Happy Holidays!

It's that time of year again and all of us at DeFrance want to say Happy Holidays! This Christmas in lieu of parties, gifts or treats we have decided to help those in need by donating blankets to the homeless.
We are very thankful for eveyone's support during the past year. Thank You.

Other News-

2011 Calendars- Keep en eye out for our 2011 wall calendars they are on there way out today. There are limited numbers so let us know right away if youneed one.

Holiday Schedule- DeFrance will be closed this week on Thursday/Friday (December 23/24) and next week on Friday (December 31)or the holidays.

If you are interested in donating to the local homeless call the St. Vincent De Paul at619.446.2100 to find the location nearest to you.

Enjoy

Ronnie
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Keep print in the mix if you want to grow your business

Here is what they have to say-

Four in five consumers prefer print over online: KPMG | printweek.com | Latest Print Industry News, Jobs, Features, Product Reviews, Used Printing and Packaging Machinery

If you want to know how to better utilize your print, communications or mailing contact DeFrance today.

Enjoy
Ronnie
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Fresh pics from the press

Last week Real Life Branding & DeFrance debuted our Santa Gift Tag set and today we finished up production on the first 3 designs. Check these pics out "Fresh off the press".
*Please keep in mind these pics do not do the porject justice because they are shot from a cell phone camera. We will have some pics in a few days that showcase the letterpress impression.



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Go to https://feltandwireshop.com/seller/SantaTags to purchase today or contact DeFrance to talk about a similar project.
Enjoy

Ronnie
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Fresh Off the Press-

Here’s a little something that we created for the holiday season; Santa Gift Tags.




They’re printed on a really nice, 100% cotton, pearl white paper using letterpress. You can see the others at:
https://feltandwireshop.com/seller/SantaTags

If you order by the 17th, we can have these delivered before Christmas.

Enjoy
Ronnie
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

The "Little" large format project

Months ago we approached Bink Photo to see if he had a few shots we could blow up as promotional piece's for our large format printing. Below are his photo's which we have enlarged to 24 x 36" for promo posters aswell as a select number at 5 x 8" mounted to foamcore so they could be mailed to local designers showcasing our capabilities.



Below are pics of the small pieces mounted to foamcore.


If you are interested in how large format can help your business call us today to recieve samples and pricing
619.474.8626
Ronnie

Bink Photo
Brian from Bink is heavily involved in the offroad community traveling all over to events like this weeks Baja 1000. Go to their site to learn more.
http://binkdesign.com/

A Large, Large format project

DeFrance has been slowly growing our large format capabilities over the past year starting off with numerous poster, signage and small banner projects. Large format adds to our capabilities allowing us to better serve our clients ever changing needs.

Towards the end of summer we recieved a request for almost 500 18 x 24" posters mounted in frames for a marketing campaign throughout San Diego and Riverside Counties. There we 18 versions produced, framed, packaged and delivered. Below are pictures of a few of the pieces.






Framed and ready to package



Project details:
Quantity- 18 designs almost 500 finished pieces
Paper- semi gloss photo paper
Size- 18 x 24 full bleed
Bindery- Assemble and mount posters in frames
Specialty- Produce 18 x 24" black poster frame with plexiglas

Interested in Large format and how it can help your business than cal us today!
619.474.8626
defrance@defranceprinting.com

Small Business Owners: Print Ads Most Effective

Small Business Owners: Print Ads Most Effective

FedEx Office’s third annual Signs of the Times national survey of small businesses finds that:

• 87% of small business owners say that printed marketing and advertising tools are somewhat to very effective at driving customers to their businesses.

• 61% believe traditional marketing and advertising methods are more effective than web-based counterparts at bringing in customers.

• Interestingly, young adult owners (ages 18-34) are greater proponents of signs, banners, posters, flyers, and brochures as cost effective marketing/advertising tools, than their older counterparts. One out of two young adult respondents value signs and banners, compared to 36% of owners age 55+, and 57% of 18-34 year-old SB owners tout the power of flyers and brochures, compared to 47% of their older counterparts.

