Print Finishing Concepts

Oct 12 2020
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Thirteen effects and finishes that will enhance your next printed piece

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In a recent study conducted by the Print Industries Market Information and Research Organization, researchers found that adding print effects and finishes can increase a printed piece’s shelf life up to 49%. Arguably, shelf life is a key component in evaluating a campaign’s profitability. Post Press Specialties specializes in creating state-of-the-art finishing techniques that not only will increase engagement but its effectiveness as well.

Here are 13 effects and popular finishes that Post Press Specialties can help you with:

 

Gloss UV

Gloss UV coating provides a clear coating with a high gloss. Not only does gloss UV coating look great, it can help protect your piece..

UV coatings are a liquid-based, protectant coating that is applied and instantly cured with UV drying lamps. Compared to aqueous coatings, UV coatings provide an extreme-glossy finish and can deliver an abrasion- and rub-resistant performance.

 

Raised uv

A great way to add a tactile or more dramatic effect is by using a raised UV coating effect. Adding more coating volume brings more added dimension that can accentuate the art or graphic, as well as invite the consumer to engage and touch.

 

Pearlescent coating

If a luxurious shimmer appearance is what you’re looking for, then a pearlescent coating is the way to go. Pearlescent coatings can be either aqueous or UV-based. For UV-based coatings, a specific quantity of pearl additive is mixed with a gloss UV coating. Depending on the variation and size of the micron particle, the pearlescent coating can have a more dramatic or subtle effect. The AQ-based version of this coating is similar but is mixed with a gloss AQ coating and pearl additive.

 

Varnishes

Varnishes serve many purposes included being used as a protectant to the sheet and, in the case of a dull varnish, can be used to create great contrast (step-off) against a higher gloss.

Like coatings, varnishes can be applied to very specific areas (spot varnish) or can be applied to a large print area or the entire press sheet (flood varnish).

 

Grit

This coating is known for their coarse and rugged tactile effect. Although it is softer than a sheet of sandpaper, the reputation of this coating is the grittiest when it comes to tactile coating effects. The grip of the coating is useful as a non-slip surface and works well in applications for multi-use packaging.

 

Sandpaper

Sandpaper coatings are more subtle than grit coatings and provide only a slightly rough texture. The coating is similar to some unglazed clay work and gives plastics and paper products a slightly edgy feel.

In both coating applications, you can control the amount of texture that is applied on the sheet by the size of the billion cubic micron (BCM) rollers. The smaller the BCM rating of the coating roller, the lesser the amount of coating it can carry and be applied to the sheet and vice-versa for higher BCM’s.

Both grit and sandpaper can be used on a variety of substrates that allow for a stimulating tactile experience.

 

Embossing/debossing

Historically used to make a statement, embossing continues to be an assertion of elegance and luxury. Raising and depressing aspects of your packaging gives your customers a tactile experience. Use a contrasting material in your design to differentiate the surface of your material or bring a character to life

 

Hot foil

This effect is accomplished with a foil stamping machine that uses a metal plate that has been engraved with an image of the desired design required for the particular application. As the plate strikes a roll of foil film, it causes the foil to adhere to the plate. The metal plate then strikes the substrate that is to be imprinted and transfers the foil onto the area of the document requiring the metallic effect. The result is a document that has a highly reflective image with a bright and dense metallic appearance.

 

Metallic foil

Adding a metallic foil to your design provides variation in texture while starkly highlighting certain brand or graphical elements. Try combining foil with embossing or debossing to add depth to the product. The image on the right is an excellent example of a successful execution of an aggressive and impressive deboss with the use of metallic hot foil stamp. Observing closely, the real craftsmanship came with the ability to hold the adhesion of the hot foil stamp in the very fine areas of the snow flake, especially as a deboss was done as well.

 

Holographic foils

Using a holographic foil or rainbow foils gives the package or piece the ability to change color combinations when viewed at different angles. This is a great way to add a pop of color to solid packages. Holographic foils provide a fun and sophisticated flair to product packaging.

