6 fast tips for folder success

By Elise Hacking Carr

CASE STUDY

MaryBeth Van Gruensven, general manager for Independent Folders, De Pere, Wis., offered a presentation folder example that was used for the health care industry.

Description: Custom 9x12" presentation folder with Velcro closure, pen slit, 7-stepped insert sheets and notepad.

Distribution: The branded folder was purchased and distributed to new patients upon admission. The folder contained informative inserts, business card slots, a notepad and a pen. The pocket accommodated for storage for additional paperwork. The Velcro tab offered added closure.

Result: The folder provided the patient with a well-organized place to keep instructions and documents. The notepad was conveniently located to write questions or take notes. The folder fit nicely in a file and the branding allowed for easy recognition. The folder enhanced the professional image of the hospital, while the assembled information provided ease during admissions, ultimately saving time and money.

Presentation folders are just as important as the documents they hold. The gateway to a critical first-class impression, folders are judged during that initial meeting—much like your sales pitch—so it's crucial to ace both jobs from the start.

But, are you already feeling overwhelmed by paper stocks, soft-touch laminates and supplier partnerships? Rest easy because Print+Promo has you covered. These six no-nonsense tips will ensure your clients receive the best folders on the market.

1. Provide Value

The growing demand for short runs has introduced a spike in certain value-added features, according to Joel Tardie, director of marketing, product design and development at Presentation Folder Inc., Orange, Calif. He specifically pointed to premium selections in stocks, coatings and imprint methods. "While soft-touch AQ had its brief moment in the spotlight, we're having much better responses to soft-touch lamination," Tardie observed. "When paired with spot gloss UV or foil stamping, matte and soft-touch laminate provides an excellent finish for contrast, both look and feel."

MaryBeth Van Gruensven, general manager for Independent Folders, De Pere, Wis., agreed, adding that distinctive shapes and imagery can provide a more engaging experience for clients. "Die-cut plates make it possible to craft presentation folders of any shape. In addition, new technology has reduced the cost of impressive imprint methods (i.e., embossing, debossing, foil stamping) as well as popular coatings such as soft-feel laminate," she said. "Any of these processes, whether used alone or together, give a more engaging look to a print piece. An unexpected shape or feel catches the senses and encourages an emotional attachment to the media, as well as the company it represents."

2. Embrace the Digital Age

In a short amount of time, the digital revolution has rapidly gained ground. Suppliers are responding by designing presentation folders with technological advancements in mind.

New Year, New Products

Here, Joel Tardie, director of marketing, product design and development at Presentation Folder Inc., Orange, Calif., shared information about a new product set to launch in 2014: Prestige Folders.

What Is It: Essentially, it is a new collection of private-label paper stocks with a bold variety of colors and finishes. The beauty of these proprietary substrates is partly due to the versatility of print applications that can be used, which include the full gamut of foil, embossing, spot UV, offset and digital printing.

What Sets It Apart: The unique ways they react to each imprint method and the possibilities each presents. This allows us to give designers options for a fresh canvas that offers a new approach to folders what we have yet to see in our market. These private-label stocks are versatile in print methods, both old and new, offering some unique special effects that can’t be achieved with the same treatments using traditional paper stocks.