The Stationers Guild

When informed of his rumored death, Mark Twain stated that “reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”    Perhaps, the death knell for the stationery industry has not yet sounded.  Yesterday morning  I reported that William Arthur would be terminating its affiliate program on May 25th.  Shortly after the article was published, I received a phone call from a representative of Crane indicating that the announcement was “poorly communicated” and that Crane would migrate William Arthur to Crane’s Pepperjam affiliate program.  Commission structures would remain intact.

When I pressed for more details (i.e. “will William Arthur maintain their own ecommerce website?”), I was told that Crane’s IT people were working on it.  Frankly, that is not particularly reassuring, but I guess we can hope that Crane’s “rocket scientists” will let the Crane brand have a decent burial rather disappear in the paperless ether.

One of Crane’s fundamental problems has been its inability to manage its Online presence.  For years, we have witnessed Crane manage its online business as something distinct (dare I call it a profit center?) from its stationery business.    The silly idea that there is an “online” consumer and a “bricks-and-mortar” consumer is about as stupid as saying that consumers can be segregated by those who use fixed phone lines and those who use cell phones.    Just look at the phone or cable company:  The services are simply bundled!

Crane is mistakenly focused on tinkering with distribution channels rather than building a loyal base of savvy consumers who understand the difference between low resolution digital images found on the internet  and fine engraved stationery.  Just take a look at the jewelry industry:  Sure, you can buy a knock-off Timex (or Rolex) for $20 from one of the many street vendors in Times Square, but many buyers will think nothing of shelling out $25,000 or more for a Patek Philippe watch.  Why?  They want quality.  Both brands tell time, but only one makes a personal statement.

As I have said before, I don’t have a clue as to what is going on in Crane, but I suspect that the people who work there don’t either.   A company that has been in the “communications” business for over 200 years should certainly have a better message.  It’s dealers and Crane’s legion of loyal buyers of their brand certainly hope so.

Let’s keep the “personal” in personalized stationery.

Richard W. May
Founding Member of the Stationers Guild

With snow hopefully now in our rear-view mirrors, Crane has just introduced some exciting new stationery designs for Spring 2013.

As long as you are cleaning out your basement, why not upgrade your stationery with a fresh new Spring design from Crane & Co. For those who are more classically inclined, Crane still has some great foldover notes, cards and sheets. Get your beautiful engraved stationery today and help preserve civilized correspondence.

To see these exciting new Crane designs, please contact a stationer in your neighborhood – the best way – or visit the Crane store online.

In June of 2009,  I wrote an article about Paperless Post which appeared to dazzle some impressionable writer for the Style section of the New York Times.   Other than a technical novelty, there was little to admire about Paperless Post which provided an email service to simulate receiving an invitation.

I finalized my review of Paperless Post with the following quote:  ”In summary, if simulated email images masquerading as invitations is your cup of tea then by all means imbibe.  If texture, relevancy, tradition and tangible works of art continue to entrall you then don’t settle for pixalated pop art.”

After receiving a couple of invitations from clients of Paperless Post (“PP”) that managed to get through my server’s Spam filter, my opinion has not changed.  I suspect that many of PP’s clients share my opinion because Paperless Post has recently announced an “early peek”  into the “future of printed stationery.”

Pardon me for laughing, but as John McEnroe would often say “You can’t be serious!” Claiming that “We’re marrying the best of our online product with the latest printing technology to bring you high-quality stationery starting at $1.25 per piece including a hand-assembled envelope . . . PAPER by Paperless Post presents a hybrid solution for people who live both on- and offline.”

While I try to be tolerant of the hyperbole in self-promotion, this silly assertion by Paperless Post suggests that they have truly gone Postal.  From my perspective, it is a simple recognition by an increasing number of consumers that “digital communication” is simply no match for the intimacy of personal correspondence.

If Paperless Post clients would like to see what “real” stationery looks like, drop into your neighborhood stationery store.  The Internet is a great vehicle for self-promotion, but the quality of the end-product is often suspect.  For those of you who feel that PP will recreate their digital magic on paper, I offer these words from the Man in Black (The Princess Bride), “Get use to disappointment.”

Richard W. May
Therese Saint Clair

I recently came across this lovely quote which pretty much explains how I look upon change.   The quote comes from  an article published in Atlantic Cities by Sarah Goodyear entitled:  Of Storefronts, Soulless Banks and the Slow Death of Nora Ephron’s Upper West Side:

People are always saying that change is a good thing. But all they’re really saying is that something you didn’t want to happen at all… has happened. My store is closing this week. I own a store, did I ever tell you that? It’s a lovely store, and in a week it’ll be something really depressing, like a Baby Gap. Soon, it’ll be just a memory. In fact, someone, some foolish person, will probably think it’s a tribute to this city, the way it keeps changing on you, the way you can never count on it, or something. I know because that’s the sort of thing I’m always saying. But the truth is… I’m heartbroken.

