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Conquest Graphics Blog

How an Online Printer Can Save You Money on Your Print Marketing

by mariruth.kennedy@gmail.com
May 15, 2012 19:58
Online printing companies can save you a lot of money on all of your graphic design, printing, and shipping needs.  There are a variety of reasons why this is true, which all contribute to the rapidly growing online cheap printing industry, and one of the biggest is the huge selections of options.  Unlike local printing companies, an online printing company like Conquest Graphics is able to utilize large warehouses in several geographic locations to store their materials.  While smaller, brick-and-mortar businesses often have tight space limitations, these online companies are able to expand their offerings to allow for much more customization.  Additionally, some online printing companies make submitting images and documents even easier through their websites.
 
There is often the misconception that the shipping and delivery costs for purchasing cheap printing through an online printing company will invalidate the low initial estimates but this is simply not true!  Many online printing companies place their warehouses strategically near shipping hubs for fast, cheap delivery options that will then dramatically cut costs.  These cut costs are immediately passed on to the customer who ends up paying even less for their cheap printing than they would at a local brick-and-mortar printer.  Additionally, postal services often have arrangements with companies to offer special discounts and bulk pricing.  In the end, thanks to the growth of online service industries, shopping and delivery have become such inexpensive options that they are almost irrelevant factors in the modern market.

It was once the case that only specialty printers could offer the highest quality printing products but with the boom in industry technology it is now possible for an online printing company to have access to the same supplies and materials.  No longer do customers choose between value and quality—both are combined when you shop online.  Of course, it is still important to shop around to make sure you get the most “bang for your buck,” but with established, experienced companies like Conquest Graphics offering such competitive pricing no customer has to shop around for long!  People often want to check up on company reputations online before committing their dollars to a purchase, but when the companies themselves are online you can easily save yourself a step.
 
Due to the low overhead generally associated with e-commerce, many online printing companies are able to offer complimentary perks like free price quotes and graphic design consultations.  Considering that these are details all businesses are minimally required to assign in-house, being able to assign those responsibilities to an online printer that will handle them free-of-charge saves time and resources—and in business, of course, saving time and resource saves money.  When you are shopping around for a printing and shipping service and they not only offer nominal delivery charges, but quality comparable to a specialty store, as well as a wider selection of options and free bonuses, there remains very little reason to have your cheap printing needs handled locally.
 
For more information and resources for all of your printing needs, please visit
www.conquestgraphics.com
 

History of Conquest Graphics: Why Experience is Important in Printing

by mariruth.kennedy@gmail.com
May 15, 2012 11:06
When it comes to selecting an online printing company, as with any other service-based field, extensive industry experience is important because it ensures quality.  Experience in printing generally comes from being an established company, and being established carries with it the potential for a good reputation and a stake in the community.  This is especially true for Conquest Graphics which is a unique combination of family-run, small business values, with access to high quality materials and the ability to offer sales and customer service online.  Conquest Graphics is the online printing company for any potential customer looking for a brand that is both trustworthy and has demonstrated a history of business success.

Cheap printing should not come without expectations of great service and great finished products, but in this digital age it can be difficult to decide which online printing company can be trusted with your money.  Conquest Graphics has been in business since 1922 in downtown Richmond, Virginia, and has been one of the first online printers to make the transitions to Green Printing methods whenever possible.  Through the life of the company it was been family owned and operated with commitments to both quality and value.  Even though the success of the business has allowed them to expand geographically, they are still based locally to ensure that the family is able to oversee that production meets their high standards of operation.  The ability to trust an online company as if they were located just down the street is a rare and wonderful opportunity in any industry.

A large part of online printing is the process of collaborating to design a premium finished product—and often this is done in a partnership with the printer.  Often the client has a good idea of the content they would like to print but may be unsure about which format would be best, other times they may know how they would like the information delivered but might need some guidance in composing the content.  Conquest Graphics employs a team of customer service staff who are experts in the industry when it comes to graphic design, efficiency management, and respecting the time and budget of clients’ businesses.  Companies with experience in printing like Conquest Graphics are able to offer similarly experienced teams to make the purchasing process smooth and successful. 