 

Clear foils

Having clear foils provide high reflectivity, yet allow the printed image to be seen underneath. This is particularly useful for foods, beverages, consumable products and health and beauty offerings. It can also be used to give customers a preview of a new product.

 

Micro-etching on foils

Foils used for security purposes may include geometrical shapes, patterns and even brand logos that shift as the viewer changes focus. Take advantage of the mesmerizing effect by using it in a solid block rather than a border or small stamp.

For security measures, a foil with micro-etching can help prevent counterfeiting of items such as high-value coupons (shown above) that could easily be duplicated, causing retailers major losses as manufacturers will not recompense fraudulent coupons.

Perfect for small or large accents, foil is a beautiful finish to catch customers’ eyes.

 

Die-cutting

Die-cutting, a post-press finish, allows packaging and print pieces to have unique cutouts that can vary from simple to extremely complex. From shapes to letters, die cutting draws attention to the dimensional nature of the piece and the character of the substrate itself.

 

We’ve been helping the commercial printing industry “finish strong” for over 25 years. Give Post Press Specialties a call at 816-257-1919 and we’ll be happy to talk to you about your next project.

Sep 30 2020
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Services Spotlight: Saddle Stitching

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images-4Post Press Specialties offers a wide array of different binding options. We’re experts in perfect, wire-o, plastic coil, spiral wire and concealed binding. We’re also proficient in stitching applications such as loop and saddle stitching.

Of all the softcover book binding methods we offer, saddle stitching is one of the most popular. Saddle stitching is perfect for a variety of book types, such as: catalogs, manuals, booklets, programs, multi-page brochures, newsletters, periodicals, wall calendars and mailers.

Saddle Stitching is a relatively simple method that joins the folded pages and cover with at least two wire staples placed through the crease of the book’s spine. For over twenty-five years, we’ve been assisting commercial printers throughout the Midwest, helping them to produce professional looking documents.

Some of the benefits of saddle stitching are:

  1. Cost – Oftentimes, saddle stitching is the least expensive option.
  2. Turnaround Time – Usually saddle stitching takes less time than other binding methods.
  3. Small Quantities – It can be used for very short production runs.
  4. Size– saddle stitching can be used for a wide variety of sizes.
  5. Design – Designing a saddle stitch piece is generally very easy.
  6. Mailing – Saddle stitching will add minimal weight to a printed piece. This is especially important for pieces that will be mailed.
  7. Versatility – Saddle stitch projects can be printed in color or black and white.

 

Alas, saddle stitching does have some limitations. Keep in mind the following:

  1. Thickness – Depending on the weight and caliper of the paper stock, saddle stitching might not be a good option. Bulky books might be too thick to fold properly. Post Press Specialties will be happy to discuss any and all specifications.
  2. Spine – There is no room to print anything on the spine. This is a problem for certain projects.
  3. Power of Four – Saddle Stitched books are created from folded sheets, thus the page count must be in multiples of four.

If you have any questions about saddle stitching or any of our print enhancement and bindery services, please don’t hesitate to contact Post Press Specialties at 816-257-1919. Located in Missouri, we’ve been serving the commercial printing industry for a quarter century.

 

 

Sep 17 2020
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The Importance of Die Cutting!

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Great business cards not only share relevant information, they trigger an emotional response that engages the recipient and creates a positive reaction. Studies have shown that using tactile enhancements and unique design elements can increase the shelf-life of a business card drastically. One way to create a unique and powerful business card is by using die-cutting. Post Press Specialties has been helping commercial printers create stunning award-winning print pieces for over 25 years. Here are some examples of how die-cutting can be used in the design and production of business cards.

Got a great idea, but need help executing it? We would love to help. Call Post Press Specialties at 816-257-1919.

(here’s a great article on the effectiveness of print enhancements)http://www.dpsmagazine.com/its-all-in-the-effects/

Jul 18 2020
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We’re Your Plan “B”

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Consistently meeting deadlines is the foundation of a successful commercial printer’s reputation. A recent printing industry study showed that up to 76% of a typical printer’s workload is time-sensitive. The good news is that 96% of commercial printing jobs are completed on-time. The bad news is that the remaining 4% is costing manufacturers billions of dollars each year. Failure to meet deadlines on a regular basis will create a negative image of your business and could cost you your future.

