who must pack away hidden fees ( which may become expensive ) fail and are expelled from class period.
Eight, Look for reviews, see if the printer has social network accounts
View their Twitter page, Facebook, LinkedIn or other accounts, this will give you an idea of the printer’s character. Look for tweets, check out their wall, and see what people and have to say.
OK you just made it thru first grade up to eighth. You’re now in high school; you have a basic education on what to look for with printing companies and online printers.
Please feel free to add comments, share your ideas of what makes for a good online commercial printing company and or large format printer.
One final word of advice before school is out for the day, ask yourself “is my printer a printer “.
What does this mean? Simple, you want to know your walking into a bona fide virtual online printing company. No different the being in the real world where you walk into a brick and mortar facility. Find a print company that is a print company. Why? Once again, the print company is focused on printing, their line of work. You don’t walk into a print shop and find women shoes, website design or ice cream cones do you? Find a commercial printer or online print shop that is focused on printing whether commercial and or large format. This will assure you that they are focused on your print order and you as a customer.
One final exam, be leery of price.
Remember a good printer will charge you for the right feel, look and presentation. Its like any other business, you get what you pay for and in printing whether its for convention printing items, small business printing services or large corporate accounts you want the right look and feel to maximize your brands image. A quick example, we just met at a network function or a trade show, I hand you a business card and it flops like a cooked noodle, the thin sheet of paper stock your card was printed on to save money just made an indirect negative first impression. This is no different the proper color saturation on a company hand out of brochure. Sometimes the lowest price is not the best price. Pay for quality and make a positive first impression today.
OK class the bell just rang, go out and use what you just learned. Find a Las Vegas printing company or online printer in Las Vegas with a 4.0 GPA and Have fun.
Article written by
Jim Simmons
Here are the top 5 ways to market your business with postcards:
by Jim Simmons on 02/20/11
Jim Simmons
