The Catablog
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
What to do in the face of increased postal costs
So postage is going to go up for catalogers again this Spring. This is not the first time and in all likelihood it won’t be the last.
Every time the USPS has increased rates in the past, catalogers have mailed fewer books. Marginal circulation has been eliminated. It is a downward spiral. It is a pretty simply formula, i.e., increase the cost and reduce expense by mailing less and revenue remains about the same (or decreases).
So if you are planning on mailing less this year plan on making less revenue. If you don’t want to make the same or less revenue let me suggest a radical strategy. This is the time to increase your circulation! Why? You need more customers to cover increase costs. How do you get more customers? You mail more catalogs to prospects. Another positive is that most WILL decrease circulation, what will that create? Less catalogs in the mailbox = less compteition.
USPS Delays Closings until May
The U.S. Postal Service will delay the closing or consolidation of additional Post Offices or mail processing facilities until May 15, 2012. The USPS said on Tuesday that it made the decision in response to a request made by multiple U.S. Senators.
The U.S. Postal Service is studying 3,700 of its nearly 32,000 retail offices for possible closure as it faces an ongoing financial crisis, and is planning to close about half (250) of its processing facilities. Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe said it was considering the retail closures because customer’s habits “have made it clear that they no longer require a physical post office to conduct most of their postal business.”
Tuesday’s announcement came a week after the Postal Service announced it would move ahead with plans to lower its service standards for First-Class mail. The move, which it said would generate annual savings of $2.1 billion, would mean in effect the end of overnight delivery for First-Class mail.
In its announcement yesterday, the Postal Service said it would continue all necessary steps required for the review of the facilities during the interim period, including public input meetings.
“The Postal Service hopes this period will help facilitate the enactment of comprehensive postal legislation. Given the Postal Service’s financial situation and the loss of mail volume, the Postal Service must continue to take all steps necessary to reduce costs and increase revenue.”
Arandell’s New Website Design Was the Winning Entry for the 2011 WebAward
In the ultra-competitive world of catalog printing, where several companies are competing for the attention and dollars of a demanding and evolving customer base, it is becoming a significant challenge to stand out from the crowd and captivate consumers. To distinguish themself from the competitors, one thing Arandell needed to do was to cut loose their dated Flash website and develop an emotive website, creating an exciting online experience that is both engaging and contemporary.
Over the last year, a new brand direction has been defined and Arandell realigned itself around the customer experience, embracing technology to diversify their services as well as focusing them as an idea and innovation company for their customers. Arandell feels a brand experience must be distinctive and unique, transcending the product and creating an emotional bond with the customer. Being truly different and memorable and standing for something relevant is the only way to compete in the marketplace.
Arandell challenged 7Summits to enhance Arandell’s awareness within search engines and generate more new sales leads. 7Summits stepped into help innovate their brand experience and “go beyond”. The re-design and re-launch of the Arandell brand has a new voice, value proposition, and gives consumers a modern website experience that drives real business value. As a result the new design generated 200+% more traffic, resulting in more customer interaction.
7Summits exceptional development and practices were commended with the 2011 WebAward which is the premier award recognition program for Web developers and marketers worldwide. The Web Marketing Association’s annual WebAward Competition sets the standard of excellence for Website development.
USPS Update – 12/8/11 Webinar
The USPS announced in September, 2011 the possibility of closing over 250 processing facilities. Just how will the closures and network realignment affect catalogers?
Presenter: Don Landis – Vice President of Postal and Government Affairs
Don Landis will review and explain the latest information from the USPS and what catalogers need to be aware of i.e, service standards, print schedules, etc.
Don Landis is responsible for Arandell’s postal policies and mail marketing strategy development. He uses his knowledge of the United States Postal Service (USPS) to educate clients about USPS products and services and about how to implement those products and services into their marketing strategies.
Catalog Growth
Since the mid-1990s, many experts have predicted the extinction of the printed catalog. However, until the double-whammy of the huge postage increase of 2007 and the Great Recession of 2008-2009, catalogs in America continued to thrive, aided and enhanced by the maturation of Internet marketing. As both the general economy and postal rates settle down, it will be proven that “rumors of catalogs’ demise” continue to be over-stated. With catalogers’ continuously responsive use of recycled paper and tree replanting, as well as their close attention to self-regulation, this responsible industry is primed for greater growth going forward
The catalog will always drive decisions for a long time to come. Even after the migration of orders from call centers to the internet, the catalog is still showing consistent revenue. It is the catalog that is still driving the customer to the internet. Both channels provide a very symbiotic relationship. There would be a very real negative impact without any one channel. Take advantage of these changes and you can print a powerful catalog that brings in massive return on investment.
For more information on Arandell solutions visit: http://www.arandell.com/services/
Catalogs and the Internet
They see it as being about communicating with people in the way they want to be reached via media consumers already use. It is also about using the most efficient and desirable means possible to stay in touch with customers. The combination of the catalog plus the Internet creates a very powerful marketing and distribution system that impacts and improves lives.
Catalogs, Their History, and Their Role in American Commerce
Catalogs are Good for Disadvantaged and Rural Americans
GOING BEYOND THE PRINTED PAGE
Catalogs are a point of emphasis and expertise but our services go much further. We have systems in place – green initiatives, innovative co-mail solutions, on-time delivery assurance, single web presses, experienced press associates, direct marketing services and intelligent mail expertise are among the extensive range of services that we have to offer.
Each of these services provides our customers with a competitive advantage. In this ever-changing, constantly evolving world, customers need help navigating their options. Arandell is here to serve as a compass to our customers – to guide them through the dynamic world of multichannel marketing.
OUR PROMISE
To create meaningful partnerships and deliver expert solutions that go far beyond expectations.
For more information on our services visist www.arandell.com
Catalogs Bring A Variety of Good to Americans
Overview
The catalog industry has a wide-sweeping impact on American culture, well beyond the economic benefits of employing millions of people, paying millions in federal, state and local taxes, and conserving energy and natural resources. The American catalog experience has significant and important social benefits to American culture and consumers.
Catalogs are Good for American Consumers and Our Quality of Life
factors.
GOING BEYOND THE PRINTED PAGE
Catalogs are a point of emphasis and expertise but our services go much further. We have systems in place – green initiatives, innovative co-mail solutions, on-time delivery assurance, single web presses, experienced press associates, direct marketing services and intelligent mail expertise are among the extensive range of services that we have to offer.
Each of these services provides our customers with a competitive advantage. In this ever-changing, constantly evolving world, customers need help navigating their options. Arandell is here to serve as a compass to our customers – to guide them through the dynamic world of multichannel marketing.
OUR PROMISE
To create meaningful partnerships and deliver expert solutions that go far beyond expectations.
For more information on our services visist www.arandell.com
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