The 90 year history of Conquest Graphics gives customers the confidence of an extensive track record of sound business viability and an invaluable knowledge industry trends.  Clients are always guaranteed access to the newest cheap online printing technology, the lowest prices, the most skilled team of staff able to respond to their service needs, and the good fortune of knowing that they are about to become lifelong, loyal customers of one of the most accessible small businesses in the world.  Truly, Conquest Graphics is the greatest example of how companies seeking out online printing options can truly have that “one stop shopping” experience with confidence.

For more information and resources for all of your printing needs, please visit
www.conquestgraphics.com
 

Door Hanger Printing for Politicians - Cost Effective Printing and Distribution

by mariruth.kennedy@gmail.com
May 8, 2012 14:13
Door hanger printing is an excellent way for politicians to market locally for their campaigns - the cost of printing and distribution are very economical.  Not only is it easy to target your canvassing efforts in very specific residential areas, it is perfect for creating name recognition and facial associations.  It is important for politicians and other public servants who rely on votes to take office to create word of mouth through grassroots strategies—especially those that are close to voting areas.  Fortunately, politicians have access to a variety of government documents that help them to easily and effectively target by district and demographic breakdowns.
  
Grassroots campaigns focus on making the most out of smaller budgets and less resources than some larger political efforts.   Thanks to cheap door hanger printing through online printers like Conquest Graphics, this is a great option especially for politicians running for smaller local offices.  When you are running low on expenses or simply are looking for a small boost to your campaign then this is such a splendid option because it gives you so much control over your spending and your targeting efforts.
  
That is one of the benefits to cheap door hanger printing—you completely control the area and the homes where you want to focus your marketing.  Candidates can use demographical information to locate the geographic arrangement of homes to canvass.  Unlike with traditional direct mail marketing strategies through carriers like the USPS, door hanger printing gives you the option to advertise and campaign door-to-door with short notice and can be easily adapted to your needs.  You do not need to research names and addresses in advance and do the printing in advance, you can simply have the door hangers printed in a large number and then canvas with them depending on your needs.
 
One good idea is to make the most of the available space by including an image of your candidate along with a big, bold, bright name in text.  You want to make sure that the voters can connect the face with a name in order to create that feeling of familiarity and comfort.  Residents will immediately connect the candidate’s face with the familiarity of their own homes and you are obviously much more likely to reach them versus other methods of political direct mail marketing.  This is a complex balance of personalizing your campaign efforts in ways that are financially sound while also being effective.
 
Depending on how local the campaign is and the profile of the office, this could also be a viable option for the political candidate to personally place the door hanger printing.  One of the best selling points of door hangers is the potential visibility involved, but this is complicated by the fact that the politician would have to deliver the entire stock of printing—likely not possible.  Another tactic would be to have volunteers of the campaign deliver the printing and to receive training for speaking with homeowners if opportunities should present themselves, in addition to wearing campaign-related clothing. 
Whichever strategy is used with the cheap door hanger printing it is guaranteed to increase voter recognition of the candidate.
For more information and resources for all of your printing needs, please visit www.conquestgraphics.com
 
 
 

Fulfillment Services – What Are They and What Type of Company Can Benefit From Them?

by mariruth.kennedy@gmail.com
May 8, 2012 13:36
Fulfillment services are services offered to companies that are required to fill orders to customers.  Outsourcing those processes, from receiving the orders to packaging and shipping, can save on cost, time, and resources.  Outsourcing the printing to an online printing company like Conquest Graphics has become one of the most popular trends in marketing because there is so much support for these business needs but having a printer that can help you fulfill orders is really helpful for many companies.  Some benefits for companies that use fulfillment services are:
 
For any company that has outside sales people or customers that need customized billing or updates, a print/fulfillment company like Conquest Graphics is great to help you both print and send those orders.  For example, if you work for a large real estate company with multiple representatives that need flyers, cards, brochures with their picture and info.  You can have each version printed and shipped directly to each representative as needed.  This saves you money on warehousing the supplies and the time it takes to package and ship each items when requested. 
 
Discounted inbound shipping— Several companies that offer fulfillment services are able to bundle discounted inbound shipping within their contract.  This may be beneficial for your business depending on whether you do production in-house or bring in many parts from elsewhere.  For instance, a business that does assembly and then resale may want to consider a discounted inbound shipping option if possible because they can not only save time but can also cut cost.
 