For commercial printers, one of the main culprits of missed deadlines is when finishing equipment inevitably fails. The sad truth is that no matter how diligent you are following all maintenance protocols, post press finishing equipment will eventually fail. That’s why it is so important to have a “Plan B” in place to help you through those rough times. With over 140,000 square feet of manufacturing space and 75 print finishing production machines Post press Specialties can help you keep your promises without your customers even knowing there was an issue. We’re specialists in foil stamping, foil embossing, die cutting, kiss cutting, scoring, folding and gluing, perfect binding, saddle stitching, 3D spot varnishing and much more.

Think of us as your “break in case of an emergency” bindery department. We’re here for you when you need us most. Post Press Specialties, serving the commercial printing industry for over 25 years.

Mar 31 2020
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Post Press Specialties | Online Nationwide Print Finishing Servcies

Post Press and the Post Office

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We’re putting the “Post” in “Post Office”. We’re proud to announce that we now offer a wide variety of mailing services, from addressing your pieces to delivering your completed campaign to our local post office…and everything in-between.

Post Press Specialties provides state-of-the-art mailing services that make it easy and affordable to create and process business-building direct mail campaigns. When combined with our print enhancement capabilities, our efficient and cost-effective mail processing services will assure the best possible presentation and delivery of your marketing message.

WE OFFER:

NCOA, CASS Certification:

We’ll make sure that your mailings are NCOA and CASS certified on the same day the mailing is sent, ensuring the highest deliverability, the best postal rate, and savings on lost postage.

Variable Data Addressing:

At Post Press Specialties we know how effective variable data printing can be. Using our state-of-the-art data aggregation processing systems, we can help you tailor a unique message for each member of your database. This goes far beyond simply printing unique address labels. Depending on how many data points you have, direct mail pieces can be fully customized for each prospect. For example, a university can target high school students and include references to their current high school, their fields of interest and even the clubs and associations they belong to.

List Processing:

The success of any mailing campaign depends on proper mailing list processing. Before a mailing project makes it to our production floor, our data processing staff prepares the mailing list using the best technology available. Our industry-leading mail processing software allows us to cleanse and prepare a mailing list to get our customers the lowest postage rate possible.

Distribution:

We’ll make sure that your campaign is delivered to the post office and is seamlessly processed. Let Post Press Specialties take all the stress out of distributing your next piece. You’ve got more important things to do.

 Print Enhancements:

At Post Press Specialties, we know that speed and quality are essential for each and every job. We’re experts in offering print enhancements that will add considerable value to your piece. We work around the clock to cut, fold, glue, varnish, and bind for you and your customers.

Call us today at 816-257-1919 and we’ll be happy to help you with your next job.

Mar 23 2020
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A Message To Our Customers

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To All Our Customers,

Post Press Specialties has been deemed an essential business and will be open for the foreseeable future. Please know that we’re taking the health and safety of our customers and our employees very seriously by implementing vigorous cleaning and sanitizing procedures. Additionally, we’ve rescheduled employee shifts to limit interaction and accommodate our new safety precautions. 

Post Press Specialties urges everyone to take all necessary precautions during this unsettling time. If you have any questions or need updated information concerning COVID-19, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov.

Preventative measures are your first line of defense. The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to practice good hygiene and to make these CDC recommendations part of your routine such as:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, rather than into your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Post Press Specialties is thankful for your patience as we work through this unprecedented situation. No doubt there will be obstacles and difficulties, but we’re confident we’ll emerge from this crisis with an even stronger relationship with our clients and the continued confidence of our staff.  Be safe.

We’ll get through this!

Sincerely,

Post Press Specialties

Mar 17 2020
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Post Press Specialties | Bold Folding for your next Print Project | Independence, MO

Bold Folding For Your Next Project

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One of the reasons graphic designers love printing projects on paper is the material’s versatility when it comes to folding. Post Press Specialties has helped many printers and designers create a wide variety of projects utilizing unique folding techniques. Here are just some of the many folding options that we can help you with:

 

 

15_brochure_folds_011Basic Half Fold – (also known as a book  fold) is constructed by folding an 8.5” x 11”, 8.5” x 14”, 11” x 17” or 11” x 25.5” sheet of paper once, creating two equal halves.