That’s from the 1998 Nora Ephron romantic comedy You’ve Got Mail, in which the owner of a sweet children’s bookshop on the Upper West Side of New York is forced out of business by a juggernaut chain bookstore, a thinly veiled version of Barnes & Noble.Sadly, Nora Ephron passed away last week.

Ms. Goodyear goes on to note that:

The once hectic and jumbled shopping landscape has been smoothed and polished and made increasingly bland. A walk down Broadway (NYC) used to be all jangle and buzz, an urban improvisation of sound and action. Now it’s more like a prerecorded loop that repeats block after block, the dull hum of air conditioning and fluorescent light.

She’s right, but I suspect that most towns – both large and small – have witnessed similar change.  Are we any better off as a society?  I don’t know, but I’d much rather walk into a used book store, organic tea stall, a stationery store, outdoor market or most any store with a silly name on it than a bank with the personality of an ATM.  In fact, I’d much prefer someone to be rude rather than ignore me.  Sadly, that is no longer possible in PC America unless you are dealing with a NYC Taxi cab driver who is fresh off the boat.

Perhaps, it is just a disturbing sign that I am growing old.  As one of my dear friends from Italy explained, “Kids today listen to us (i.e.the old folks) as a matter of courtesy – and possibly respect if you are European – but they really could care less what we have to say.   It used to bother me, but I assume the young folks will eventually sort it out for themselves.  In the meantime, I plan to spoil the grandchildren.”

There really is no punch line to this story other than to reprint Ms. Goodyear’s accurate observations on change in the upper West Side.    I think most of us realize that something of value has been lost in our towns and our society.  I have no idea if that missing link is the “mom and pop” store, but I am convinced that more banks and Starbucks aren’t the way forward to a more connected and vibrant society.

Richard W. May
Therese Saint Clair

“The bitterness of poor quality is remembered long after the sweetness of low price has faded from memory.”

Aldo Gucci
Gucci

I continue to be amazed at the number of vendors and store owners who believe that discounting is a viable economic model to grow your business.  Clearly, seasonal sales promotions are often used as a carrot to draw people to your brand, but “serial discounting”  is a sure recipe for business failure.

As I have written on numerous occasions for the Stationers Guild, “If you sincerely want to trash your brand and reputation,  there is no better way to do so than “serial discounting.”    Unfortunately, large printing companies that have invested hundreds of thousands of dollars to position their brand in the market are now recklessly dragging their good name through the dustbin of insipid designs that have long ago lost their luster.

I suspect that the Internet – with it vast repository of truly tasteless designs and Jersey Shore hype – has led corporate bean-counters to recommend to cut quality and lower prices to compete.   This might be a useful strategy if you are prepared to become the low-cost producer and drive everyone out of business, but most quality printing companies cannot do so.

Let’s face it, there are 4 million search results for the term “cheap wedding invitations.”    Dominating the top search results are two of my favorite discount printers:  123print.com and weddingpaperdivas.com, whose parent company, Tiny Prints is now owned by Shutterfly.     Now if you are considering discounting, take a hard look in the mirror before trading in your brand for print quality and papers of  low cost industrial producers like Shutterfly and VistaPrint.  Those fellows will eat your lunch.

This message was brought home to me once again by a fascinating note from Lee Collins, Managing Director of StomperNet entitled “Discounting Yourself Out of Business.”   In this blog, Lee Collins introduces Michelle Chance-Santhong who explains with glaring simplicity why serial discounting can be hazardous to the health of your business.

Now most of you have probably never heard of StomperNet, but it is the premier learning center for anyone who truly wants to  make a living on the Internet.    StomperNet members and faculty are professionals and I take their advice very seriously.

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 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.

For a couple of years, I have been a member of the LinkedIn group Greeting Card, Stationery & Gift Industry Gurus. For the record, I am not a Guru, – but I wish I were – and I didn’t join the group to become one.  I simply joined to exchange ideas on industry trends with fellow professionals.  When I joined the Gurus, I seem to recall that there were some 300 members.   I now think that membership is approximately 2,000.  Today, this group has one less:  I quit.

My reasons are quite simple, I felt the forum had been hijacked by “members” with an agenda.  Specifically, the expanded Guru membership consists of Chinese manufacturers pushing everything from radio-controlled toys to cheap writing instruments and from multilevel marketing evangelists to barter trade scam artists.  This was not the group that I had signed-up for and I finally got exhausted at dealing with the inane self-promotion and general idiocy which characterizes a forum without direction.  The Age of Social Media has arrived:  Those who speak loudest and more often determine the message.  It is an age where chatter is more important than relevance.

The instruments of social media provide a useful platform for people to promote agendas without substance and self-promotion artists posing as respectable business people.    This is not a group that has much future since it has become a support group for people without an identity and not much self-confidence.  I suspect that many other Gurus will soon jump ship if they haven’t already done so.

How reassuring that some people still write personal notes and are still able to express themselves eloquently in this abyss of mindless social chatter signifying nothing.

“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.