• 46% of small business owners have plans to grow their business in 2010 by improving their company’s online presence; 36% plan to utilize social media/networking sites to build business.

FedEx Office, in conjunction with the Ketchum Global Research Network, worked with Braun Research to conduct the survey. They polled small business owners who employ 5 to 100 employees and own firms that generate over $100,000 in annual revenue. A total of 500 interviews were completed; the margin of error is +/-4.38% at the 95% confidence level.
Source: Marketwatch, “Small Businesses Believe They Will Lead the U.S. out of Recession According to Third Annual FedEx Office Survey,” May 5, 2010
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So is this ground breaking info?? No it isn't, it's more of what we have been preaching for the past 2 years. There are many tools in the box, look at the combination that best works for you. For most small businesses utilizing direct mail correctly can bring in new clients, create reliable references and build your brand. Adding in new tools like social networking, blogging and facebook can help fill in the gap between mailings and keep an online portfolio about your business.

Want to talk more about developing an effective marketing campaign for your business, call DeFrance today. 619.474.8626
Also follow our blog or like DeFrance on Facebook to get more updates, samples and info.

"AWESOME WORK!"

The above was the title of an email I received back in June and we have been lagging on posting this. Some really great comments from one of our clients, here is the email.
"Hi Leann,
Tell Ronnie that we are over the moon! These cards look awesome! I was so nervous not being there for a press check, but Ronnie knows what we like. He did a great job...That boy has TALENT!
.................................
Thanks again we are in love with the new cards!!!!
So Happy,
Carrie
Red Cap Cards
www.redcapcards.com"

Here are a couple of pictures of the cards that we produced for Carrie.


The 2 designs were produced just days before the 2010 New York Stationery show where Red Cap unveiled their new designs.


If you are interested in learning more about DeFrance, our capabilities or how we can help you please call, email or go to our site to learn more.
Leann Wingo
619.474.8626
leann@defranceprinting.com

Consumers ‘Like’ Companies on Facebook for Discounts/Show Brand Affiliation

Facebook, is it really good for businesses or just personal?
Click on the link below to see to see what consumers are saying.

Print in the Mix: Fast Fact - Consumers ‘Like’ Companies on Facebook for Discounts/Show Brand Affiliation

Letterpress Antiques

Ron Williams of DeFrance Printing has been involved in printing for almost 40 years. Throughout that timeframe he has collected hundreds of print antiques, paper and other interesting items. We recently have been cleaning out a storage room looking through what we actually have coming across some really unique items. A couple of pics from 2 weeks ago, more to come as we keep sorting.

Yard Signs

As we all know by the bombardment of political ads on TV we are supposed to vote in a few weeks. DeFrance has been assisting campaigns get the word out with design, print, mail and signage. Here are a couple of pics of a little yard sign project we delivered yesterday.

To order a similar project or talk about other projects please call or email us today!
619.474.8626
defrance@defranceprinting.com

Prohibition Letterpress Piece

We were cleaning out a storage room and came across boxes of antique Letterpress cuts(plates)from the early part of the 20th century just collecting dust. Immediatley this piece stood out as something we should put back on press showcasing some great artwork from around 90 years ago. Heath Printing dba DeFrance originally printed with these plates we assume for a campaign against prohibition.

Job Specs:
This piece was printed with 2 letterpresss cuts made from a lead plate mounted to a wood base. Even with the age of the cuts we were able to get a really nice impression into the sheet showcasing the tactile style of Letterpress.
Paper- 300 gram Somerset made from 100% cotton
Ink- 1 pms color + Dense Black

For more information about this project or to request more information please call or email us.

619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Die Cut Recipe Cards

A new project for Sycuan, they wanted to feature 5 of their recipes for their guests to enjoy. Each card features an appetizing picture on the front and the recipe on the inside.
Printed 4 color 2 sides + a Matte Varnish on 100# Jefferson Velvet Cover and finished off with a custom die cut + score. Matte Varnish seems to be getting more popular as designers move away from the typical flood gloss coatings. Sycuan is always creating amazing projects and we cant wait for the next one.

