CHESTNUT HILL, MA — February 12,
2013 – Based on a
survey conducted in December 2012 by Margie Dana of Print Buyers International,
nearly
60% of print buyers say that color management is “Extremely Important” to them
– but 61% report that they do not select printers based on certification in
color management. This is among the key findings in a
new research report written by Ms. Dana, which outlines several notable print
buying trends.
A total of 162 print buying
professionals participated in this survey. The report, entitled, “View from 30,000 Feet: Key Trends &
Sourcing Practices,” is for sale as a 40-page PDF at www.printbuyersinternational.com.
The online survey asked 20 questions
of those in charge of sourcing print for their companies. In addition to
questions on color management, there are questions on the titles of buyers, the
dollar amount of the printing budgets managed, whether the buyers are sourcing
more digital vs. offset printing, and what value-added services print buyers
prefer when choosing print partners.
Respondents were primarily
senior-level print buyers with over 15 years of professional experience. They were
not compensated for their participation. The data was collected anonymously.
In addition to including all data and charts,
the final report includes comments by Ms. Dana, based on her extensive
experience in this field. Long considered an expert in print buying, and a
former print buyer herself. Ms. Dana’s conclusions and recommendations outline
action steps for both printers and print customers.
“Uncovering and identifying current
trends among print buyers has always been a major goal of mine,” said Dana. “I
think some of the results will surprise printers. I want to conduct more
surveys this year. Information about critical sourcing trends gets more
important as the industry evolves.”
Early
feedback on this research includes high marks from RIT Professor Emeritus Frank Romano, who wrote, "Margie Dana" and "print buyers” – they are
synonymous. Her latest research report offers insight into the changing
landscape of print and the people who manage print. The report combines both
meaningful data and pertinent comments about the data.”
Timothy Freeman, President of Printing
Industries Alliance, noted that “If you are trying to understand today's print
buyer, Margie Dana's newest publication, "View From 30,000 Feet - Key
Trends & Sourcing Practices," is a must read! In addition to sharing a
wealth of survey data, Margie adds her own expert analysis, drawing on years of
experience as a print buyer, writer, blogger, speaker, and founder of Print
Buyers International.
“There is no doubt that our industry continues
to be challenged by enormous change – so, too, is our customers’ world. Margie's "View From 30,000 Feet"
will provide you with an unprecedented glimpse into this world along with
concrete, actionable information that you can utilize in your sales and
marketing efforts.”
The Table of
Contents for this report can be viewed at this link: http://printbuyersinternational.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/3/files/2013/02/TOC.pdf. The 40-page report is
available for $99 on PBI’s site.
About Margie
Dana
A former corporate print buyer who turned her
passion for print into a consulting business and then an organization for print
buyers, Margie Dana has been writing and speaking about print and print buyers
for over 20 years. She is the author of three books and a columnist for Printing Impressions. Learn more at www.printbuyersinternational.com. You can reach her by
phone at 617-730-5951 or email her at mdana@printbuyersinternational.com.