Custom Binders In The Age of The Internet

SpeedBinder was created as an Internet based company. Our production capability was developed by acquiring and consolidating existing binder manufacturing operations, but our business focus was and always will be the Internet.

We think that's important. We think there is a difference between a company that treats the Internet as an "add on" to their existing business, and one that is built around the Internet from the start.

The most important difference is that we understand how to work directly with our customers. In the past, binders (like many print or specialty products) were sold through a series of one or more brokers. Those brokers added their markup, but they also provided a valuable service by helping "translate" the requirements of the end user into the technical or industry specific lingo of manufacturing.

With the Internet, there are no brokers. SpeedBinder understands that, so we speak your language, we do not ask you to speak ours. We won't bury you under a pile of code words and jargon. SpeedBinder understands the value of plain talk.

We also understand that most customers do not have professional graphic artists on staff. We work with our customers through the artwork process, often creating original designs for them, all at a minimal cost. We work with binders every day, and are able to come up with eye-catching, original designs quickly and at minimal cost. SpeedBinder offers free design consultations! Just send us your logos and ideas, and we will gladly put together a design mockup for you.

SpeedBinder empowers its customers with its Custom Design Center. This design center includes design templates, formatting ideas, tips on getting good results, and more. It is like having an experienced graphics expert at your disposal 24 hours a day.

SpeedBinder understands that many customers are buying binders for the first time. We strive to make the process as easy, convenient and fun as possible!

Ring Metal Options

There are two primary means of attaching ring metals to looseleaf binders: Conventional rivets, and "concealed" (or rivetless) technology.

The difference is straightforward: With conventional rivets, you see the head of the rivet on the spine (or occasionally on the back cover) of the binder. With concealed rivets, you do not. This is particularly useful for clearview binders (therefore avoiding the need for unsightly "relief holes" in the clear overlay on the spine of the binder) and on full color binders (where rivets would detract from the design of the binder).

Functionally, there is very little difference between the two approaches. Both are strong and durable. At SpeedBinder, we expect the attachment of the ring metals to the binder to outlast the binder itself.

Why select one over the other? Conventional rivets are slightly less expensive. Expect to pay around $0.15 more per binder for concealed rivets. Conventional rivets are also more common for "Angle-D" ring applications, where the rings are riveted to the back cover. On very large ring sizes (anything over 2"), conventional rivets are slightly stronger.

For any other application, concealed rivets are the preferred choice. They combine a smooth, uncluttered look with good durability. Companies buy custom binders in order to differentiate their material from the competition. Concealed rivets are a small part of that process.

Full Color Binders

SpeedBinder ran a large order of Full Color Binders for a large training company today. Sometimes people are confused about the different processes used to create full color binders, so we thought we would take this opportunity to go over them.

SpeedBinder uses two different techniques to create full color binders: Entrapment process and litho process.

Entrapment process is used for shorter runs, typically up to 2,000 total binders. With entrapment process, inserts are printed on a 65# cover stock, and then permanently sealed (or "entrapped") underneath a layer of clear vinyl as the binder is heat sealed. You can see an example of an entrapment process full color binder here.

Litho process is used for longer runs, typically at least 1,000 or more total binders. With litho process, the artwork is printed directly on the vinyl using a four-color process lithographic press. You can see an example of a litho process full color binder here.

Selecting Between The Two Styles of Full Color Binder

The trade-offs between entrapment process and full color process come down to three key areas: Price, quality, delivery time and artwork.

Price: Entrapment style binders will generally cost less. In smaller quantities (as mentioned above, below 2,000 units or so) the cost will be significantly lower. For very small runs (500 units or less) the cost of litho process becomes prohibitive.

This is because entrapment inserts in small quantities can be printed on modern, high quality digital color presses. SpeedBinder uses a Xerox DocuColor 6060 for these jobs. The result is outstanding color and clarity, at an affordable price.

In larger quantities (5,000 units or more) the cost of litho process can actually be less than entrapment process.

Quality: Many customers prefer the exclusive look and feel of litho process full color binders. They are tough and durable, and present an exceptional quality message to your customers.

Delivery: For most orders, entrapment process binders can be delivered sooner than litho process.

Artwork: All SpeedBinder full color binders allow the customer to specify exceptionally detailed, graphically rich artwork.

Hopefully this overview gives you some ideas on where to start for full color binders. You can always call SpeedBinder's Customer Service department for more information, or to obtain a price quote.

Extended Fulfillment Services

One of the things that makes SpeedBinder special is our ability to provide solutions beyond simply delivering custom binders. For example, SpeedBinder can handle all of your printing and fulfillment needs.

Consider this example: A company is putting together a sales catalog. They want to integrate materials from their suppliers, as well as custom printed pages of their own. They also have a 17 separate custom printed index tabs that need to be integrated into the final book. All of this content then gets placed into a custom binder. The binders are then sent to 750 different distributors.

That's a big project, but SpeedBinder is here to help! We can do it all for you: Accept your pre-printed material, collate and shrinkwrap the material into sets, package the sets with binders, and individually drop ship each binder. In fact, our expertise with custom mailing means we can often save our customers thousands of dollars over traditional approaches.

Church Directories

SpeedBinder is pleased to announce that it is entering the Church Directory market.



Long known as a leader in direct sales of custom binders, SpeedBinder is bringing its expertise to the world of Church Directories.

In addition to delivering a high quality church directory, the SpeedBinder program will allow churches to raise significant amounts of money at the same time. There is no cost to the church whatsoever.

SpeedBinder is leveraging its experience with the advertiser supported hotel guest directory market to bring this attractive program to churches nation wide.

SpeedBinder

This is our new blog designed to keep everyone up to date on the wonderful world of custom looseleaf binders!

SpeedBinder manufacturers all types of custom looseleaf binders. We specialize in full color binders, as well as custom imprinted vinyl binders.

Presently located at 4513 South 88th Street in Omaha, SpeedBinder will be moving to 4614 South 76th Circle by the end of July.

You can reach us on-line at www.SpeedBinder.com, or call us toll free at 888 338 0924.