For samples, more details or to request a similar project please call or email.
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Large Format Signage

Something new we are offering along with our large format digital printing is signage. The client is opening up a new location in downtown SD and wanted signage next to his front door, something different.
This 1 off piece was printed at 16" x 48" tall full color with bleeds and then mounted to foam core. It came out great and the client loved it. Pics are from my phone excuse the photo quality.

Our large format digital press will print photographic quality with archival inks meaning the color will last maintaining a beautiful image for years.

For questions about this type of project call or email us at
619.474.8626
or
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Greeting Cards

DeFrance has been producing greeting cards & social stationery for designers & card companies both locally and nationwide for quite some time. Typically we are the silnet partner producing, packaging and shipping the work with no one ever knowing but our client.
This is what makes Brad from Maginating such the acception to the rule. He not only brings DeFrance loads of great and challenging projects but he freely passes our name around which we greatly appreciate.
Above are samples of 2 of his many cards we recently finished. Brad loves pushing the envelope often using 3-5 colors as shown above. These cards are then die cut and scored, shrink wrapped, packaged and shipped.

If you have a product DeFrance can help produce please call us or email today to see samples and learn more.
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Letterpress piece

Handset with lead type, printed on coaster/blotter paper with high dense Black ink smashed into the sheet of paper. This piece was created for DeFrance sent out to local designers boasting how we can help them make an "Impression" figuratively and literally.

Call or email us today if you are interested in impressing your clients
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Postage increase in 2011

Postal rates will increase January, 2011.

The United States Postal Service today filed for a price increase with the Postal Regulatory Commission. Overall, the increase will average 5.6%.

First-Class Mail will rise 5.4% on average making a first class stamp 46 cents. Presorted letter prices will increase an average of 2.1 cents. Presorted flats will jump about 12%, on average.

Standard Mail prices will increase an average of 5.6%. The increase for standard letters will be about 5.0% and flats 5.1%. STD parcels will jump 23.3%, since they currently do not cover their costs. Other classification changes will be proposed as well.

Periodicals will increase by 8% and Package Services will increase 7%, except for Bound Printed Matter flats which will rise only 5%.

The Postal Service acknowledges the price increase will impact customers, but expects the total net benefit of the higher prices to be about $2.3 billion, an amount that will reduce the agency's anticipated Fiscal Year 2011 loss to about $4.7 billion.

The Postal Rate Commission has 90 days to respond and could make changes to the proposed rates. Implementation is planned for January 2, 2011.

We will keep you updated on further developments.
With our inhouse mailing services DeFrance can save you money on postage ensuring you recieve the optimum postage rates on first class, bulk mail or non profit mailings.
Call today for more info-
619.474.8626

Stationery suite 1 color + foil

A complete stationery suite recently finished for Argent Management created by Real Life Branding. The suite includes Letterhead, #10 Regulars, #9 Billing Envelopes, Business Cards and Labels. All were offset printed 1 color blue then hit with silver foil stamp on Sirius Starwhite. Ron at Real Life has a great eye for combining print processes and we think this package came out great! Cant wait for the next one.
To see more pictures of this project please go to our facebook page linked to the right and become a fan. If you are interested in DeFrance producing a package like this please call us today, we would love to help.

619.474.8626

Print Grows Trees | Spread the Word

New website on why paper and print are such important parts of our environment and why using paper can help create and maintain jobs. Good read!