Order confirmation notifications— Customers of every industry love receiving updates on the shipping process for their packages.  This is especially true when you have a shipment or processing guarantee because it protects both the consumers and the business.  By keeping the customer updated with current information and a copy of any documentation you prevent a variety of possible issues with misdelivered products, or other problems that are the fault of the carrier and not your company—therefore you keep an eye on liability concerns.
 
Customer service— An infinite number of problems can arise at nearly every level of business and it can seem overwhelming for companies to hire and train staff to handle these issues.  Whether your fulfillment services partnership offers customer service as an additional bonus, or whether you outsource specifically to a customer service specific business, this enables you to focus on delivering your own products without the distraction of the human resources tasking and management of customer service staffing.
 
Assembly— Many companies sell a product that is comprised of parts, either whole or in part, that are made elsewhere.  Therefore, the assembly of these parts is an additional task that falls on the business as another step in the sale process.  Alternately, some companies need to assemble their own in-house products because there are a huge number of production steps that cannot be done through automation.  Hiring a fulfillment service to assemble any necessary parts can take this extra responsibility and transfer it to an outside company—this also will save time, money, and resources.
 
Return processing— Returns are a part of nearly every industry, even those that are service-based without any physical exchange of product.  This is because all customers expect to receive the most value for their money and generally feel entitled to reimbursement if they are dissatisfied.  For instance, a cleaning service that performs poorly or does not satisfy a portion of its contractual agreement with a customer may cause that customer to expect to receive their money back. 
 
Outsourcing to a fulfillment service can also relieve some of the stressors of this process.
For more information and resources for all of your printing needs, please visit www.conquestgraphics.com
 
 

Why Use Recycled Paper for All Your Printing Needs

by mariruth.kennedy@gmail.com
May 8, 2012 13:13
There has been a recent resurgence in companies “going green” with their products and services and there are a variety of reasons why.  Not only is it great for the environment, and consumers generally show a preference for businesses that use environmentally friendly methods, but it is no longer necessarily more expensive versus traditional printing.  Green printing through online companies like Conquest Graphics allows you to not only market your brand itself as “green” but you can help lessen a great amount of stress on the reforestation industry.
 
One of the best ways to slow the widespread deforestation taking place around the world is to opt for recycled paper when you are shopping around for a printing resource.  If possible, you should seek out businesses that commit themselves to using recycled paper more frequently than traditional.  Companies that commit to FSC certification are generally more reputable and established in the community as it is a complex and expensive process that newer businesses may be less inclined to invest in.  FSC certification communicates an investment in an active, socially conscious, and financially sound business practices.
 
There truly are a limited amount of materials on this planet to grow and cultivate and print onto and this has created the need to transition into more responsible business decisions with a focus on the long term instead of just the immediate present.  With this new trend toward a more economically-friendly style of business it is important to not allow your brand to stand out for the wrong reason—opting out.  Businesses in general did not always have to be so concerned with such public relations issues but over time consumers have become much more involved in the production and sale of the products they buy.  When we push this involvement toward trends like green printing, and other environmentally friendly efforts, we can help preserve our resources.
 
As consumers we should all make the effort to support businesses that make the effort to offer sustainable products and services because we can all benefit.  Companies can now even save money through “green” strategies and pass those savings onto their customers, the customers can save a little bit of money and be able to spend with a good conscience, and of course the environment itself benefits over and over again.  Thanks to companies like Conquest Graphics that invest the time and energy into demonstrating their commitments to green printing efforts through FSC certification we can all shop smarter and healthier.
 
The universal recycling/recyclable insignia of three arrows pointing toward one another in a triangle is governed by the Federal Trade Commission's Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims with very strict requirements—it’s very important to know the differences.  This symbol set against a background indicates that it is made of recycled materials, whereas these symbols without a background indicate only that they are able to be recycled safely.  Look for the arrows when you’re shopping for green paper printing and other environmentally sustainable products.
 