 

 

 

15_brochure_folds_021Classic Tri-Fold – A tri-fold is formed from one sheet is folded twice (in different lines between them, vertical and parallel) to form three pages, this is why it is called “tri-fold”. These three pages have two sides, which mean that the total pages that are available are six.

 

 

15_brochure_folds_031Gatefold – is a document folding method that uses two parallel folds to create six panels – three panels on each side of the paper. The left and right panels are roughly half the width of the center panels and fold inward to meet in the middle without overlapping. Sometimes a Gatefolded piece is folded inward one more time, along a central crease. This method is called a Closed Gatefold or Double Gatefold.

 

 

15_brochure_folds_041Four Panel Fold – is formed when the document is creased three times, usually equidistant from each other. This is perfect for promotional leaflets and programs.

 

 

 

15_brochure_folds_051Double Gatefold – In double gatefolds there are three parallel folds. The left and right edges of the paper fold and meet in the middle, without overlapping, along a center fold. Some menus might use a double gatefold or a modified version where the outer panels are one-half to one-quarter the size of the inner panels.

 

 

15_brochure_folds_061Z-Fold – A Z-fold brochure—also known as a fan fold or zig zag fold brochure—is constructed by folding an 8.5” x 11”, 8.5” x 14”, 11” x 17” or 11” x 25.5” sheet of paper twice in the shape of the letter “Z”. This is perfect for mailing and “quick glance” handouts.

 


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15_brochure_folds_071

Four-Panel Accordion Fold – This is the four panel version of the previously mentioned “Z” fold. It makes a nice presentation. Zigzag type of fold, opens in the manner of an accordion, permitting the paper to be extended to its full size with a single pull. Perfect for travel brochures direct-mail pieces.

 

 

15_brochure_folds_081Four-Panel Roll Fold – Similar to the four panel accordion fold, 3 parallel folds are made creating 4 equal panels. An inward “rolling” fold is perfect for step-by-step and tutorial information pieces.

 

 

 

15_brochure_folds_091Die-Cut Z-Fold – Just like the regular Z-Fold this piece is constructed folding a sheet of paper twice in the form of the Letter “Z”. Die-cutting the shape of the sheet is a great way for designers to stylize their projects. Our Young Shin Die-Cutter can handle virtually every shape and size. Perfect for trade shows and booth hand-outs.

 

 

15_brochure_folds_101Five Panel Accordion Fold – this is the five panel version of the four panel featured above. Perfect for travel brochures. Post Press Specialties is your go-to place for intricate folding projects, like the five panel accordion fold.

 

 

15_brochure_folds_111Tri-Fold plus Half-Fold – Folding your piece with a half fold then a tri- fold allows you to to design a large flat sheet in panels and sections plus multiple sides that unfold with a directed narrative while taking up the same amount of room as traditional tri-fold brochures. This process is perfect for maps, charts and large diagrams.

 

15_brochure_folds_131Eight Panel Roll Fold – Same technique as the four panel roll fold, but double the fun! Post Press Specialties has the equipment necessary to create these impressive pieces. The eight panel is perfect for promotional booklets.

 

 

 

15_brochure_folds_151Sixteen Panel Fold – The possibilities are endless with the sixteen panel fold. We’ve worked with commercial printers and designers throughout the midwest and have created some amazing pieces.

 

 

 

 

Picking the right fold for your project requires expertise. Post Press Specialties will be happy to guide you through the process. Call Post Press Specialties, one of the midwest’s largest bindery at 816-257-1919 today. We’ve been helping commercial printers “Finish Strong” for over two decades.

 

 

Mar 17 2020
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Services Spotlight: Foil Stamping

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If you wanmetallic-platter-234726_1920t to attract more customers and keep them engaged longer, foil stamping might be the perfect solution. In a recent study conducted by The Foil & Specialty Effects Association, researchers found that virtually every type of printed piece can benefit from this versatile and cost effective finishing technique.