Print Grows Trees | Spread the Word

Large Format Printing

These are samples of Foam core mounted Posters the largest being 24 x 36" and the smaller one 24 x 9". Posters, Banners, Signage all perfect for your office, tradeshows, events, campaigns and more. Call or email today for more details and pricing.
619.474.8626
defrance@defranceprinting.com

Going Paperless: Not as Green as You May Think | Business | GreenBiz.com

Good article on print vs electronic, who's greener? At DeFrance we have taken all of the necessary steps over the past 5 years the ensure our print and marketing material is as environmentally safe as can be. Adding laser based CTP plate making, recycling all paper waste, recyclng all used print plates, using soy based process and printing inks, utilizing digital printing to shorten run lengths and much more. Enjoy-

Going Paperless: Not as Green as You May Think | Business | GreenBiz.com

Print in the Mix: Fast Fact - Consumers Prefer Print for Catalogs, Bills, Statements

News study shows that Customers still prefer print vs electronic for their Bills, Statements and Catalogs. Click on the link to read more.

Print in the Mix: Fast Fact - Consumers Prefer Print for Catalogs, Bills, Statements

1 color T-shirts

You may recognize the logo from a past entry in September of 2009. DeFrance originally created vinyl graphics for RBF to be placed on their surf boards, delivery vehicle and to pass around as promotional pieces. His efforts really paid off and in 2009 he moved alot of surf boards. They came back looking for shirts, something simple they could hand out to customers.
The shirts are printed on 6.1 oz white Hanes Beefy T's with a Navy blue ink, they recieved them last week and was super excited.

If you have any questions about T-Shirts, Vinyl or any other type of printing please call DeFrance today to see how we can help.
619.474.8626

10% Discount from Postcards

First off, welcome to our blog and if you have been here before welcome back.

We created this as an outlet to share information with our client's. A place to showcase our capabilities, new projects, ideas, marketing tips, design and in this case a place to save a little money. As you know we have been in business for quite some time and many of you began working with DeFrance because of a reference. Someone you know who appreciated what we do and passed our info along. The discount shown above on our postcard is to thank those who promote our business.
Here is the info on how to save-
Do you know a co- worker, a family member or friend who at their place of business could benefit from using DeFrance? If so, email DeFrance with the subject line of "Referral". We will send you a short referral form to fill out and email back. It's easy and a great way to save money.

Email- defrance@defranceprinting.com

This offer is good through 12/31/10

Conservation Paper- 100% Post Consumer

Yesterday DeFrance met with a mill rep from Neenah paper who presented their new line "Conservation". Currently Neenah manufacturer's great lines like Classic Crest/Linen/Laid, Environment, Sundance, Coronado and many more.
The conversation was based around their new line called "Conservation" which is made from 100% Post Consumer Fiber and is FSC certified. It's available in 24# writing, 70/80# Text and 80/100# Cover and is priced very aggressively. Conservation looks to be an affordable solution to being Green.

Call or email us to receive samples or talk more about it's uses.

Thanks
DeFrance
619.474.8626

Postcard Artwork

DeFrance recently we teamed up with Palm Canyon Resort in Borrego Springs. Like alot of businesses right now they dont have an endless budget so we created a postcard template that can easily be changed while keeping the overall theme consistent. Borrego is a beautiful place to visit offering hiking, mt. biking, off roading, golfing, great food and yes, flowers.
Borrego is located within 2 hours of San Diego and make's a great getaway. For more info go to www.palmcanyonresort.com

Firms Hold Fast to Snail Mail Marketing in 2010 - WSJ.com

Looking to cut costs amid the recession, Alicia Settle initially thought it would be a good idea to eliminate her company's annual direct mailing.
Spending about $20,000 on the personally signed letters, which offered customers a discount on early orders, seemed indulgent for Per Annum Inc., which sells city diaries, albums, and planners in the struggling corporate gift market. But after swapping snail mail for email last year, Ms. Settle saw a 25% drop in early orders compared with the same period the previous year.
"We realized we had made a huge mistake," says Ms. Settle, president of the New York firm.
The affordability of e-marketing, along with the explosion of social media and the desire to trim costs in the recession, has prompted many small companies like Per Annum to slash traditional direct-mail budgets. U.S. consumers received about 5.2 billion pieces of direct mail in the third quarter of 2009, a 27% decline compared with 7.1 billion in the same period a year earlier, according to Mintel Comperemedia, a research firm that tracks direct-mail marketing.
However, some entrepreneurs who were quick to write off direct mail as too pricey or passé are finding it's not so easy to dismiss.

