Crouser & Associates Performance Group program helps printers prosper through
on-site assistance and twice yearly group meetings. For more information by
Email or call (304) 342-5100. Crouser Report OnLine is the
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Questions For You
Copyright January 8, 1996
Transmitted from Melbourne, Florida
Three questions this weekend. One printer wants help on using photo direct
plates on a landscape format press. Another independent printer is
considering joining a franchise and wants your advice. And, a printer friend
of ours from Panama is looking for documentation on a Solna 124 press. Look
over these requests and message me back with your advice. We ll compile and
send out in a future message. Well, here we go.
Quicksilver Plates on Landscape Format Press...
A reader writes:
We are taking advantage of your offer to ask the other experts. Does
anyone have experience running Quicksilver Plates on a landscape format press? Our
Hamada 885 is a landscape format which accommodates a 20 x 13.5 sheet size.
We have been running all jobs with metal plates but find that doing so makes
our prices on short run 11x17 work prohibitive. We would like to run
Quicksilver plates on the Hamada because that is what we are using on our
Multi s and so we have the chemistry and processor. As best as we have been
able to determine Quicksilver plates are only available prepunched in a
portrait format. Additionally we are concerned about having to make
adjustments for the thickness of the Quicksilver material when changing back
and forth from the metal plates that we use for longer runs and register
jobs. Any info, ideas or experiences will be greatly appreciated.>
Okay, troops, any information? Please message me back and I ll compile the
information and send it back to you. And, while we are at it, look over the
following.
In December I did an on-site in Chicago with an independent print shop owner.
The owner, among other issues, was considering joining a franchise and asked
my advice. He had prepared a list of benefits he expected from the franchise
and I gave him my opinion. However, I thought I should solicit your opinion
also. Our friend writes down his expectations in the following list. From
your experience, how reasonable are his expectations?
History: The owner bought a shop in 1987 which was pretty well dead.. Moved
in 1991 to the present location about three miles away. He has struggled
since then. Here are his reasons as he relayed them to me.
- 1. To help me find good workers. It is true I have to find the employees, but
once I find them, they can help me screen, evaluate, train and keep those
employees.
- 2. Measure the output and performance of these employees.
- 3. Provide name recognition. I have lost customers to Alphagraphics and
Insty-Prints and do not know how to go back and retrieve these customers.
- 4. Provide assistance with established systems: accounting, billing, job
filing, credit and collection policies.
- 5. Equipment purchases. Our purchase of a Xerox 5065 was a disaster. I am
till fighting with Xerox.
- 6. With a major franchise, maybe Xerox will pay more attention. Besides they
can make a more attractive pricing deal with the major companies.
- 7. Help in buying equipment. Besides getting a better deal they know what
makes money and what does not.
And that s his reasons. How reasonable are his expectations? Let us know what
you think. And, finally, a special request.
Eugene Altieri owns Arte Grafico, S.A. in the Republic of Panama. He has
purchased a used Solna 124 which came from the States. Only problem: no
documentation. If you have any manuals, he would sure appreciate receiving
one, or even a copy. Send them to me at: Crouser & Associates, 235 Dutch
Road, Charleston, WV 25302 and we will forward them to Eugene.
That s it for today. Keep warm and happy trails. Tom Crouser
Crouser & Associates - Helping Printers Prosper Since 1985
Crouser & Associates Performance Group program includes two on-site evaluations
by Tom Crouser each year along with two group meetings. Management training is held during the group
meetings along with participation in a meeting with non-competing printers. Join others who have decided
to run their business instead of the business running them. Reply to by Email to
Tom Crouser for more detailed information or call Clark Workman
at (304) 342-5100. Or fax (304) 342-5187 or contact crouser@ibm.net.
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Date inserted: Thursday, February 01, 1996 3:48:39 PM
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