Paper Supply Chain Challenges and 

How To Address Them Head-On

 

As Covid restrictions continue to lift across the US, many employees are returning to their offices and businesses are experiencing rapid growth—but now we are now faced with a challenge: supply chain interruptions.

 

Supply chain issues have been interrupting manufacturing processes over the last few years—and the printing industry is no exception. We’re seeing it in the decreased availability of paper stocks, the increased cost of raw materials, and labor shortages. Because of the decreased demand for print products during the pandemic, mills reduced their inventories down to the lowest levels in history. And with the post-pandemic surge, they saw a dramatic depletion in their supplies finding themselves unable to keep up with the increased demand.  

We know, everyone is wondering when will the supply chain stabilize?

That’s the million-dollar question to which nobody seems to have a solid answer. Experts predict that some stabilization is likely toward the end of 2022, or possibly into the first quarter of 2023. 

One thing all experts agree on in riding out this storm of uncertainty is that communication with your customers is key. Talk to them sooner rather than later about maintaining flexibility in their offerings and the projects they’re doing.

Check out these 3 tips when it comes to getting ahead of stalled supply chains:

1. Actively communicate and communicate often

Keep in close contact with your customers as things are fluid. Let them know about any fluctuations in stock or availability and the importance of maintaining flexibility as things will be changing and adjustments will need to be made. Be prepared to offer enhanced customer service as your customers are adjusting to changes.

 2. Revamp products and displays

This is a great opportunity to get creative with your customers by offering incentives (free delivery/shipping, rewards, punchcards, etc.), increased value-driven content, and discounts on future purchases. 

 3. Make forecasting a priority

The best way to weather this storm of uncertainty is to stay informed so you can communicate important changes to your customers and make educated predictions and decisions to best benefit your customers and your business. Call Today 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO:www.printcafeli.com

 

How to Write a Newsletter That Will Get Read

In a busy world filled with lists and to-dos, how do you put out content that will rise to the top and be read by others? Here are some great writing tips to help your newsletter get the attention it deserves. 1. Figure out who your audience it first. Are you sending the newsletter to prospective customers? Or are you sending it internally to your staff? This will determine the tone of the language you use, be it formal or informal. 2. Determine the voice you want to use. Most of the time, it’s best to write as if you are writing to a friend. Use a more casual tone so that everyone feels welcome to read it. 3. Keep it short. Don’t over-write. Figure out your message, then tell it in as few of words as necessary to get the point across. 4. Organize your articles. Put the most important article first, on the front side of the newsletter. Then add the following essential articles. 5. Use pictures and graphics. Insert some visual aids in your newsletter. No one wants to read something that is packed full of tiny print. 6. Make sure there is some white space. Don’t pack it full of text and graphics. The eyes need to have a break, so make sure to leave some space without anything in it. 7. Pick articles that other people will care about. It might be interesting to you and your staff, but how does it relate to your readers? Think about it from their viewpoint. How will your article help them? Then write what will capture their attention and keep them reading. 8. Add a call to action. Be sure to list your contact information on the newsletter so they can contact you to get more information. Whether you are an expert or a novice newsletter creator, we can help get your message out. We offer excellent graphic design and printing to make sure your newsletter gets read. Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO: www.printcafeli.com

 

 

 

