The Stationers Guild

A prominent executive from a very well known Public Relations (“PR”) firm walked into our store a couple of weeks ago looking for new corporate stationery. This had the potential of being an attractive and mutually beneficial relationship. Since he was launching a new company, we spent about an hour designing an invitation and announcement for the new firm.

Several days later we received a very nice letter indicating that his firm wanted to give us all of their stationery business “as long as our prices were competitive.” I am sure that many of you have heard similar nonsense and, perhaps, some of you have scrambled to come up with something that is both tasteful and price competitive – at least in your mind.

While it is possible to have an intelligent conversation with your client to evaluate the various price/value tradeoffs, I have personally found that most business executives don’t have the time or interest to consider the tradeoffs. With the exception of a few legal firms, some designers and a handful of financial services firms, most executives are more concerned about functionality  than taste. It’s funny, but firms will spend tens of thousands of dollars on their corporate website or a logo and buy their business cards from Kinkos.

There is no easy way to deal with these clients (sorry about stereotyping), so I generally ask them whether they want their corporate stationery to be “White Castle” hamburger “price-competitive” or something closer to Daniel Boulud’s Burger Royale which clocks in at $99. This generally gets their attention.

I then quickly follow it up with something in their own business sphere: “If I were interested in developing a 5 year advertising program for our business, would your firm be the most price competitive?”Clearly, there is no simple answer to that question.  Likewise, there is no simple answer to what makes personalized stationery or custom invitations “price competitive.”  It depends on what you are comparing them against.

Without a frame of reference (i.e. other paper samples and/or identical printing processes) there is no way to determine whether your recommendations are price competitive.  If you proceed down this slippery path of trying to find “competitively priced” business stationery for your client without a clear guidelines from your client, you are only negotiating against yourself.  My advice:  Don’t waste your time. A sure sign that you are being played is if they don’t have a budget.    Don’t share your expertise with someone a fact-finding mission.

For instance, there is a world of difference between a letterpress wedding invitation from Elum and the dreary wedding invitations offered by Crane on the Paperless Post website.    Is it simply a matter of cost or does style and good taste play a role in an individual’s purchasing decision?

I think the consumer is wise enough to sort through the cost benefit analysis if they are given the proper information.   Sadly, the internet is not the vehicle to display the craftsmanship that goes into making fine stationery:  It’s simply a two-dimensional world of low-resolution images.   While the brand name is important, if it is stacked on the same internet shelf with “Brand X” invitations that look similar, why expect the consumer to pay premium pricing?  Why a 200 year-old firm wants to compromise its acclaimed craftsmanship and elegant design to bottom fish for a “new audience” is simply incomprehensible to those who treasure fine stationery.

Richard May
Founding Member of the Stationers Guild

You have to sit back and scratch your head and wonder what the folks in Dalton (or is it really NYC?) are drinking.  In a series of  initiatives that began last December  to “re-brand” the Crane line, outside consultants (who probably can’t even spell stationery) and Crane’s new iPad management team seem intent on bringing one of the most prestigious paper brands in the world to its knees.

Crane’s competitors must be rejoicing, but there is certainly no joy in Mudville as dealers throughout the United States struggle to pick up the pieces as loyal Crane clients can no longer get the same stationery that they have been using for years.  Indeed, “mighty CRANE has struck out!”

The latest bombshell is from Katie Lacey, President of Crane Stationery, who announced that Crane will be launching a retail relationship with Paperless Post.

“This week we will be launching a retail relationship with Paperless Post, who will be selling on their website a limited selection of their own custom designs that Crane will print. As part of our plan to celebrate and build demand for the high quality, printed stationery and invitations that we provide, this partnership enables us to introduce our products to a new audience.”

Quite obviously, Katie doesn’t sit around and read my silly “thought-pieces” on Paperless Post, but doesn’t it strike one as bizarre that Crane would trash its bricks and mortar retailers (and their clients) who have been loyal to the Crane brand for decades “to introduce our (sic Crane) products to a new audience?”   Call me dumb, but this has to rank as one of the silliest new marketing initiatives in recent memory.

Note to Crane:  There is no NEW audience – it’s the same audience using different vehicles to communicate or express themselves.  Crane is simply giving 200 years of BRAND loyalty to an online marketing platform.  This is a great deal for Paperless Post, but a silly one for Crane.    Why doesn’t Crane hire some programmers in the Philippines to build a clone Paperless Post app under the Crane logo?

