print procurement software

Why Qualifying Print Suppliers is Often a Crapshoot

By: Rich On: September 15, 2020 Comments Disabled
Why Qualifying Print Suppliers is Often a Crapshoot

Why Qualifying Print Suppliers is Often a Crapshoot

For print buyers, qualifying printers is more important than ever with the urgent need to spend wisely in a tough economy. But it can be complicated and time-consuming—and no matter how diligent you are, most of the available methods don’t guarantee that you’re getting the best deal on price, quality, and service. Qualifying methods vary […]
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Extraordinary times call for extraordinary effort

By: Rich On: August 14, 2020 Comments Disabled
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary effort

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary effort

Six months into the pandemic, with so many economic and social factors still beyond business control, it’s not unreasonable for print service providers, brokers, buyers, and marketers to feel frustrated and stymied. Sure, there are things you can do while in a holding pattern—for example, strengthen your customer relationships, update marketing plans, review branding, and […]
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As a Print Buyer, what’s your LIMFAC (limiting factor)?

By: Rich On: July 13, 2020 Comments Disabled
As a Print Buyer, what’s your LIMFAC (limiting factor)?

As a Print Buyer, what’s your LIMFAC (limiting factor)?

What holds you back as a print buyer? When the military makes plans, they consider what could hinder success. It’s referred to as the LIMFAC, or the limiting factor—the one big element or condition in a situation that you have to overcome in order to succeed. We all run into limiting factors when we try […]
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A World of Complexity Confronts Print Buyers and Vendors

By: Rich On: June 15, 2020 Comments Disabled
A World of Complexity Confronts Print Buyers and Vendors

A World of Complexity Confronts Print Buyers and Vendors

On a daily basis, on our phones and television screens, we’re seeing the effects of complexity—and how leaders struggle to deal with it and often fail. Complex environments and systems share certain hallmarks: There are ongoing, nonlinear interactions of numerous, sometimes millions, of interrelated parts/events. Unpredictability: no one can predict how the interactions will play […]
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What the Print Industry Can Learn From The Last Dance

By: Rich On: May 18, 2020 Comments Disabled
What the Print Industry Can Learn From The Last Dance

What the Print Industry Can Learn From The Last Dance

The late and great Chicago Bulls GM Jerry Krause once said, “Players and coaches don’t win championships, organizations do…” This statement sent shock waves throughout the sports community and raises conversation today with the release of the “The Last Dance.” A documentary highlighting the legendary run of the Chicago Bulls in the ’90s. I would […]
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Increase your marketing —but first, refocus it

By: Rich On: May 12, 2020 Comments Disabled
Increase your marketing —but first, refocus it

Increase your marketing —but first, refocus it

While many businesses are contracting during the COVID-19 economic downturn, this could be a good time to step up your marketing.  It’s an opportunity to reach people with your message when there’s less “noise” from a variety of competing messages. In addition, while people are spending more time at home, your direct mail package may […]
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Beyond Email: Re-envisioning the Print-Buying Process

By: Rich On: May 01, 2020 Comments Disabled
Beyond Email: Re-envisioning the Print-Buying Process

Beyond Email: Re-envisioning the Print-Buying Process

There’s nothing like a crisis to highlight weaknesses. The current economic and health crisis is prompting a reassessment of nearly every business practice, including print-buying.  The printing industry historically has been responsive to changes in the technology of printing, but when it comes to handling orders, it’s stuck to traditional, low-tech manual processes. Many print […]
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Buyer and Printer Communication: Wandering or Guided?

By: Rich On: April 23, 2020 Comments Disabled
Buyer and Printer Communication: Wandering or Guided?

Buyer and Printer Communication: Wandering or Guided?

Consider for a moment these two approaches to the same conversation. Wandering Conversation: John: Hey Sean, let’s get together for drinks after work Sean: Great! John: How about the Pub Sean: Great! John: How about 7? Sean: Sounds great? John: Do you want to meet up or drive together? Sean: Let’s meet Guided Conversation: John: […]
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