For more information and resources for all of your printing needs, please visit www.conquestgraphics.com
 

Why FSC Certification Is Important When Selecting an Online Printer

by mariruth.kennedy@gmail.com
May 8, 2012 12:25
FSC certification, which is certification based on standards proposed by the Forest Stewardship Council, is an indicator that the printing company in question supports environmentally friendly crop cultivation and paper processing.  There are very strict guidelines for all merchants involved that govern the processes from when the trees are first cut down to when they are sent through the printing machines for the final product.
 
It is important to choose a green printing company with FSC certification because it encourages printing companies to make their own environmentally friendly decisions.  If consumers push for more “green” production then it encourages the businesses to move further in that direction.  Companies want to make money, and since money talks, it’s good to note that the customers are crying out for more environmentally conscious options.
 
Of course, there is “going green” and picking up the impressive FSC certification through a separate organization—the latter is far more involved.  Not only do the certification policies have certain guidelines in place governing the green printing process itself but also the means by which the paper is gathered.  The FSC acknowledges that we are deforesting much faster than we are able or willing to create new growth in the old trees’ places.  Unfortunately, at this rate it will only be a matter of time before we have completely cut out too much greenery to sustain our current lifestyles.
When you choose to buy from green printing companies with FSC certification then you can feel confident that they are following these guidelines:
   
    Principle 1. Compliance with all applicable laws and international treaties
    Principle 2. Demonstrated and uncontested, clearly defined, long–term land tenure and use rights
    Principle 3. Recognition and respect of indigenous peoples' rights
    Principle 4. Maintenance or enhancement of long-term social and economic well-being of forest workers and local communities and respect of worker’s rights in compliance with International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions
    Principle 5. Equitable use and sharing of benefits derived from the forest
    Principle 6. Reduction of environmental impact of logging activities and maintenance of the ecological functions and integrity of the forest
    Principle 7. Appropriate and continuously updated management plan
    Principle 8. Appropriate monitoring and assessment activities to assess the condition of the forest, management activities and their social and environmental impacts
    Principle 9. Maintenance of High Conservation Value Forests (HCVFs) defined as environmental and social values that are considered to be of outstanding significance or critical importance
    Principle 10. In addition to compliance with all of the above, plantations must contribute to reduce the pressures on and promote the restoration and conservation of natural forests.
 
It is important to choose an FSC certified company for your green printing needs because you can support efforts to take care of the environment without any added cost to yourself.  Green printing companies like Conquest Graphics offer high quality products and services while also having competitive pricing.  Many customers believe that when businesses offer premium customer care and environmentally friendly products that this comes at a premium price and this simply isn’t true!
 
For more information and resources for all of your printing needs, please visit www.conquestgraphics.com
 

Can Green Printing Help Save the Environment & still be Cost Effective?

by mariruth.kennedy@gmail.com
May 8, 2012 10:07
Green printing is the concept of using environmentally friendly recycled paper and energy efficient means of printing.  In order to truly use the term “green” there must be attention paid to the process from the beginning to the end—the tree cutting to the printed product from a green printing company such as Conquest Graphics.  Companies are now better able to offer competitively priced green printing for environmentally conscious consumers.  Companies generally will still offer non-green options to customers but there remain very few reasons to not recycle.  Recycling paper can save money at either end, in addition to benefiting the reputation of the business, as well as the beauty of the landscape.
 
Reforestation efforts have picked up in recent years in order to combat the rampant destruction of forestry around the world.  Cultivation of trees for printing purposes accounts for 92% of all deforestation and it is vital that we find ways to slow and lesson the damage to the environment.  Humans are currently using more resources than they are growing and storing and will eventually run out of trees to clear cut.  Green printing companies are helping the efforts by transitioning into FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification.  This certification is based on standards set up by the FSC for endorsing environmentally conscious businesses.
 
Some options for green printing are switching to soy and vegetable-based inks, which are very cost-effective due to the fact that they are so much more pigmented than traditional inks and require less volume, as well as using recycled paper and buying product from companies that choose to do sustainable deforestation.  Additionally, green printing companies do make an effort to use recycled paper whenever possible and this is a wonderful trend.  Recycled paper is the same quality as non-recycled paper and can be cheaper in some situations and looks great for your brand.
 
