Give ’Em Credit 
Where Credit is Due

A project, a deal, a relationship can hinge on making a first-class impression.

That's exactly why presentation folders 
 are so important. Presentation folders often are one of the first things clients notice and they can be as significant as the paperwork they hold.

The recognition of the presentation folder can be seen in some of the hot items that remain popular.

"The hottest items are those that make your folder stand out in the crowd," said Dianna Lyngholm, product manager of North Mankato, Minnesota-based Navitor. "Although the typical navy blue linen with silver foil stamp is still the most popular, there is an emergence of custom order stocks and unique die-cut folders. Custom size and shaped folders are easily our second highest category in sales after the standard 9x12 size."

Doug Boysen, president of Folder Express, located in Omaha, Neb., agreed with the popularity of the 9x12 folder.

"We sell more 9x12 two-pocket folders than anything else. But the hottest thing going at Folder Express has been the explosion of our Sculptured Pocket line of folders. Our partners' end-customers want to stand out with a folder that is a little bit different, however, most are very cost conscious. Sculptured Pockets provides a cost effective way to make a presentation folder unique without having all the additional charges of making a dye. In addition, we are able to turn one of our over 100 custom pocket designs, from proof to produced product, again in that same day, or 24-hour production to shipping."

Joel Tardie, creative director of Orange, California-based Presentation Folder, concurred that the company gets the most requests for four-color, one-sided standard size 9x12 folders with 4" pockets.

"This product is nothing new to the industry, but cheaper alternatives to the way it was traditionally and properly manufactured and distributed have stirred a heated battle between price and value. It has introduced new challenges to folder manufacturers and their distributors, and profits for both continue to decline as consumers engage these cheaper alternatives. This is actually good news for end-users and some promotional products salespeople who are only looking for the lowest possible price and aren't concerned about the role of the presentation folder in embracing their customers' branding image nor matching other printed material," Tardie said.