Vancouver online web to print and design

Lithographic printing is a technique that relies on the fact that oil and water don’t mix to control ink application. A blanket, which is a sheet used on the printing press to carry the image, is prepared by creating an area that will accept oil-based ink. During printing the blanket is coated with a fountain solution, which is primarily water based and does not adhere to the image areas, and oil based inks, which adhere to the image area and are repelled by the fountain solution. Lithographic printing is often an offset process which means that the first roller will transfer the image to a second roller which will in turn transfer to the printed surface. Lithographic printing is commonly used for high quality jobs such as magazines, catalogues and art reproduction.

Flexographic printing uses a flexible printing plate with a raised image to place ink onto a substrate. Traditionally flexographic printing has used high-solvent, fast evaporating inks. This makes flexographic printing ideal for printing on non-porous substrates such as plastic bags and food packaging. Flexographic printing is often used in the manufacture of labels, food wrappers, plastic bags and cardboard packaging.

Gravure printing uses an image that is recessed into the printing plate with indentations which pick up the ink and apply it to the substrate. Gravure printing plates, or cylinders, consist of a steel roller coated in copper (which is etched) and then chrome plated. Like flexographic printing, gravure printing traditionally uses inks that have high solvent content. Due to the expensive and durable nature of gravure cylinders the process is most often used for long run printing jobs, such as printing wallpaper and magazines.

Letterpress printing is very similar to flexographic with the primary difference being that the printing plate in letterpress is rigid. Letterpress was once the most common form of printing but its popularity has declined due to its slow speed, relative to the other printing processes. Letterpress printing is now often used in the printing of books, business cards and brochures.

Screen printing is the most versatile of the printing processes in that it is capable of placing ink on almost any surface imaginable, from paper to masonry. Screen printing uses a “screen” with an image overlaid to control the amount and location of ink applied to the surface. Because of screen printing’s inherent flexibility it is used to produce a diverse set of products such as clothing, billboards and art books.

Digital printing occurs on non-impact, primarily electrostatic, printers. Digital printing encompasses everything from photocopying to printing on a home printer. The high quality and speeds that digital printing is starting to achieve are allowing it to supplant small lithographic presses for some work.

Q. Can you archive my artwork?
A. Not only can we archive your artwork, but through our online ordering system, you will also be able to access your documents and reorder them as needed. Many of our clients utilize this service because it is so time and cost effective.

> Can you match any color?
> Do you have a price sheet?
> Do you offer any design assistance?
> How can I get a estimate on my project?
> How long will it take to compete my job?
> What quantity should I order to get the lowest price?
> What kinds of digital files can you accept?
> How should I prepare digital files for you?

Q. Can you match any color?
A. We will do our best to match the color you need. If you are using a PMS Pantone spot color, we can absolutely match it. However, some process colors are more difficult to match than others, especially certain shades of reds and blues. Some things to consider that affect color match include screen calibration, substrate (what it is printed on), output device (where it is being printed from), the light source, and, believe it or not, the age and gender of the person viewing the document.
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Q. Do you have a price sheet?
A. On standard work, yes, we can approximate what a project will cost. However, most of our jobs are customized projects requiring specific methods of production. In these instances, we will provide an individualized estimate based on your particular specifications.
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Q. Do you offer any design assistance?
A. If you can picture it, we can help you design it. Our graphic designers can create anything from a simple direct mail piece or newsletter to a complete product brochure. We will work with you during every phase of the project, helping you to select paper stock, ink colors, graphics and fonts to create a piece that will make you stand out from your competition.
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Q. How can I get a estimate on my project?
A. The best way for you to get a quick, accurate quote from us is to use our online estimate service. When we receive your request, we will review your specifications and either e-mail or phone you with a quote. Or, if you prefer, you can call us at 604-681-5599. We can work with you over the phone, you can stop in to our location, or one of our representatives can come to see you.
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Q. How can I set up a charge account with you?
A. If you think you will be placing frequent orders and would like to establish a charge account with us, you may do so by filling out a credit application. Once you fill out all of the initial information, the application will be reviewed and you may be assigned an account number that only designated (by you) representatives of your company may charge to.

Q. How can I set up an Online account with you?
A. In order to set up an Online ordering account with us, you will first need to have a charge account set up. Once that is complete, an Allegra representative will be able to work with you in answering a few questions and determining what items to put on your Online account. Once that is all completed, you’ll have a password and you may (and others authorized by you) begin to place Online orders via your custom Online ordering page.