       Developing A Competitive Edge

Competitive advantages are the factors that allow your company to produce goods or services better or more cheaply than your rivals and are the key factors in what makes your business better than others. If your competitive advantage can be easily copied or imitated, it is not considered a competitive advantage. Your competitive advantage is the essence of your strategy, messaging, and marketing. According to Jack Welch, “If you don’t have a competitive advantage, don’t compete.” Comparative Advantage vs. Differential Advantage  Comparative advantages and differential advantages are the two different forms of competitive advantages. A comparative advantage is your company’s ability to produce something more efficiently, leading to greater profit margins. One way to achieve a comparative advantage is to increase your economies of scale. An economy of scale is the savings in costs your company generates when it increases levels of production. Greater production leads to lower production costs because it more evenly distributes the fixed costs. A differential advantage is your company’s ability to produce unique products or of higher quality than your rivals. Examples of a differential advantage include advanced technology, patent-protected products or processes, superior personnel, and a strong brand identity. High-end brands, such as Louis Vuitton, utilize a differential advantage. Their high quality and uniqueness allow them to charge much for their products.  Economic Moats Warren Buffet described sustainable competitive advantages like a moat. The image is that your company is like a castle, and your competitive advantage is the moat surrounding the castle. The better your competitive advantage, the greater the moat. A large moat makes it nearly impossible for other castles (businesses) to attack your castle (company). This illustration provides an excellent analogy for what a sustainable competitive advantage can do for your business.  You can create your own moat by strengthening your brand, raising barriers to new entrants through tactics such as regulations, and defending your intellectual property through patents.  How to Create a Competitive Advantage Competitive advantages are imperative to the success of your business. A competitive advantage technique can be found in many areas. 1. Find a focus area Trying to be great in everything often results in excellence in nothing. Therefore, most businesses find it best to hone in on a focus area. This is a market niche in which your company can excel.  2. Employ the best talent Your employees will determine the success of your business. Therefore, employing passionate, talented people is imperative. Search for talent and reach out. It’s better to wait for the right person than hire the wrong one.  3. Utilize rewards Incorporate rewards into your business. You’re going to need to incentivize your employees to go above and beyond their call of duty by rewarding high performance. Examples of rewards include money or vacations.  4. Foster experience Now that you have amazing employees incentivized through rewards, the next goal is to keep them wanting to work for your business for years to come. The greater experience your employees have, the better your business’s customer service. Avoid a high employee turnover rate by making your work environment a place your employees will want to stay for years to come.  5. Speed Customers care about speed. The faster and easier it is to buy from you or use your services, the better. Look throughout your process to find ways to cut down on time and make it easier for your customers.  Dominate 2022 by establishing an effective competitive advantage! Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO: www.printcafeli.com

 

 

 

 

 

How Print Promote's the Success 

of Trade Shows & Events

Nearly every industry and market that you serve either participates in, hosts, or attends tradeshows and events. Events are a beneficial way to grow sales because they combine exposure to a large number of potential leads with the ability to interact personally. Events offer big benefits to businesses of any size and keep brands relevant in their industry. Driving event success in order to net positive gains is key. Understanding the predominant needs of your clients when it comes to attending or hosting events will assist you in helping them achieve the greatest success. Read on to discover the major priorities of event planners, top print products essential for events, and what topics to cover in your conversations to increase engagement and boost your sales.

What takes precedence?

When it comes to event planning, creating a meaningful experience for attendees tops the list of major priorities. Pre-event communications, like direct mail, set the stage in building anticipation and informing attendees of necessary details. Once onsite, the overall aura of the event, both visually and experientially, should feel welcoming and beneficial to the attendee. Safety must be well-communicated, covering not just pathogens and personal space, but preparedness for physical safety too. Structuring an environment that focuses on the safety of attendees is paramount. Signage plays an important role in informing, directing, and building trust. Posters, banners, floor decals, and swag bags keep the momentum going. Following-up right after and continuing the conversation long past the event not only make the event more meaningful for attendees but also serve to build loyalty and brand recognition that pays off big time down the road.

Essential print products

Emphasizing the theme of the event and encouraging engagement throughout every aspect of it helps in developing new and cultivating existing relationships. Done right, events establish brands as industry thought-leaders and educate potential customers about the industry, products, or services. All of this requires printed materials, and the top print products for events include:

• Banners – welcome attendees, capture attention, and add visual appeal to the space
• Postcards – perfect for save-the-dates, promoting registrations and sending reminders and messages of thanks
• Floor Decals – apply step-by-step directions as well as clever branding concepts
• Portable Signage – interior and exterior signage like retractable banners, A-Frames, and magnets draw attention, provide direction and boost brand awareness
• Yard Signs – bring people in, create awareness and promote enthusiasm for the event
• Labels – a top way to identify and differentiate as well as build and communicate company brands
• Apparel – events aren’t events without wearables like t-shirts and polo shirts that not only promote brands but offer residual marketing goods that people appreciate
• 

  What you need to consider before your sales call

  Both exhibiting at and hosting events are ideal strategies for building brand awareness, establishing a brand as major player in the industry, and launching new products and services. Having a solid game plan and creative ideas will help you better support your clients. Here are a few game-changers to consider:

  • A strong visual presence separates a company from all the other booths at the event.
  • A solid plan to engage those attending events virtually is a must. Send swag bags in advance to the virtual guests and provide their event materials in branded presentation folders.
  • To attract quality leads, align marketing materials with the audience of each specific event, keeping the content relevant and personalized.
  • During a trade show or event, you have approximately 10 – 15 minutes to “wow” attendees. Make their experience memorable with company branded brochures and product handouts.
  • Start marketing at least sixty days prior to the event and integrate campaigns with social media to increase interest and create a buzz.

