Binder World

SpeedBinder Partners With CoffeeXperts

2007-06-14T10:42:00.001-07:00

SpeedBinder is pleased to announce its new partnership with CoffeeXperts, the premier custom coffee roaster in the Midwest!

"Working with SpeedBinder gives us the opportunity to demonstrate our quality to a wide range of customers", commented Chris Smith, President of CoffeeXperts.

SpeedBinder President Jeff Miller commented "We are delighted to be able to share CoffeeXperts quality with our clients. I have personally inspected the CoffeeXperts facility, and was impressed by their knowledge and dedication to quality. These are attributes that we bring to the binder business, and it is fantastic seeing the success that CoffeeXperts continues to enjoy."

Any customer who places a quote request with SpeedBinder will receive a free sample size pack of CoffeeXperts coffee. There is no charge or obligation. Miller elaborated, "Some companies would want to charge customers shipping costs, or otherwise make a 'free' offer into something less than free. That's not how we do things at SpeedBinder. These free samples are truly free. No obligation at all. It is just our way or saying how much we value the opportunity to earn your business."

Spring Is Here At SpeedBinder

2007-03-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

The weather in Omaha has started out pretty rough this month, but our new sale will warm you up!

We are really excited about this promotion. Just go to SpeedBinder.com to see the details!

Omaha Chamber Academy

2006-06-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

Coming up in August, I will be presenting a course at the Omaha Chamber of Commerce "Chamber Academy". The course is titled "Internet Marketing for Small Business Success" , and is based on the sales success that we have enjoyed at SpeedBinder.

SpeedBinder started out with the idea to integrate two different facets of my experience. First, my family owned a small business when I grew up. I really enjoyed that experience, and have many fond memories of time spent as a kid participating in the family business. As an aside, the business, Minute Man Printing, is still around and doing very well, although my family sold it years ago.

Second, in my career I had done a lot of Internet marketing and business development. When the "Dot Com" bubble burst, I decided I had had enough of that world, and decided to get into something more traditional. That thought process ultimately led to the formation of SpeedBinder: A traditional company integrated with a modern, Internet based marketing strategy.

Things have gone exceptionally well. We continue to enjoy tremendous sales growth at SpeedBinder. The course the Omaha Chamber Academy is designed to share some of the tools and techniques that we are using.

Particulars in the course will include:

Tips for getting the most out of AdWords (aka Google) and Overture (aka Yahoo)
Banner ads vs paid search positioning
Some fundamentals on web site design
Basic ideas on Search Engine Optimization
Customer service for the Internet based customer
How small companies have an intrinsic advantage on the Internet

Goodwill Business Partner Award

2006-03-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

SpeedBinder is proud to have received the Business Partner Award from Goodwill Industries for February, 2006.

SpeedBinder and Goodwill have been partnering since 2005. Through their programs, SpeedBinder is able to find and train great employees to work in our production plants. Goodwill works with numerous local agencies to identify people who need employment and training opportunities. They provide them with basic employment skills training, and facilitate the interviewing and hiring process. We consider this a 100% "win-win" situation.

SpeedBinder also works with Goodwill Industries on an outsourcing basis. For example, a recent order required that 24 sheets be slipped into sheet protectors, and then each set of sheet protectors be placed into binders, with the binders poly bagged from there. All of this was for an order of 5000 binders. Goodwill was able to quickly and efficiently handle this work through their Outsource Solutions program. This is a great way that Goodwill finds productive work for people with mild developmental or physical disabilities.

SpeedBinder is proud of its relationship with Goodwill Industries! It is good for our company, and good for our customers. Goodwill helps us deliver advanced solutions at an economical price, and allows us to do so in a way that helps the community. We look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.

New Full Color Options

2006-02-28T07:55:00.000-08:00

It's been too long since my last post! Things have been really busy at SpeedBinder, and the time just gets away from me.

We have a really exciting new offering. In the past, if you wanted a Full Color Binder, you had two options: You could go with "entrapment style" construction or with litho print directly on vinyl.

The binder on the left (with the horses) is an example of an entrapment style. These look good, but some people prefer the seamless look of a litho style, as shown on the right. These pictures are small. You can see larger versions on the Full Color Binder page at SpeedBinder.com.

The advantage of litho style construction is that there is no seam or break in the artwork as it transitions around the hinges on the binder. Litho style construction also allows your custom artwork to run all the way to the edges of the front and back covers and spine. Also, litho style binders can be constructed with padded covers. Entrapment style binders can not.

Unfortunately, in the past the only way to get the benefits of litho style construction was to either buy in large quantities (1000 units or more), or pay extremely high per-unit costs.

Now, thanks to SpeedBinder's innovation, all that has changed. We now offer full color, litho print binders in small quantities at a fraction of their former cost. This is still a premium product, so expect to pay more than you would for entrapment style binders.

Only SpeedBinder offers you these two great Full Color Binder options: Entrapment style construction for high graphic impact at an affordable price, and Litho style construction for maximum impact and flexibility.

Wikipedia

2005-09-26T06:37:00.000-07:00

Wikipedia is a free, Internet based encyclopedia project. It is interesting because anyone can contribute. Anyone!

SpeedBinder has its own page in the Wikipedia encyclopedia.

There is an interesting dynamic here. The history of many businesses is lost forever because they never get around to writing it down. Wikipedia provides a forum that allows that business history to be captured.