It is clearly evident that Crane is a rudderless ship that has lost its way in a big sea of digital nonsense.  If Crane’s management doesn’t value the Crane brand anymore than partnering with Paperless Post, why should its dealers?

Richard W. May
Founding Member of the Stationers Guild

Arzberger has become the new “go-to” resource for engraved stationery and custom invitations.  Currently, Arberger is overwhelmed with new business now that Crane & Co. has decided to implement their recently announced “back to basics” strategy.

Stationers across the United States are still reeling from Crane’s decision in late December to significantly reduce customization options, ink colors, paper stock and envelope linings in an effort to reconfigure their business.  Many in the industry had expected that Crane’s acquisition of  William Arthur in November signaled a major push by Crane to dominate high-end fashion stationery and custom invitations.   This is clearly not the case.

While Arzberger’s printing business has increased, I was informed by a spokesperson for the company that they still welcome new business from stationers and clients who seek quality and time-tested printing and classic designs.   I was reassured that Arzberger has more than enough printing capacity to fill the vacuum left behind by Crane.

Azberger has produced finely crafted wedding, personal and social stationery for customers throughout the United States since 1922.  From design to shipping, everything necessary to produce your stationery is done by us in our facility in Charlotte.  Just because we have been doing this forever does not make us boring or dreary; to the contrary, it makes us one of the only companies in this business that has consistently been getting it right.  For more information on their philosophy (which most quality stationers share), please visit their website.

For those searching for a world-class printer and design company that can easily fulfill the needs of your current Crane clients and to establish an ongoing relationship for future custom business, please acess the attached contact information for Arzberger.   I will be providing additional information in later posts, but I have been overwhelmed with requests from dealers across the United States seeking alternatives to fill the vacuum left behind by Crane.  Based on my initial conversations with Elizabeth Edwards, I am confident that Arzberger is more than capable of meeting the expectations of your most demanding clients.

Richard W. May
Founding Member of the Stationers Guild

Today thru April 2nd, Crane & Co. is offering good cost savings on all customized stationery sales and customized invitations. Select 75 or more units from Crane and receive 25 absolutely free.

If you are shopping for new stationery or have just become engaged and should post a save the date invitation or wedding invitations. Today is the right time to buy your stationery or invitations and benefit of this exceptional promotion. Crane’s sale is easily available to you through authorized Crane retailers in stores close to you or at Crane’s website. Shop locally with the help of a skilled stationer to view the wide selection of Crane’s personalization options and printing methods or check out Crane on the web.

Crane & Co. has been manufacturing high-quality stationery and custom party invitations for well over two centuries. This Dalton, MA firm is known for its exceptional engraving, hand-painted edges and great assortment of 100% cotton cardstock. Now through April 2nd you can shop for Crane’s stylish stationery and save yourself money at the same time. Please don’t wait and visit a Crane store in your community or shop online. You will be glad you did so.

William Arthur has been crafting high quality stationery and custom party invitations for well over three decades. This Kennebunk, Maine firm is best-known for its exceptional designs and styles showcasing Vera Wang, Rita Renning and William Arthur’s own exceptional fashion styles. William Arthur’s wedding designs are most well-known with bridal couples and offer a vast array of diverse printing and customization possibilities.

At present through April 2nd you can purchase William Arthur’s fashionable stationery and save yourself money while doing so. Buy 75 or more units from William Arthur and receive 25 free of cost. You shouldn’t wait and visit a William Arthur dealer in your town or see other online wedding invitation and stationery options. You will be happy you did so.

Maybe you are shopping for new engraved stationery or have just become engaged and should post a save the date card or wedding invitations. Today is the time to purchase your stationery or invitations and take advantage of of this exceptional deal. William Arthur offer is available to you through authorized William Arthur dealers in retail stores in your town or at William Arthur’s online shop. Shop in the area with the help of a qualified stationer to check out the wide choice of William Arthur’s customization alternatives and printing alternatives or check out William Arthur on the web.

Today thru April 2nd, Crane & Co. is giving you great savings on most customized stationery sales and custom invitations. Buy 75 or more units from Crane and receive 25 totally free.

Crane Stationery and Invitation Promotion

Maybe you are on the lookout for new stationery or have just gotten engaged and will want to send a save the date announcement or wedding invitations. Now is the right moment to order your stationery or invitations and take advantage of of this fantastic promotion. Crane’s promotion is easily available to you through listed Crane dealers in retail stores in your town or at Crane’s online storefront. Purchase in the area with the help of a seasoned stationer to see the extensive range of Crane’s personalization options and printing alternatives or check out Crane on the internet.