  How to get started

  To get rolling in the events space, there are a few things you can do right away:

  1. Consult your local Chamber of Commerce, schools, and Universities to learn of upcoming events. Talk to colleagues, event planners, current customers, and industry influencers to gain additional insight on what events might be on the horizon.
  2. Have a booth of your own. Participate in a show of an industry you serve. It’s a great way to gain exposure and acquire new clients.
  3. Compile a list. Begin inquiring about events with your current customer base during day-to-day interactions. Screen prospects for those likely to attend or host an event.
  
  

  1. The Takeaway

     A well-planned event with cohesive, branded print materials that illuminate the theme will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression and foster enthusiasm for the next engagement.  Check it all out at:www.printcafeli.com

  
  

Top 10 Promotional Giveaways for Savvy Companies

Top 10 Promotional Giveaways 

for Savvy Companies 

Look around your home or office and you will find mugs, magnets, and bags sporting the logo of your favorite teams, businesses, organizations, school, or employer. Promotional giveaways are everywhere, and research tells us that more than 70% of recipients remember the name of the company that gave them a particular product. Savvy companies know how to leverage the best promotional items to cement relationships and stay visible.

To find the best solutions as a print reseller, consider offering some of these perennial favorites to your clients: 

1. Customizable Tote Bags:

   Talk to clients about these visibility enhancers. In many cities and towns, one-time use bags have been banned or require a fee, making branded tote bags one of the most thoughtful and useful promotional items! The best tote bags come packed with other giveaways, so consider the other items on this list to fill up that beautiful bag.

2. Promotiona T-Shirts:

   Everyone loves T-shirts. They should be part of every employee welcome package and team event. They also help promote upcoming events and celebrate successes. Make them part of a multi-channel campaign by encouraging shirt-featuring selfies that can win the wearers additional promotional items!
   
   

3. Custom Promotional Mugs:

   Whether it holds coffee, tea, or pencils and pens, mugs are practical billboards. With a wraparound design, there is a generous amount of printable real estate to accommodate text and graphics that keep logos and messages front and center.
   
   

4. Customizable Promotional Mugs:

   Every mug needs a practical partner! Drink coasters come in circles and squares, opening the door to diverse designs. You can even make it a game—multiple designs that form puzzle pieces can lead to other promotional items that keep the story going.
   
   

5. Puzzles:

   With five sizes to choose from, puzzles can be just the ticket to creating engagement in a team or community. Custom-printed puzzles can carry a message or showcase products. Make it a collectible by adding time- and event-specific images, with new options available every quarter or every year.
   
   

6. Promotional Magnets:

   The wonderful thing about magnets is that they can stick to a refrigerator, a notice board, or any other metal surface. They are mini billboards that carry reminders and promotional messages. Paired with mugs, T-shirts, and tote bags, they create a strong branding package!
   
   

7. Promotional Keychains:

   We call them keychains, but they open the door to so much more! They can carry a logo or message that hangs from a backpack, tote, or laptop bag—with or without keys. They can even be used as clever zipper pulls for luggage or jackets.
   
   

8. Custom Printed Mouse Pads:

   These stain-resistant foam pads are great for mice, but they can serve even more functions. For retail environments they can enhance the surface for receiving and giving payment, mark locations for product pickup, or create separation in public spaces. Think of them as your all-purpose mini billboard.
   
   

9. Mirrors:

   With an assortment of sizes and shapes, mirrors are those little conveniences that are always appreciated. Add a message and contact information and they can serve as a brand reminder or even a business card!
   
