10 Traits that every good folder manufacturer has

By Michael Cornnell

The Future of Folders?

Based on past trends and experience, Joel Tardie, director of marketing, product design and development at Presentation Folder Inc., Orange, Calif., shared his thoughts on the future of folders. Tardie commented:

“Probably the biggest news this past year was the introduction of many new digital presses with sheet sizes finally large enough to print a folder. Although the first digital press (Fuji J Press 720) capable of the necessary sheet size was installed and running in the U.S. just before the beginning of the year, another handful of manufacturers unveiled their B-2 sheet size presses at Drupa in May. Although it is still unclear exactly when each will be readily available and how well they will perform, Benny Landa’s had the best accompanying show, and his concept presses look like giant iPads.

“I’m sure other folder manufacturers were well aware these larger format digital presses were coming, but I don’t see them significantly changing the industry for maybe [another] year, even though some have already arrived. The new digital presses will inherently make it possible to buy folders in quantities as low as one, and offer some of the benefits of digital printing like personalization and variable data. That will change the way manufacturers handle processing orders and will break barriers to more distant regions with the shipping cost [becoming] less of a factor.”

Got a folder job coming up and you're not sure which supplier to use? Is your current provider not performing as well as you'd like and you're thinking maybe it's time to make a change? Are you looking for a way to make sure you're getting the best product possible?

Well look no further. Below is a quick, no-fluff list of the 10 most important traits a folder provider should have. Read on and take note of what your current provider offers, is lacking or needs to improve on for you to get the best folders possible.

1. Speed

Provided the quality is good, faster is always better. Besides letting you compete and close tight rush jobs, a capable folder printer will get product into your clients' hands quicker, leaving them happier and more impressed with your service.

Doug Boysen, president of Folder Express, Omaha, Neb., mentioned that 24 hours is considered a fast turnaround time for a folder order. "Once we have artwork approved, we have the ability in most cases to turn those jobs in a 24-hour period," he said. "Most of our competitors are at a 3-day turn."

2. A Good Selection of Dies

All other elements being equal, a project that requires the creation of a custom die is going to cost more and take longer than one that doesn't. Sometimes it can't be helped (say on a hyper-specific, one-of-a-kind design), but in general, a folder printer that offers a wide selection of die types can save you time and money, especially on jobs lacking high or specific customization demands. Boysen noted that Folder Express keeps a large stock of dies in house, specifically for the purpose of giving customers a competitive price advantage.

3. Shipping Benefits

While this point isn't specific to folder suppliers, shipping benefits are still something to consider. Some suppliers will let you apply your shipping ID to orders (rather than their own company's), letting you apply for bulk business discounts with companies like FedEx. Others will offer free 24-hour rush shipping, and some, such as Folder Express, will offer free ground shipping.

1 2 3 4 All Next »

0 Comments

View Comments

Michael Cornnell Author's page

The Hunt for the Perfect Folder