Connections
Is RFID Printing Worth Providing? Part 1
RFID technology has made leaps and bounds since it was first introduced in a 1983 patent for a device that used radio frequencies to remotely identify an object and allowed data communication without any physical contact.
Today, numerous companies are utilizing RFID technology – whether it’s for tracking fish in an aquarium, monitoring toll both users, opening car doors, checking out purchases or installing RFID chips on printed product to protect against fraud or track use, they’re on the rise.
But, is RFID a pervasive enough technology to start providing as an option for your printing jobs? Will the demand reach high enough levels to justify adding RFID label printing services?
The Costs are High
Compared to a simple barcode, an RFID tag is expensive. Until the price drops, most clients will prefer to opt for a standard UPC on their packaging.
Technology Still Has a Way to Go
Did you know that metal containers or any products with liquid inside can pose a problem for many UHF RFID readers? That means labels for these products will most likely remain Read more
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Negotiating Printing Equipment Leases
In the printing industry, equipment leases are a massive money maker and estimated to be worth about $3 billion. Sign shops, print providers and small print shops are leasing everything from presses and copiers to colorimeters and UV printers in an attempt to stay on top of changing technology without having to make massive capital investments.
In fact, I’d be willing to bet you have at least one piece of leased equipment in your shop right now, if not more.
And, while a lease payment is often significantly cheaper than a loan payment, those costs can still add up. But did you know that carefully reviewing every lease can save you as much as 5 to 15 percent over the total cost of the lease? So, how do you do it?
Always Get Quotes
Your clients will visit multiple printers for quotes on jobs, so do the same with your next lease agreement. Remember, you don’t always have to lease from the manufacturer itself, so get multiple proposals from various leasing companies and let them know they’re bidding for your business.
Get All the Documentation With Every Quote
Before you can really evaluate a proposal or quote, you need to see the fine print (because that’s where a lease can hurt you). So, ask the bidding lease company to Read more
Fight the Big Box Stores Part 3
Specific Strategies
A few months ago, I was reading Print Professional magazine and they had an incredible article titled ‘David vs. Goliath’ (by Elise Hacking, Aug 2008 issue). In that article they featured several printing companies that are actively winning the commercial printing battle.
Dupli-Systems put their prepress manager in the same room as their sales people, therefore making sure jobs run smoother, faster and more efficiently for customers. J&A Printing in Iowa has carved a niche for itself by adding specialty equipment for direct-mail pieces and Thornhill Printing in Pennsylvania upgraded their equipment to meet specific customer needs.
These were all specific strategies designed to set them apart from the big box competition.
So, where can you carve a niche? How can you set your print shop business apart?
Will you:
- Invest in the technology to embed RFID and other chips into your printing?
- Specialize in large-scale banner printing?
- Fine-tune your direct mail services to offer more options?
- Add a contract designer to your roster to become full-service?
- Focus on niche items like tickets or security badges?
- Or come up with something totally new?
Let us know, comments or suggestions are welcome in the comments section.