Does your fundraising stand out?

As we fast approach the holidays (I cant believe next week is Thanksgiving already) non profits and businesses are positioning to ask for donations and sell their products. Direct mail is still the first touch and standing out is key to your success.

Generating cash is a responsibility most every company faces and with that comes the challenge of how to get your message out as the popular form of communication continues to change.

Direct mail has stood the test of time and remains one of the most effective ways to get your company information in front of consumers and/or donors.

My grandmother is a person who donates to several organizations each month (and no, you cannot have her contact info- ha) so I questioned her about how she decides where to give her support. Her answer included the following reason:

1)The piece is unique and catches her eye- intrigues her to open it.
2)The company/non profit is reputable, mails her often so she is familiar with their service/mission.





















That brought to mind a piece we recently received in the mail (see above). The piece was definitely unique and caught our eye- how many brown paper bags do you receive in the mail? Not many, I bet. We, of course, opened it and found:















-A personalized letter, asking several times for support
- A colorful brochure explaining who our donation will benefit
-A code number enabling the company/non profit to track which mailing got a response

Take a look at your current marketing/fundraising material. Is there room for improvement? Would you like to track which pieces work best?

Call us today - we want to help!

Ronnie Williams
DeFrance Printing
619.474.8626

Clever Bed Bug Dimensional Mail

Great article in Deliver Magazine about custom short run direct mail. Companies far to often focus on sending out the cheapest direct mail to widest audience possible. In reality it's smarter to spend more on a very small targeted audience bringing in better return.

Terminix Catches the Eye with Clever Bed Bug Dimensional Mail Deliver Magazine

If interested in growing your business through targeted direct mail contact DeFrance today!

619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Direct Mail Spend Expected to Grow 4.6% This Year

"The power of direct marketing".
Click the link to read more results from the DMA. Good info and shows how each aspect of marketing will grow through 2016.

Direct Mail Spend Expected to Grow 4.6% This Year

Printers Fair!

DeFrance Printing will be at this years 3rd annual Printers Fair hosted by The International Printing Museum. We welcome all of our customers and friends to come to the Museum, watch the demonstrations and check out all of the vendors. Make sure to stop by our booth B58 to see samples and buy antiques, stationery and more. See you there!

http://www.printmuseum.org/docs/LA%20Printers%20Fair/LA_PRINTERS_FAIR_FLYER_2011.pdf

‪LetterMpress™ Overview‬‏ - Neat Video

We enjoyed this and thought all of you letterpress people would too.



Enjoy

Ronnie Williams
DeFrance Printing
619.474.8626

Custom Packaging

I was going to title this "Custom Packaging, New at DeFrance" but the reality is we have been creating & producing packaging here for decades. It just hasn't been one of our main focuses, that is until recently......

As we continue to grow our digital print we have noticed a great fit for short to mid sized packaging products. Either upstart's or existing companies who want to create a new product. Utilizing digital & offset print allows the client to order short runs not only saving them start up costs but giving them the flexibility to test the packaging prior to future larger runs.

Here is an example of a short run project-

Project Specs-
Quantity- 500 finished boxes
Description- Crayon Box design but used for App pens for local schools
Paper- 12 Point Chip Board
Ink- Black Soy based ink
Finishing- Die Cutting, Gluing and Bulk Box

This box would have been perfect for digital print but the client wanted the piece to be recycled and environmentally friendly so we offset printed the black with a soy based ink.

If you are interested in learning more about DeFrance's packaging or print capabilities please call or email us today.
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com
or check out our website for more details-
Our Website/

USPS Summer Sale!

Good morning!!!
We'll you've either clicked on the QR code, typed in the URL or just happened to find us online. Regardless of how, thank you for reading.

If you haven't heard yet the USPS is offering a 3% discount on postage to pieces that include QR Codes which can be read by smart phones.



The requirements are:

1.All mailpieces in the mailing must include a mobile two-dimensional barcode on the outside of the mailpiece or within the mailpiece.

2.The mobile barcode must be used for marketing purposes and must be relevant to the contents of the mailpiece. The objective of the two-dimensional mobile barcode on eligible mail pieces must be to initiate interaction with consumers via mobile smartphones to market, promote, or educate.

3.Standard Mail and First-Class Mail letters and flats must be sent with postage paid entirely using a permit imprint and submitted electronically using Postal Wizard, Mail.dat, or Mail.XML to qualify for the discount. (Mailings submitted via Postal Wizard claiming IMb postage rates cannot exceed 9,999 pieces.)