In their executive summary, the FSAE concluded that:

“There are clear advantages to foil stamping on packaging, in terms of attracting attention faster and retaining attention on packaging longer than identical packages without foil stamping.”

They went on to say:

“Overall, this pilot experiment clearly indicates that foil stamping on packaging provides real benefits concerning consumer attention on packaging.”

This is why many industries utilize foil stamping for their B2B marketing and packaging. Next time you are in a grocery story, take note of the many products that are using this technique. In marketing, first impressions are key, and a product marketed in a foil-stamped package may have a higher perceived quality and value than one in a standard package. In addition to increasing the perceived value, foil also draws attention, which can make a particular product stand out among a crowd of competition.

Consider the findings of Thales S. Teixeira in his white paper, The Rising Cost of Consumer Attention: Why You Should Care, and What You Can Do about It (Harvard Business School).

Teixeira concludes that:

 “Attention is a necessary ingredient for effective advertising. The market for consumer attention (or “eyeballs”) has become so competitive that attention can be regarded as a currency. The rising cost of this ingredient in the marketplace is causing marketers to waste money on costly attention sources or reduce their investment in promoting their brands. Instead, they should be thinking about how to “buy” cheaper attention and how to use it more effectively.”

Simply put, brands that are successful attract consumers and keep them engaged. Hot foil stamping is a cost effective way to achieve that goal. Over the last twenty-five years, Post Press Specialties has created stunning and effective pieces on a multitude of different stocks and substrates. Shiny gold, silver and other metallic foils are sure to grab attention in even the most crowded retail spaces. Foil stamping will not only help your product stand out, but it will also add a touch of elegance that will appeal to many consumers. We offer a wide selection of foil colors, finishes and effects from which to choose, to help individualize the style of your product packaging.

Over the last two and one half decades we have foil stamped business cards, booklet covers, pocket folders, stationery, holiday cards, invitations, labels, seals and postcards. Call one of the largest binderies in the Midwest, Post Press Specialties at 816-257-1919 and we’ll be happy to discuss your next project. We’ll help you finish what you’ve started.

Mar 13 2020
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Sign, Sealed and Delivered: Our Mailing, Finishing and Fulfillment Services add true value to your project

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More than likely, your printing job requires much more than just the standard ink on paper. This is especially true of projects that ultimately will be mailed. That’s why Post Press Specialties is now offering complete mailing services. It’s just another way we’re servicing the commercial printing industry.

As a Bulk Mailing Agent, Post Press Specialties makes sending out your mail piece easy. We’ll do all the mail preparation required by the USPS so you don’t have to! We’re excited to offer:

• Mailing List Processing – We’ll take your list and input it into our system for easy processing.
• NCOA and CASS Certification – We’ll clean up bad and identify any potentially undeliverable addresses in your mailing list. No need to spend money mailing to bad addresses.
• Addressing – For just pennies a piece, we can ink-jet the destination address, return address and mailing indicia all at once using our new high-speed addressing machines. We’ve just added a M6 Hawk Variable Ink Jet Printer, the gold standard in the industry.
• Variable data – Customize your mail pieces with personalized greetings, offers or sequential numbering either during or instead of the addressing process.
• Tabbing and gluing – The latest technology makes it easier than ever to tab or seal folded brochure mailers.
• Camera Systems – Our new LogicTech DVMC System offers seamless read-and-print capability, Ability to read and decode 2D Datamatrix codes, OCR and even complete address blocks. Reading and matching barcodes has never been easier.

Rod Simmons, Mailing Supervisor

As a family-owned business, we know the importance of hiring qualified employees who share our customer-oriented sensibilities and ethics. We’re proud to introduce Rod Simmons as our new Mailing Supervisor. Rod has worked for a diverse range of organizations in the Kansas City area including Strahm Automation, Marketing Technologies and C&S Mailing Resources. Rod’s varied background in mailing, database management and graphic design provide the perfect complement to Post Press Specialties finishing services.