Q. How long will it take to compete my job?
A. It really depends on the amount of work involved. Once we receive the order, discuss the specifics (such as whether or not design work is involved), and you approve the artwork, we can give you a more accurate completion date. If a job comes on a disk, we will review it, preflight it and make it print-ready, and then contact you with an estimated completion date. If we are missing any element of a file, we will contact you or someone at your organization as soon as possible to get the missing information, so please be sure to provide accurate contact information with your incoming order.
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Q. What quantity should I order to get the lowest price?
A. We recommend that you simply order what you really need. As much as 30 percent of what you have printed can become obsolete before you use it, so what may appear to be cost effective in the short run may prove to be costly in the long run. That is why it is important to consult with us so we can learn more about you, your product, its life cycle, and the end user, to recommend more accurate and effective solutions.
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Q. What kinds of digital files can you accept?
A. We work with a variety of software programs, whether you use a PC or a Macintosh. Our prepress department supports most recognized graphic software programs, like InDesign, Illustrator, PhotoShop, Microsoft Office, Publisher and others. If you are working with software that you do not see listed here, please give us a call. There is a good chance we will still be able to use your artwork.
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Q. How should I prepare digital files for you?
A. We have both PC and MAC capabilities, so there is no need for you to convert your file in order to get it produced. Always provide a hard copy of your project to ensure that it comes out exactly the way you envision. Also, find out how your file should be saved. The most common file formats that we use for graphics are JPEG, EPS, and TIFF, although others can be used. To have a full-color image printed, make sure you put it in the correct color format on your disk, as there is a difference between RGB and CMYK color printing processes. If you are not sure how to do that, bring your disk into our location and ask one of our graphic designers to help you format your file correctly. Check to make sure any links in your project are also included on your disk along with the printer and screen fonts you used in your piece, unless you want our graphic designers to re-design your project. If you have any more questions about what to include with your file, do not hesitate to ask.
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Turn your digital photo into beautiful hand crafted fine art wall decoration in your home or office.

Canvas Wall Art From your Favorite Digital Photo’s.

Create stunning original canvas art from your family digital photo library.

Pricing and Media Availabilities

1 hour service

Digital Business Cards

Offset Business Cards

Spot UV Printing

Full UV Coated

Metal Foil Stamping

Embossed Cards

Silk Laminated Cards

Plastic Business Cards

Metal Business Cards

Digital Business Cards, Offset Business Cards, Spot UV Printing, Full UV Coated, Metal Foil Stamping, Embossed Cards, Silk Laminated Cards, Plastic Business Cards Metal Business Cards

Photo ID Cards

VIP and Membership Cards

Offset Printing

Digital Printing

Large Format Printing

Fine Art Printing

Large Format Laminating

Signs & Banners

Vinyl Letters

3D Metal Letters

3D Plastic Letters

Tradeshow Displays

Floor & Street Graphic

VIP / Membership Cards

Strategy

•  Campaign objectives are clear and measurable
•  Target market is identified
•  We understand behaviour and motivations of the target market
•  Budget is sufficient and approved
•  Direct marketing tactics (communication channels) are identified
•  Process is in place to update database with customer insights and new data
•  Tracking tools are in place to measure success

Database Management

•  In-house customer database has been updated recently and the data has been cleansed
•  In-house database has removed low-value customers and prospects
•  Modeling and customer profiles have been developed
•  List acquisition is based on target market and profiles
•  List acquisition has been made with a reputable firm that has timely and accurate data
•  Special requirements of the data are identified

Creative

•  Creative brief was developed at the beginning of this direct marketing campaign
•  Direct marketing piece is aligned with brand standards
•  Target market will identify with direct marketing piece
•  Functional specifications and mandatory information are clearly identified
•  Approval process is in place
•  Timeline is agreed upon
•  Approved budget is in place

Relevance

•  Creative is relevant to target market
•  Copy is relevant to target market
•  Offer is relevant to target market
•  Response mechanism is convenient and accessible to market

Fulfillment & Production

•  CASS Certification and NCOA completed
•  Visual audit conducted to check folding, inserting and sealing
•  In compliance with IMB (Intelligent Mail Barcode), Flat Sequencing regulations and Move Up  equirements

Measurement

•  Tracking code applied to offer or reply
•  Process in place to collect results
•  Ability to calculate ROI
•  Post-campaign analysis tools in place

DIRECT MARKETING GUIDE

Direct marketing is a highly effective way to acquire and develop a steady stream of qualified sales leads in both consumer and business markets. It is also an efficient way to grow customer loyalty and expand sales among your current customers.

Our direct marketing guide is designed to enable you to maximize your direct marketing campaigns. We can help you reduce waste and unnecessary expenses while increasing response rates and leveraging customer data to grow your business.

DIRECT MARKETING OVERVIEW

Direct Marketing Benefits:

• Exact targeting of specific prospects or customers
• Personalized messages with exclusive and relevant offers
• Ability to create an emotional connection
• Create relevant follow-up communications through data validation
• Campaign tracking to measure response rates and your return on investment

Common Direct Marketing pitfalls:

• Poor quality customer data or misuse of data
• Designs that require extra postage fees
• Non-compelling offer or lack of customer engagement
• Non-compliance with Postal Regulations
• Lack of ROI measurement tools and tracking

STRATEGY

 
The most critical component of a successful direct marketing campaign is having the right strategy. By developing a strategy, you will be able to generate qualified leads and convert those leads into profitable customers to generate a higher ROI.