   

10. Promotional Buttons:

    Pin-back and magnet-back buttons are versatile messengers. They are often used to indicate a business or roles. They can identify award winners, classes, and departments. They are the most versatile solution to help customers know who to engage with! Perfect for trade shows and events, a button is a cost-effective way to raise visibility.Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO: www.printcafeli.com

Rider Signs: Fast and Easy Upgrades to Coroplast Signs

Rider Signs: Fast and Easy Upgrades to Coroplast Signs

As most of you know, our coroplast signs can really give your customers' campaigns a boost—use them to sponsor political candidates, advertise homes for sale, promote big events, and so much more.  They’re rigid, durable, and highly weather-resistant so they’ll hold up well indoors and outdoors.  What’s not to love, right?  And if that isn’t enough, now you can add information to your coroplast signs easily without having to create a new sign. Rider signs are designed to fit on top of standard coroplast signs. This not only makes adding additional information easy but easy to see too! 

They’re made from the same coroplast material and come with rider clips that fit inside the vertical flutes on both signs so that they can be attached to one another.  Add rider signs to your existing signs instantly update information about your campaigns.  

Real Estate Coroplast & Rider Signs

Your customers in the realty industry will love how easily they can update their listings: under contract, price reduced, etc. Adding top features right to the yard sign will make it stand out to prospective buyers: pool, bonus room, newly remodeled, etc. Encourage them to include a phone number, website, QR code, or agent name to really boost engagement from the front lawn.

Special Event Coroplast & Rider Signs

Special events need special attention! Rider signs from The Print Cafe pair perfectly with coroplast yard signs to draw attention to grand openings, big sales, extended hours, and more. Show your customers how they can draw attention and increase foot traffic to their next big event like concerts, grand openings, health fairs, fundraisers, etc. with the addition of a rider sign. Your customers will love giving their events an extra boost with rider signs by adding directional arrows, websites, QR codes, and more! 

Political Campaign Coroplast & Rider Signs

It's no secret that campaign signs make a bold statement of support and awareness for a candidate. Show your customers how they can put an exclamation point on their campaign signage with rider signs from The Print Cafe. Adding a website or QR code to their existing political yard signs will really give a candidate a boost while keeping the public informed of upcoming events. 

Head to https://www.printcafeli.com/store/product-view.html/84-Signs and check out our selection of coroplast rider signs today!

How to Stay Healthy When You're Stressed

The new year is a terrific time to focus on your health.

One of the greatest overall benefits to your health is eliminating or reducing your stress. Here are some tips on how to stay healthy when you’re stressed out.

1. Get regular exercise.

This sounds simple enough, yet most of us struggle with it.

Exercise can include parking farther away so you have a longer walk to work or the mall. It can involve swimming, playing basketball with a friend, and even window shopping at the mall. Just find ways to move around more and things you enjoy.

2. Keep a sense of humor.

Try to relax enough to laugh.

Read a joke book. Read a funny book or watch a funny TV show or movie. Have lunch with a friend who lightens the mood.

3. Try some relaxation techniques.

Meditation, deep breathing, yoga, tai chi, or even getting a massage are great makes to stop awhile and take care of yourself. This is the best way to stay on top of your game.

4. Take time for hobbies.

Think about what you love to do: golf, swim, read, craft, paint, hike, listen to music, etc. Then add it to your calendar.

Schedule it in so you are sure to do it. It is not a waste of time; it’s necessary for your health.

5. Spend time with family and friends.

Take time for lunch, dinner, or coffee with others. This is an important part of staying healthy.

6. Get organized.

Take time to organize your stressors. This can instantly relieve stress.

When we try to do too much, it can put an unnecessary stress on our bodies. Write out a budget if you’re worried about money—schedule tasks with enough time to accomplish them rather than rushing to get them done in record time.

7. Get outside in nature.

Sometimes we need to disconnect from the Internet, email, social media and TV.

Being in nature can re-set our clocks and give us new perspectives on life. Go for a walk, a bike ride, a canoe ride, or just sit in a park and observe nature at its finest.

8. Get enough sleep and rest.

Did you know that sleep and stress are directly linked?

The CDC has said that the lack of sleep is an epidemic right now. A lack of sleep leads to elevated levels of cortisol in the blood, which leads to weight gain and brain fog. Try to go to bed at the same time every night.

9. Journal about your life and stress.

Write down all the things that come to mind. It doesn’t have to be organized or even well constructed. Just write. Free write so your mind can catch up with itself.

If you’re experiencing stress related to your marketing materials, we can help. We offer organized, high-quality printing that will take the pressure off of you.  Contact us today to get started! 516-561-1468 or FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF OUR MARKETING PRODUCTS GO TO: www.printcafeli.com