• Good news: Banks using more direct mail

  11/26/2008 12:13:00 PM

  Direct mail offers sent by U.S. banks to their customers rose 42% from Q2 to Q3, according to research from Mintel Comperemedia. The sharp increase was attributed to banks’ efforts to reassure clients during the current financial crisis. “Banks view direct mail as an effective channel for customer communication. So, as the market settles and financial institutions work to rebuild trust and profitability, we expect they’ll continue with heightened direct marketing efforts to current clients, at least into early 2009,” predicted Diana Sheehan, Director of Research for Mintel. Banks sent approximately 53 million offers to their customers in Q3. The most notable shift came in the savings category, as banks sent nearly 300 times more savings-account direct mail communications to current customers in Q3 than they did in Q2.

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  Darin Painter

• Interesting stat from NAPL: 4.5% of commercial printers account for more than 50%

  11/22/2008 8:21:00 AM

  Small companies may best characterize the commercial printing industry, but new research suggests that size matters when revenue is concerned, according to the National Association for Print Leadership (NAPL). Its “State of the Industry Report, 7^th Edition” indicates that 4.5% of the 600 firms surveyed account for about 54% of total sales. Companies with fewer than 20 employees account for approximately 78% of the industry’s total establishments, but represent only 14% of sales. Firms with 20 to 99 employees account for approximately 17% of total establishments and represent 32% of total sales. NAPL’s report provides guidelines for developing and implementing tailored strategies to improve business.

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  Darin Painter

• Xerox prepares for more eco-friendly digital printing

  11/19/2008 10:20:00 PM

  This is cool: Xerox’s toner plant in Webster, NY, is preparing for the arrival of six 25,000 gallon tanks that will assist in the production of Ultra Low-Melt EA Toner, a product that Xerox says can cut overall power consumption of digital printing devices by as much as 30%. Fusing the toner, or sealing it on the page, is the most power-intensive process in printers and multifunction devices, accounting for 50% to 80% of total power used.

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  Darin Painter

• Get ready for USPS Move Update on Nov. 23

  11/13/2008 1:02:00 PM

  The minimum frequency of processing for discounted First-Class Mail (automation and presorted mailings) changed to 95 days prior to the date of the mailing, as opposed to the previous requirement of 185 days. That change also applies to all Standard Mail as of Nov. 23, when the U.S. Postal Service’s Move Update requirements will take effect. For more, visit the USPS Web site at www.usps.com.

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  Darin Painter

• Congrats to Autobond for thinking fast

  11/9/2008 10:17:00 PM

  Autobond’s Mini Laminator was missing from Graph Expo because U.S. Customs reportedly put a hold on the 40-ft container, which was shipped from the UK. The inspection delayed shipment by two weeks. The container held everything for Autobond’s stand, including its laminator and all booth graphics. Thinking fast, the company rented a 60-inch plasma TV screen to run videos of its equipment in operation. Despite the setback, Autobond reported two orders and ample interest.

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  Darin Painter

• Thinking about investing in new equipment? Act now!

  11/7/2008 3:32:00 PM

  Because new technology is key to growth, accessing capital for that technology could be a litmus test for determining who succeeds and who doesn’t during the current economic downturn. One opportunity for printers is the 2008 Economic Stimulus Act (ESA). Passed by Congress and signed into law by President Bush in February 2008, the ESA provides huge investment incentives for converting equipment sold and installed before 2009. It gives a 50% bonus depreciation on “depreciable tangible property”—including printing, publishing and converting equipment—purchased after Dec. 31, 2007 and “placed in service” before Jan. 1, 2009. The act also nearly doubles the limit on capital investment this year that can be expensed, raising it to $250,000 for companies that purchase less than $800,000 of capital assets in 2008. The “placed-in-service” date for qualifying equipment purchases is vital to the effectiveness of these tax incentives, according to NPES—The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing and Converting Technologies.

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  Darin Painter

• Green Media Conference succeeds

  11/2/2008 7:13:00 AM

  Exhibitors at the Green Media Conference and Expo attempted to create as sustainable an event as possible: All exhibit structures were made from recycled or renewable materials, and onsite handouts were limited to the show’s Resource Guide. The Guide was printed on 50% recycled paper by FlagShip Press, which is 100% wind-powered. ITN International provided smart chip badges and handheld readers that sent all materials electronically to 400-plus attendees. Paper supplier NewPage Corporation broadcast live podcasts and streaming video from the event. Check out www.sustaincommworld.com.

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  Darin Painter

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