It’s easy; just ask yourself these key questions:

• What is the desired outcome of the direct marketing campaign?
• Who is your target market?
• What is your budget?
• What communication channels will be most effective to reach the target market?
• How will any new information be uploaded to your CRM or customer database?
• How will you know the direct marketing campaign was effective?

The bottom line of the strategy is to create a plan and execute it. Measure and analyze the results, then make adjustments and continue developing a closer relationship with your most valuable customers or prospects.
 

DATABASE MANAGEMENT

 
Effective database management includes frequent updates and cleansing.
This will enable you to reduce costs and increase effectiveness.

Here are a few tips to help you manage customer data:

• You will have the most success with your current, in-house customer list
• Profile your current or prospective customer based on behavioural and demographic characteristics
• Identify and score your customer base to determine the most profitable and least profitable customers

CREATIVE

 
As part of the creative process, the best place to start is with a creative brief. This is an overview of the direct marketing purpose which enables a designer or art director to develop a creative piece based on your objectives. It is a vital part of the design process and a tool to build consensus, align expectations and stay focused on objectives.
 

RELEVANCE

 
Depending on your strategy, you can choose to send the same message to everybody, or send a highly relevant message to each individual.

Relevant creative and copy is also based on understanding your target market and properly segmenting your customers. Refer to your creative brief to make sure you are on target regarding imagery and headlines that are identifiable with your market. For copy, review the demographics and psychographics of your customer and write copy that is clear and concise, but also reflects the tone of your brand.

Another item that is often overlooked in direct marketing is the reply mechanism. Be sure the response channel is also aligned with the target market.
 

FULFILLMENT AND PRODUCTION

 
Producing Canada Post compliant direct marketing pieces is critical to retaining your mailing discounts and ensuring delivery of your campaign pieces. Be sure to deal with firms that have experienced staff managing your projects.
 

MEASUREMENT

 
Once you’ve defined a strategy, the next most important planning element is how you will track and measure your campaign. Below are a few options that can be applied to your direct marketing to efficiently track results:

• Code the response devices to be able to track effectiveness
• Utilize a personal website, which also includes real-time tracking

Tracking tools will enable you to also calculate your ROI and cost per acquisition. Always conduct a post-campaign analysis to evaluate the overall success of the campaign.

We hope you enjoy Part 3 of 4 of Non-Profit Marketing Strategies and Solutions!

Engaging Donors

Engaging donors is the most effective way to ensure that your donors will continue to support your non-profit financially. The most effective way to figure out how to engage donors is ask current donors why they donate. You may be surprised at the reasons your donors have for donating. Once you determine why your donors are engaged in your non-profit you will have a stronger understanding of what motivates them and how you can use this information to motivate other potential donors.

The next step is determining how to properly engage this target audience to drill deeper into the group of able and willing donors. If you can engage this group properly then you can put together a list of characteristics that can then be used to develop strategic marketing methods to connect with new prospects that exhibit these same characteristics.

If non-profit marketers are able to redirect some energy to accomplish their goals by following these steps they will waste less time and effort and their return on investment should increase significantly. Ultimately, getting more for less in the long run. In tough economic times this is exactly what a non-profit needs to achieve success, they must increase funding while keeping a lid on spending.

Start thinking about how you can use marketing materials to engage individuals and keep them actively involved in your non-profit. Employ social media, mailing campaigns and E-mail blasts to keep potential donors aware of your organizations and its activities. Think of ways you can allow individuals the opportunity to invest in your organization while instilling them with a sense of meaning and achievement. The best way to engage donors is to keep them aware of your organizations latest news and allowing them to be active in you non-profit.

We hope you enjoy Part 2 of 4 of Non-Profit Marketing Strategies and Solutions!

Investing Unequally

Investing unequally in your donors is based on the core principle that not all donors are created equal. There is a large difference between a donor who donates thousands of dollars a year and a donor who buys a handful of raffle tickets. Many non-profits feel that any previous donor has the potential to be a large donor and they invest a significant amount of time and money.  Recognizing that this is the exception and not the rule can help make your non-profit marketing more effective.  Non-profits should consider investing more in those donors who are most likely to donate rather than diluting their marketing budget to market to all possible donors.

Non-profit marketers should target their mid-range to high-end donors with a full court press of marketing materials. You do not want to ignore individuals who are not regular donors but it makes sense to increase your marketing efforts to those individuals who are more involved financially in the non-profit. You most likely want to send everyone on your donor list a monthly E-mail regarding the non-profit but you may also want to send out direct mail information to your mid-range and high-end donors to keep them actively engaged in the non-profit.

It is also important to craft messages that resonate with your most desirable donor base because this is the segment that is generating the most income for your non-profit. Keeping donors actively engaged in a non-profit is the most effective way to guarantee that they will continue to donate. Investing more in a message that will resonate with these donors makes sense from a business standpoint because these individuals are the most important to the non-profits success.