4.The Mobile Barcode Promotion must be affirmatively claimed on the “Incentive Claimed” line in the certification section of the postage statement.

5.Mail must be tendered for acceptance during the promotion period, July 1, 2011 through August 31, 2011.

This discount is really straight forward, integrate a QR code in your printed piece and receive the discount, simple. We are encouraging all of our mail & marketing customers to participate and enjoy the discount. Call or email us to day to learn more about this amazing deal!

DeFrance Printing
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Generate Better Returns with Custom Direct Mail | Deliver Magazine

This is a great article on how custom Direct can and does make a difference in your marketing. It's funny because when talking postcards, selfmailers or newsletters people are constantly hammering on the price. Now, I understand price is important but isnt your ROI (Return on Investment) more important? If not it should be, read more to see why-

Generate Better Returns with Custom Direct Mail | Deliver Magazine

After reading this article if you want to learn more about custom directmail call DeFrance today, we're here to help.

Ronnie Williams
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

FPO Awards: Winners for Hyperquake piece!

Congrats to everyone at Hyperquake!


The combo Letterpress/Embossed posters to celebrate Hyperquake's 10th Anniversary have been a huge hit and were just recently awarded the best "Poster for Self-Promotion" by For Print Only. It was an awesome project to be apart of and we look forward to the next one.
To see all of the winners click here-
FPO Awards: Winners
or to go to their website to see more-
http://www.hyperquake.com/#/work

Enjoy

DeFrance Printing
619.474.8626

Direct Mail Design and Best Practice | Business 2 Community

Good read especially if your direct marketing.

Direct Mail Design and Best Practice | Business 2 Community

If you need help creating or improving your marketing campaign call DeFrance today!
619.474.8626

New Data & List Aquision Tools!

Many of you have taken a advantage of DeFrance's data & list capabilities over the past 30 years, assisting you to better improve ROI and gain new clients & donors. We now have some new features to add along with our current services including- Draw polygons, overlay radii, even section off suppression areas to create more targeted campaigns.



New tools like Drive time will take variable data campaigns to the next level. Call or email today to take advantage of these great tools.

619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Digital Greeting Cards

We have finally been able to catch our breath a little bit after the National Stationery Show. The majority of the work we produced for the show was Letterpress but a new client came to DeFrance requesting a combination line of Letterpress & Digital. We did testing on Lettra which amazingly printed really well on our new digital press but in the end they went with Environment. It is a smoother sheet but as the name states is made from 100% post consumer fibers and printed great.



Project Details- 50 different designs
Quantity- 50 of each card (2,500 cards)
Paper- 100# PC100 White Environment Cover
Size- 5.5 x 8.5"
Finishing- Die Cut + Scored
Production Time- We would have liked more time but because of the crunch to meet the show deadline we took 3 days once files were approved to print, die cut, package and ship these.
We love Letterpress but digital gives you the capability to produce extremely short runs fast.


Call or email us today to learn how DeFrance can help your greeting card or stationery business grow & thrive.

619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

The Digital Nirvana » Blog Archive » The Quick Response (QR) Codes Best Practices

Click the link to learn more about QR Code best practices

The Digital Nirvana » Blog Archive » The Quick Response (QR) Codes Best Practices

As always if you want more info about how to use QR codes and how they can help your business call or email us today!

Thanks
Ronnie Williams
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Print is... A Driver of Online Sales

Great short video on print-
YouTube - Print is... A Driver of Online Sales

Promotional Piece With Legion Paper and a Lot of Talent!

I just talked with Brad from Maginating yesterday and he said this years show is going great so far! Something like 80 letterpress companies there this year. Wow!
Here is a link to Maginating's blog, he elaborated a little more on the project and type of materials used. Take a look.
"Whatcha' doing?" "I'm Maginating!": Promotional Piece With Legion Paper and a Lot of Talent!

National Stationery Show 2011 Sneak Peek | Oh So Beautiful Paper

Here is write up about the recipe cards on "Oh So Beautiful Paper". No photo love of our recipe cards but Maginating does get a mention in the bottom. So far the shows seems to be going great!

National Stationery Show 2011 Sneak Peek | Oh So Beautiful Paper

Kind words from a customer

Below is an email I recently received from a very happy client.