Crane & Co. has been producing exceptional stationery and custom wedding invitations for well over two hundred years. This Dalton, MA firm is well known for its exceptional engraving, hand-painted borders and great range of 100% cotton papers. Now through April 2nd you can buy Crane’s fashionable stationery and spend less money as well. You shouldn’t hold back and visit a Crane dealer in your community or go shopping online. You will be pleased you did so.

Today to April 2nd, Crane & Co. is giving you extraordinary markdowns on virtually all customized stationery orders and custom invitations. Buy 75 or more pieces from Crane and receive 25 totally free.

Crane Stationery Promomotion

Whether you are shopping for new engraved stationery or have just gotten engaged and should send a save the date invitation or wedding invitations. Today is the time to purchase your stationery or invitations and take advantage of of this exceptional promotion. Crane’s offer is readily available to you through listed Crane retailers in retail stores near you or at Crane’s online store. Buy in your community with the help of an experienced stationer to view the wide selection of Crane’s personalization alternatives and printing options or take a look at Crane on the web.

Crane & Co. has been making high quality stationery and custom party invitations for more than two centuries. This Dalton, MA firm is known for its extraordinary engraving, hand-painted borders and large assortment of 100% cotton papers. At present through April 2nd you can purchase Crane’s elegant stationery and save money while doing so. You shouldn’t wait and check out a Crane retailer in your town or go shopping online. You will be glad you did so.

William Arthur has been making great stationery and custom wedding invitations for more than three decades. This Kennebunk, Maine business is known for its extraordinary styles showcasing Vera Wang, Rita Renning and William Arthur’s own exclusive fashion styles. William Arthur’s wedding styles are most well-known with bridal couples and offer a selection of several printing and customization alternatives.

At present through April 2nd you can shop for William Arthur’s stylish stationery and spend less money while doing so. Get 75 or even more units from William Arthur and get 25 totally free. Don’t wait and check out a William Arthur retailer in your community or see other online wedding invitation and stationery options. You will be happy you did so.

Maybe you are on the lookout for new stationery or have just gotten engaged and will want to mail a save the date announcement or wedding invitations. Today is the occasion to order your stationery or invitations and benefit of this fantastic deal. William Arthur offer is readily available to you through authorized William Arthur dealers in stores close to you or at William Arthur’s online shop. Shop in your community with the help of a seasoned stationer to check out the full-range of William Arthur’s customization options and printing methods or take a look at William Arthur online.

“Timing is everything” said one experienced individual and, indeed, there is no time like the present to order customized stationery, calling cards, stickers and ID tags from leading stationery artists.

Today through October 3, Printswell has a Summer Stationery Sale which will enable you to double up on your stationery order absolutely Free. Printswell is a world-class printing company and fulfillment center for such wonderful designers as Rosanne Beck, Stacy Claire Boyd, Little Lamb Design and many other artists.

Printswell stationery and their great collection of holiday photo cards are already reasonably priced, so this is an excellent opportunity to acquire custom-made flat or folded notes for the entire family. Printswell’s family of artisans has produced wonderful stationery for those who prefer a lighter touch. This is a good chance to introduce your children to stationery and also the correct way to say “thank you.”

When placing your order online, place the total quantity you want to receive in the online order form. The price shown already includes the discount. Enjoy the rest of your summer and save with Printswell stationery.

Sheila May is the owner of Therese Saint Clair and writes frequently about personalized stationery, and holiday photo cards.

“Timing is critical” said one knowledgeable individual and, definitely, there isn’t any time like the present to purchase custom-made stationery, calling cards, stickers and ID tags from leading stationery creative designers.

At this time through October 3, Printswell has a Summer Stationery Sale which will let you double up on your stationery order for FREE. Printswell is a world-class printing company and fulfillment center for such wonderful designers as Rosanne Beck, Stacy Claire Boyd, Little Lamb Design and several other artists.

Printswell stationery along with their great collection of holiday photo cards are already reasonably priced, thus, making this an excellent opportunity to purchase custom flat or folded notes for the whole family. Printswell’s family of artisans has created great stationery for many who prefer a lighter touch. This is a wonderful chance to expose your children to stationery and the correct way to say “thank you.”

When placing your order online, place the total quantity you wish to receive in the online order form. The price shown incorporates the discounted price. Have fun with the rest of your summer and save with Printswell stationery.

Sheila May is the owner of Therese Saint Clair and writes frequently about personalized stationery, and holiday photo cards.