Still have questions on all your mailing options? Give us a call and we would be happy to assist in answering your direct mail questions or help quoting your next project. For over 25 years, Post Press Specialties have been offering state-of-the-art print enhancements to commercial printers throughout the Midwest and beyond. Give one of the largest binderies in the United States a call at 816-257-1919.

Mar 13 2020
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Post Press Specialties | Finishing Strong | Independence, MO

Increasing ROI by Personalizing Your Direct Mail with Variable Data

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I’ll never forget that early fall day in 1969 when I came home from school and my mother handed me a letter from the United States Selective Service. I immediately opened the impressively decorated 9” x 12” envelope and found a poster of Uncle Sam declaring he wanted me with my name prominently printed right next to his bony finger. Oddly, my mother did not express any sadness or anxiety, in fact, she grabbed the letter and started to laugh. Why did she react in this odd way? It was probably due to the fact that I was SIX!

Direct mail targeting has come a long way since the sixties. Brands have become so good at targeting their messages that we’ve come to expect a certain level of personalization and are disappointed when our expectations aren’t met. In order for brands to create this level of personal connection, they’re relying on complex segmenting approaches such as variable data printing.

What Is Variable Data Printing?

Variable data printing is a form of digital print production that allows for pinpoint customization. Instead of sending say, 10,000 identical direct mail pieces to customers, marketers can use variable data printing to create10,000 customized pieces in the same amount of time. Sending customized direct mail to each recipient raises conversion rates.

At Post Press Specialties we know how effective variable data printing can be. Using our state-of-the-art data aggregation processing systems, we can help you tailor a unique message for each member of your database. This goes far beyond simply printing unique address labels. Depending on how many data points you have, direct mail pieces can be fully customized for each prospect. For example, a university can target high school students and include references to their current high school, their fields of interest and even the clubs and associations they belong to. Images can be seamlessly altered and reflect particular points of interests to the recipient.

The Benefits of Variable Data Printing

Marketers are utilizing variable printing technology more than ever before. It’s easy to understand why when you consider the benefits:

Leveraging Data: why collect customer data if you aren’t going to use it? Variable data printing makes the most of reporting software, redemption rates, and other analytics by using that information to create tailored campaigns with greater impact and engagement.

Endless Customization: variable data printing goes beyond marketing segmentation to create hundreds or thousands of completely unique pieces for a single campaign.

Quick Turnaround: variable data printing doesn’t require each variation to be ordered, printed, and shipped separately. Instead, thousands of unique printed pieces are executed at mass production rates, making personalized marketing not just simple, but fast! Be assured that Post Press Specialties can meet your deadline.

Increased ROI: PODi and DMA data report that while response rates for non-personalized mail pieces average 2%, personalized pieces have a response rates of 6%—an increase of 300%!

Does it work?

 

 

  1. The vast majority of shoppers (86%) say that personalized marketing impacts their likelihood of making a purchase.
  2. 94% of marketing professionals across industries said personalization is “important,” “very important,” or “extremely important” for meeting current marketing objectives.
  3. Nearly a third of shoppers (31%) wish their shopping experience was more personalized.
  4. 67% of shoppers who’ve experienced personalized marketing are highly in favor of personalized offers based on past experiences.
  5. 96% of retailers believe that personalization influences what consumers buy.
  6. Only 39% of retailers currently send personalized product recommendations via email.
  7. Most brands claim that personalization is a part of their current marketing strategy, with 85% agreeing that their efforts are based on broad segmentation.
  8. Though personalized messages deliver six times higher transaction rates, only 30% of brands are sending them.
  9. 60% of marketers say they struggle to personalize content in real time, though 77% believe real-time personalization is crucial to marketing efforts.
  10. 73% of consumers prefer to purchase from brands that use personal information to create more relevant shopping experiences.
  11. 45% of online shoppers are more likely to patronize sites that make personalized recommendations.
  12. 40% of consumers buy more from retailers who personalize their shopping experience across all marketing channels.

The data tells a clear story: when it comes to direct mail marketing, it pays to personalize. Raise engagement rates and boost ROI by making variable data printing a central part of your marketing strategy. Not sure where to start? Post Press Specialties is happy to help! Call us today at 816-257-1919.