"Hi Ronnie,
WOW! I was so excited to receive the invitation in Friday's mail!! You really rocked this job as everything looks amazing........ You all did an excellent job and I am really happy with the result! Thank you very much...........
Thank you again!! I am once again very happy with DeFrance!!"

Emailed to DeFrance by Kathryn, Director of Development at ARTS
This email was in response to an invitation package we produced for their 10th Anniversary Gala.
Poster

Sleeve


The package was created by Savacool Secvair Brand Communications (Mike & Steve) which included-
Invitation/Poster- 17 x 22" printed 4 color over 2 color on 80# Jefferson Gloss Book
Mailing Sleeve- 6 x 9" Printed 2 color over 1 color (flood inside of Sleeve)on 80# Jefferson Gloss Cover
RSVP card & envelope- 1 color matching colors of package
All of the piece's were inserted, sealed, ink jetted and mailed to potential attendees.

If your interested in seeing samples or learning more about DeFrance can help your business or non profit call or email us today!
Enjoy
Ronnie
619.474.8626

Legion Paper - National Stationery Show- Press Releases

Are you ready? The Stationery Show is in 9 days!

Not only was DeFrance fortunate enough to produce work for multiple vendors at this years show we were able to to participate in Legion's recipe card project. The was made possible by Brad Woods from Maginating, he created the design and we produced them. We'll wait and see what the reaction to the cards is but so far everyone has loved them. Here is a sneak peek, more pics & info to come.


To read Legion Paper press release click below.
Legion Paper - Fine Art Paper - Press Releases

QR huh?

Did you click the QR code or type in the web address to get here? Either way your here, so now let's explain more about this new tool.

A QR Code or Quick Response Code is a 2d encoded code with data such as website addresses, contact information, text, and other information. They can be used in marketing campaigns, packaging, websites, business cards, posters, brochures or numerous other items. If you look around they are popping up everywhere.

The back of our business cards (This seems to be the most popular currently)

DeFrance can create QR codes in 3 format's- Static, Trackable and Redirectable. The current QR code on our postcard & business card is Static, meaning all it does is link you to a URL listing(this blog).

Why should you care about QR codes?
If you care about increasing your sales, getting better ROI and knowing the who/what/when/where about your clients and potential buyers, then you care. They are not the answer but another tool in the box to help communicate with potential buyers.

We will be continuing to share best practices on QR codes in the coming months talking about the 3 different types and how the best use each. Keep an eye out for more.

In the mean time if you have a smart phone and want to learn how to use QR codes call or email us today. We would be happy to stop in and show you how this works.
Enjoy
Ronnie Williams
619.474.8626

Die Cut Digital Booklets

As we learn more about the capabilities and uses for digital print it opens up doors for pieces that previously we're not possible because of tight budgets and small quantities. This booklet is a perfect example-





The challenge on this project was keeping the tabs & text even on all of the tabs. Digital tends to have a small bounce but we were able to minimize that and keep them all in line. The books came out great and again shows the flexibilty of digital print.

Job Specs- 16 Page Info Booklet
Quantity- 100
Paper- 80# Jefferson Velvet Cover
Ink- Digital CMYK throughout
Bindery- Score, Die Cut, Collate, Fold, Stitch and Package

We just installed a new digital press last week so if you are interested in how digital can help your business please call to talk more.
Thanks
Ronnie Williams
619.474.8626

Made in the USA Shirts

Tomorrow is the 4th Annual Cesar Chavez Day March and this year DeFrance was fortunate enough to produce some of the shirts that will be worn during the march.
Below are pics-

Front


Back

The shirts were printed for the San Diego Labor Council with white ink on Red 100% Cotton Union Made in the USA shirts with various sizes ranging from small - XXXL. Shirt's made in the U.S. do tend to be slightly more expensive but when comparing the quality and durability to those made elsewhere there is no comparison.

If your interested in shirts, sweatshirts or other printed apparel call or email DeFrance today!
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Letterpress Antiques

Plate on a Kelsey Table Top Pess

One of the many cabinets we found full of wood type

Another shelf full of table top presses

Although Letterpress is a small portion of our business it's our history and our customers love it. Over the past 118 years DeFrance has collected dozens of presses, tools, thousands of trays and many of them full of type both wood/lead and more print related pieces.
Over the past 6 months we have been cleaning out storage finding some amazing piece's and thought sharing them would be cool. This is only a snap shot of what we have so keep an eye out for future posts.

