If the user wants to order an item that's not listed in the catalog, he clicks on a link on Webster Printing's web site. The user fills in job-request details such as flat size, finish size, bleeds, ink coverage, paper stock, paper weight, paper color, prepress options, finishing options and mailing services, and clicks on the "Send to Webster" link. (The user can request quotes for up to six quantities.) An estimator at Webster Printing receives an email containing the RFQ. The estimator processes the cost and sends an email with prices to the user. The user can accept the quote and create an order. If the printed product will be ordered more than once, it's automatically set up as a catalog item.
"Since the RFQ can become a quote, and the quote can become an order or a catalog item, time is saved by eliminating retyping," Braun says. "And accuracy is higher by eliminating typing errors." The system stores the quotes so users can access information to create future orders. "The knowledge gathered in the design and creation of a print item is retained for all future orders," Braun says. "Users don't need to hunt for faxes, emails or folders in multiple locations to gather the specific information. Everything that's put together for an order stays together."
Reducing Burden, Increasing Sales
Foster says ProzettaPrint offers the health provider several benefits. Only one company (Webster Printing) supplies printed products to its 35 branches, which results in cost savings for the health provider and consistency among its printed materials, Foster says. "Also, they can order any brochure or post card from any location and get instant proofs and immediately place the orders," he says. "The headquarters also knows what the branches are doing."
Webster Printing sends to headquarters a consolidated monthly bill, reducing the client's administrative burden. Only one person at headquarters is required to control ordering and billing. This saves the company 10 to 12 hours per week, or $10,000 to $12,000 annually, Foster says.
Webster Printing benefits, too. The company is a single-source vendor to the health provider, and also has expanded its customer base. "Previously, we were getting printing jobs from a handful of branches," Foster says. "Now, the account has grown 200 percent." Six other Webster Printing clients use ProzettaPrint. Foster discusses the system with at least three clients every month.
"We have been able to add value to our services through e-commerce," says Foster, who recently hired a vice president of e-commerce. "The customers realize that they have the ability to place and track orders 24/7 anywhere."
Preeti Vasishtha is an assistant editor at Print Solutions. Darin Painter, managing editor, also contributed to the story. Email them your comments at bholt@printsolutionsmag.com.
Go Online: E-Commerce Stats
Visit Print Solutions' award-winning web site at www.printsolutionsmag.com and click on "Print Solutions Web Exclusives" to read statistics about e-commerce and the printing industry. Also, DMIA's members-only Solution Center at www.PSDA.org offers an e-commerce "mini-web" that includes market research, conference summaries, past articles, a glossary of terms, links to e-commerce publications and professional organizations, and more.
Companies Offering E-Commerce
Print Solutions' award-winning Buyers' Guide lists 58 firms that offer e-commerce solutions. Go to page 80 of the Oct. '03 issue.