Read more from WSJ.com

Firms Hold Fast to Snail Mail Marketing - WSJ.com

New Ad

Here is an ad Jeanette created for an up coming publication.

New at DeFrance

By our own admission our building has been pretty unimpressive. Mostly because we were not sure if we would be quickly moving again to a different location. We'll we have finally made a desicion that we are not moving for quite some time and therefor are fixing up the place. So far we have added grass along the street, desert plants next to the parking lot and the newest addition is our sign shown above.
Over the next few months we will continue to upgrade and improve our location in hopes to better serve our clients aswell as improve the neighborhood. Keep an eye out for more improvement.

Details about our sign-
We have been tossing ideas around since we moved in this location about something industrial, metal and big but just couldn't decide on exactly what. I was having some parts for a car cut out of metal and started thinking about how cool the process is, like die cutting but out of metal.
We started with a sheet of 4' x 6' 1/8" mild steel that was then waterjet cut from our artwork using an illustrator file. After the sign was cut we then welded on 4 legs to add depth off the building and then took it to be powder coated. After powder coating we glued on a sheet of 1/8" white plastic to highlight the artwork and then mounted it to the wall. It was our first experience with this type of signage but we think it came out great.

Forcasting 2010

"For 2010, I think-I hope!- we'll begin a conversation about balance in the marketing mix. Social media has been the "Next Big Thing" for a couple of years now, but despite the heavy hype, there's been relatively little discussion about it's place as a tool in a toolbox, as opposed it being the salvation of marketing and branding.
Print isn't dead. Television isn't dead. Radio isn't dead. Billboards aren't dead. Direct mail isn't dead. Even newspapers aren't dead. They are all very much alive and there are great opportunities to use them in conjunction(instead of replacing them) with social media and other new media.
By applying the fresh perspectives and philosophies found in new media to more traditional areas of marketing, we can uncover opportunities to innovate and extend beyond what other's have done in the past. Here's hoping 2010 is the year we dust off some of the great media vehicles of the past, and discover new and relevant ways to use them to connect with our audiences."
James Archer Managing Director of Forty Agency

Advanced Viewing

"Oversized windows entice recipients to find out what's inside."

"Back in vogue are oversized-window envelopes that give recipients enough of a peek at the contents to convince them to open it.
The Wilderness Society- a Washington, D.C. based non profit- adopted the larger windows for its bimonthly donor recruitment package, which it mails 2 to 3 million of annually. It now places the traditional single envelope used for the prospecting piece inside another envelope with an oversized window, and donors have taken notice.
When the double-envelope approach was tested against the single envelope, the oversized-window piece produced a 35 percent higher response rate, according to Robin Hickman, the group's director of membership services. She adds that a subsequent test also generated a higher response rate, proving that doubling your efforts really can pay off. - Paula Andruss"

by Paula Andruss from the December issue of Deliver Magazine.

Rain & Hail!

Wow, I have lived in San Diego my entire life and don't believe I have ever seen weather like this past week. Kind of a mess but we really needed it.
Here is a pic of hail that built up on our front door this morning. Be careful outhere and wear your waders. Keep checking in I am going to be adding some samples and marketing tips early next week.

Happy New Year!

Well we hope that all of you enjoyed the holidays and celebrated the New Year! I am ever the optimist and feel that 2010 will bring good news and improved business. This doesnt mean everything will go back to normal but I believe that those of us who work hard, build relationships and have a plan will succeed.
What to expect from DeFrance this year- more ideas/ better solutions/ additional capabilities/ new marketing tools/ our own marketing campaign including directmail, email, phone sales, vehicle and building signage + more/ silk screen printing capabilities for clothing/ increased variable data solutions and more-