If you have any questons about Letterpress please give us a call.
619.474.8626

Sharpe Tips — Direct mail fundraising pointers from Alan Sharpe, CFRE, fundraising practitioner, author, trainer and speaker.

Looking to improve that fundraising letter, here are a few tips.
Sharpe Tips — Direct mail fundraising pointers from Alan Sharpe, CFRE, fundraising practitioner, author, trainer and speaker.

If you need help imrpoving your non profits fundraising call or email DeFrance today, we can help.

619.474.8626
defrance@defranceprinting.com

8 out of 10 Marketers Recommend Direct Mail to their Colleagues who Chew Gum

New survey shows Direct Mail still important to business to business marketers.

8 out of 10 Marketers Recommend Direct Mail to their Colleagues who Chew Gum

If you need help creating an effective campaign call DeFrance today!
619.474.8626

Mixing Ink

Mixing ink this morning for an upcoming invitation project. More pics to come.

HyperQuake piece brings more buzz

By now most of you have seen and heard of the Hyperquake piece we produced over the holidays. If you haven't scroll down to see more.
It has definitely received more attention than any other piece we have previously put on our blog. After Hyperquake posted a link to our blog DeFrance received over 300 impressions the very first day and many more since.
As if that wasn't enough the piece has now been featured on FPO- For Print Only a blog dedicated to print, it's production, development and it's visual stimulus. There are links to Hyperquake & DeFrance in the article. Take a look and let us know what you think.

HyperQuake 10th Anniversary Letterpress Poster - FPO: For Print Only

To learn more about DeFrance and our capabilities call or email me with questions.
Ronnie Williams
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Westpack Recap

Ron Williams, the President of DeFrance Printing attended Westpack on Wednesday to assist in expanding our current services and look into new ideas that better serve our clients.
Ron said, "the show was great, we made new contacts that will assist DeFrance's growth into packaging and fulfillment".
DeFrance currently has the equipment but hasn't utilized it with packaging. Our hope is to expand these services in 2011 assisting our clients bring products to market, warehouse and fulfill orders. With our unique combination of equipment we can offer our clients flexible printing adding in new tools like QR codes and other personalization to improve their customer interaction.

Interested in DeFrance and our services, please call or email to learn more.
619.474.8626
Ronnie@defranceprinting.com

DeFrance attending WestPack 2011

February 8-10 this week is WestPack, a 3 day convention in Anehiem showcasing new equipment, packing supplies, techniques and seminars. As we continue to receive more requests for packaging, fulfillment and tracking we felt it was a must see this year. Well let you know how it goes.
WestPack 2011

5 color shirt project

Shirts are a newer service DeFrance began offering to our clients in mid 2010.
Here are a few pics of a recent project

5 color back


1 color front

Details- Long sleeve American Apparel black & blue shirts printed 1 color on front and 5 colors on back. Take a look and see what you think, let us know if DeFrance can help you with a similar project.

Enjoy
Ronnie
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Hyperquake project

The guys from Hyperquake are celebrating 10 years in business and we're looking for something unique to send clients over the holidays. Initially they were thinking 2 color letterpress but after a couple of revisions they changed the design to 1 color letterpress + embossing. We feel their design was perfect for the process and came out amazing, they seemed to feel the same way.


this pic really shows the embossing detail


Hardly a week after we finished and shipped these they we're already receiving amazing feedback on blogs, here is the link for one in the UK.
http://thedoomed.co.uk/hyperquake-sees-out-the-year-in-pure-style
Definitely keep an eye out for future projects from Hyperquake, to learn more about them check out their site- www.hyperquake.com

If you are interested in learning more about DeFrance and our capabilities please call or email today for more information.
619.474.8626 or Ronnie@defranceprinting.com

Coasters for New Years!

1 pms color + die cut

Showcasing the thick 60 point blotter paper

Packaged and ready to ship


David Traina from Traina Design has brought DeFrance some unique projects over the years and this holiday season it was coasters. The coasters were a promo piece for a New Years party featuring Windows Embedded. Utilizing letterpress allowed us to hit the image hard into the sheet provding a nice tactile finish, while maintaining good ink coverage.
Details- The piece was produced on 60 point Blotter paper with 1 pms color then die cut to finished size of 4" square.

If you are interested in learning more about this project or want to place an order for you own coasters please call or email today.

Enjoy
Ronnie
619.474.8626
ronnie@defranceprinting.com