If your company chooses to switch to green printing then you can qualify for FSC certification when you follow very specific guidelines.  Not only is this a good resource for planning how to move toward become a sustainable business but it will make your company much more attractive to consumers.  Many customers seek out FSC certification when choosing a printer, for both personal and professional needs, and are 23% more likely to maintain loyalty when they do so. 
 
Green printing companies are bringing new life back into their industry by learning how to efficiently and effectively remain active during this trend shift.  It is likely that this push for environmentally friendly business practices will only become stronger over time and it benefits the printers, the consumers, and the landscape as well.  By researching guidelines and standards for green printing, applying them to your printing practices, and knowing how to market your certification to consumers then you will be able to take advantage of this cultural shift with a good conscience—and without much added expense, if any!  Environmentally friendly printing is great for the entire industry.
 
For more information and resources for all of your printing needs, please visit www.conquestgraphics.com
 

What's the difference between Digital Printing and Offset Printing

by mariruth.kennedy@gmail.com
April 30, 2012 13:27
 
With the growing popularity of digital printing, it’s become a decision that many companies have to make as they’re choosing how to approach a marketing strategy—digital printing or offset printing?  With even a quick scan over this list it is very easy to decide which option is best for your business, and online printing companies like Conquest Graphics offer both at competitive prices.  It is important that your company not become so familiar with one that they neglect the other, when each can be good for different types of printing projects.  As always—the best marketing strategy is one that uses variety and several paths to reach as many customers as possible with novelty and innovation.
 
 
Benefits of digital printing:
More cost effective at lower volumes—Depending on the size of your order it can be cheaper to go with digital, so it’s a good idea before you place an order to get a quote for comparison just to check.  If you aren’t looking to simply go the cheapest route then there are still benefits to using digital printing that go beyond price and still ensure value.
 
Variable printing— Using databases and mailing lists, variable data printing is one of the best benefits of digital printing.  With these customized direct mailings you can narrow down your targeting to the individual residents themselves and greatly increase the likelihood that they will find your advertising interesting and exciting.
 
Benefits of offset printing:
Cheaper at high volumes— Unlike digital printing, offset printing is usually the cheaper way to go with a larger bulk order due to the way the machines process materials.  For a business looking to save as much money as possible this is often a smart choice.
 
Higher quality product— Even if there is a degree of variability in the finished products, the image quality ( resolution and cleanliness) is generally much better when you go with offset printing, so some businesses with image-heavy advertising may opt for this choice.
Good for a variety of printing surfaces— Paper is not the only printing surface you can choose from!  You can print on anything from wood to cloth to plastic, and all of this is possible with offset printing.  If you’re interested in one of these methods it’s best to call your printer first to find out if they offer any of these surfaces as an option.
 
Both digital printing and offset printing have positives and negatives, depending on everything from your budget to the needs of the individual project itself.  Companies like Conquest Graphics offer excellent customer service, either over the phone or online in real-time, to help you make the best decision from project to project.  With immediate and highly accurate quote availability, as well as a broad knowledge base regarding the industry, you should definitely take advantage of this assistance from the earliest stages of your planning.
 
For more information and resources for all of your printing needs, please visit www.conquestgraphics.com
 
 
 
 
 

How to Design a Newsletter for Your Patients

by mariruth.kennedy@gmail.com
April 30, 2012 13:03
Medical offices and doctors that want to keep their patients healthy and keep them loyal, can benefit greatly from cheap newsletter printing.   Printing a newsletter is an exciting way for those professionals in the medical field to not only attract new patients but to retain existing patients and even use those patients to bring in more referrals.  With a goal-oriented design focus, high quality content, and the variety of print options available through online companies like Conquest Graphics, you can easily reach your desired demographics.
 
Encourage referrals—  Referrals are important for any business but are especially important in the medical field which relies so heavily on referrals.  Not only is it necessary to please the customer but you want to use your cheap newsletter printing to also remind them that you can please their friends and family as well.  Keep yourself at the forefront of their minds so that when they have a co-worker who mentions needing to change dentists, or is looking for some plastic surgery, or needs a specialist with a good eye to examine their back problem, they will immediately bring your business to mind.  A happy customer pays twofold if you can also get them to tell their loved ones to check you out as well!
 
 
Personalize your service— A good bedside manner is very important in the medical industry and you can use your newsletter printing to personalize yourself even further.  Make sure to dedicate a portion of your newsletter to discussing current events and personnel updates around the office; highlight a nurse who’s recently received a special award, or do a special piece on a new staff member in the reception area, or even include fun pictures from professional company events or conferences.  Potential customers like to see that you and your employees all work well together and appear to be compassionate and approachable—this will make them feel more comfortable.
 
 
Appear more professional— Professionalism in general is easy to communicate through newsletters because you’re demonstrating not only a grasp on the basics of literacy and an ability to communicate good ideas in concise ways, but beyond this you are able to present your business as a bigger idea than just a place to make an appointment and receive a service.  By mailing out your cheap newsletter printing you let the potential patients know that your company or organization is established, healthy, and both willing and capable to handle all of their health care needs.
 
 
Demonstrate expertise— One of the best ways to take advantage of newsletter printing is by using the space to demonstrate a high level of expertise.  A doctor that specializes in breast cancer screenings in women who distributes newsletters detailing current events in fundraising, research, as well as human interest stories shows that he or she is invested in the field.  Potential patients will always feel more comfortable with professionals who show that they are dedicated to continuing to further their education in the industry and are always looking to grow and learn more.
 
 
For more information and resources for all of your printing and mailing needs, please visit www.conquestgraphics.com
 
 
 

Outsourcing Your Direct Mail Program

by mariruth.kennedy@gmail.com
April 30, 2012 12:31
Many companies continue to attempt to handle much of their printing needs in-house, using their own resources and personnel to get the job done.  Unfortunately, this is often because they simply do not realize that outsourcing direct mail printing can not only produce higher quality advertising but can actually cut down on their own costs
shoulder much of the burden of cost on buying and maintaining the machines themselves—this way you only pay for the time you use their resources.  Otherwise, not only are you paying for the labor and materials for your postcard printing but you are paying for the upkeep of the equipment as well. 
Businesses have to rent the space, buy or rent the equipment, hire and train labor, and are able to do so easily due to their pricing structures that simultaneously keep costs low.  This is only possible because they are specialized and experienced.
 
 
Additionally, companies like Conquest Graphics that offer online services excel at cutting down their own costs to pass those savings along to the consumers.  Cheap printing like this is only possible with industry professionals who are experts at acquiring and using the machinery in the most efficient ways.  This is wonderful for you because they offer their experience to you as a benefit through website and phone customer support whenever needed.  If you are unsure about a particular style of direct mail printing, or need assistance with compiling content or figuring out which color scheme or orientation would look best, let the experts help you!
 
Core competencies have become vital for businesses in these modern and competitive times.  It is no longer feasible for many companies to tackle production tasks from all angles to save money.  Instead, they focus on their core strengths—their products or services—and allow the professionals whose core competencies are graphic design and printing to focus on theirs.  If your skill lies in concocting and cooking amazing recipes and delicious meals for friends, family, and your community then let yourself focus on that instead of setting aside time to wade through and keep constantly updating on shipping regulations, electronic and technological variables, expensive and confusing industry software, etc.  Do what you love and leave the cheap printing expertise to the other guys—who love high quality, low cost printing just as much as you love to cook!
 
Some on-line print companies also offer mailing services so you can have the entire job printed and mailed through just one vendor.  The benefit of using a printer such as Conquest Graphics is that they have the expertise to help you get the lowest prices on postage and know how to get mail sorted for bulk mail delivery.  If your company does not do a lot of direct mail advertising, it is worth it to outsource both the printing and delivery of the entire job. Otherwise, you will find that you will spend too much time trying to figure out the US Postal Service requirements and will likely not be able to take advange of all the postal discounts. 
 
There is a certain level of skill required to balance and juggle the variety of regulations and constant updates to shipping technology and standards.  Luckily, there are companies that excel at managing all of these details so neither you nor any of your other valuable staff members have to spend precious time handling these issues.  When you outsource these needs to an outside business, like Conquest Graphics, you free yourself to focus on bettering the business from the inside out without having to sacrifice quality or value.
 
For more information and resources for all of your printing and mailing needs, please visit www.conquestgraphics.com
 

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