On the other hand, for commercial reasons, many businesses may not want their history to be fully known. And what happens when a competitor posts inaccurate or unflattering information about a company? Wikipedia is based on the concept of community participation, so literally anyone can contribute to any page. But some companies are so small that there may only be one or two people who really understand the history of the company. In that case, how can a Wikipedia member validate the information? Where is the line between historical information and folk stories that have grown up around a family business?

In any case, SpeedBinder is built around the complete, open information concept of the Internet. We want people to know about us, and our impact on the custom three ring binder marketplace. We will continue to work to enhance our Internet presence, both through Wikipedia and other sources.

Individualized custom binders

2005-07-27T09:13:00.000-07:00

SpeedBinder can produce individualized custom, Full Color Binders. For three ring binders with impact, this is the way to go.

In this project, SpeedBinder produced a separate binder for each member of the Louisiana State University women's basketball team.

Be sure to ask about this special service when you call SpeedBinder for your 3 ring binder needs!

Moving Day At SpeedBinder!

2005-07-21T06:20:00.000-07:00

Today is a big day for SpeedBinder: We are moving to our new, state of the art production facility!

SpeedBinder has experienced tremendous growth over the past two years. We believe this is because of our commitment to outstanding customer service, and dedication to the Internet marketplace. By working closely with our customers, we are able to bring "high touch" to the custom three ring binder business.

With our new facility, we are more than doubling our total square footage. We are also upgrading our customer service capability, with new phone systems, new computer networks, and a modernized work environment. All of these changes will help us serve our customers even better in the future.

We are very grateful for all of our loyal customers. We work hard to earn your trust and your business. In an industry where some of our competitors are struggling, SpeedBinder is growing. Thank you for your support! We look forward to continuing to work with you for years to come!

3 Ring Binders and World Trade

2005-07-19T16:11:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of discussion in the news regarding international trade. Over the last several years, Chinese manufacturers have established a tremendous presence in the US market. Here at SpeedBinder, we have received several inquiries wanting to know more about where our 3 ring binders and other products are made.

SpeedBinder operates its primary manufacturing facility in Omaha, Nebraska. We are proud to say that our products are "Made in the USA"!

The majority of our supplies and raw materials are USA made as well. All of the chipboard in our binders is domestic, as is most of the vinyl. The only component that we routinely source from overseas is the ring metals. Those are all made in China.

We believe that this represents the best possible balance: Chinese manufacturers make the "commodity" item, and we use US materials and labor to make that commodity into a custom product.

Some binder companies are trying to source three ring binders from China. We have decided not to do this, and here's why: For custom projects, China can not compete with SpeedBinder on customer service, turn around time or quality. Simply put, we are better. For commodity binders (such as 1/2" clearview binders like you might find at Costco), Chinese manufacturers are indeed less expensive. However, SpeedBinder rarely sells based on price alone. We tell our customers that if low cost imported products will work for them, they should buy them. But if they need something special (different colors, etc), then they should stay with US manufacturing.

How 3 Ring Binders Are Made

2005-07-08T16:17:00.000-07:00

SpeedBinder is a manufacturer of custom imprinted 3 ring binders. We make the binders from scratch in our own plant. Many times, customers have asked what our process is to make 3 ring binders. We thought this was a good opportunity to describe the process

This discussion will center on custom imprinted vinyl binders. Other styles (full color binders, custom imprinted poly binders) are similar.

There are four steps in the binder manufacturing process:

1) Material preparation: Three ring binders are constructed of vinyl and chipboard. SpeedBinder buys vinyl in large, 100 yard rolls. Chipboard is purchased in oversized sheet form. Both of these materials need to be prepared for the next step.

First, the vinyl is "sheeted out" and then trimmed to size. This is the step where rolls of vinyl are converted into sheets of vinyl. Here's a little fun fact: The rolls of vinyl used in the industry are 49" wide. That is not an arbitrary number: It is the exact width needed to get four binders worth of material out of each cut. No matter what size the binder (1", 2", etc), the vertical dimension is the same (a little under 12 inches). With 49 inches to work with, we can get four binders worth, and have a little extra left over for trimming.

Next, the chipboard is cut to the proper size. SpeedBinder uses a large, computer controlled paper cutter for this operation. Each cut is precisely controlled and automatically measured to the thousandths of an inch. The result is an extremely precist chipboard size, which results in a nice, tight fit in the binders. As a last step, the corners on the chipboard are rounded off in a special machine.

2) Heat seal: The next step in the process is heat seal. This is where the materials are stacked together, and then sealed at the edges to produce the shell for the binder.

The heat seal machines operate based on a large turntable. Operators work around the turntable, laying down the various pieces of the binders. As the table rotates, on of the stations has the actual heat seal press. This press is fitted with the appropriate die based on the specific binder being made. The die is warmed, then it is lowered onto the material. At that point, a high-power "radio frequency" circuit is activated, instantly heating the die and liquefying the vinyl. After about ten seconds, the power is turned off and the die raises. At that point, the excess material is pulled away, and a completed binder skin emerges.

3) Silk-screen: After the binders are heat sealed, they are silk screened. This is the process where the customer specific decoration is added.

SpeedBinder uses NorCote ultraviolet cure inks for our silk screen process. This ink is cured using a special conveyor belt dryer. By subjecting the ink to a burst of high intensity UV light, the ink is instantly dried. This allows the three ring binders to be handled immediately.

4) Riveting: After silk-screening, the ring metals are riveted into the binders.

There are numerous options for riveting: Standard rivets or concealed rivets, mount on spine or back cover, round or angle-D, etc. SpeedBinder does them all.

Once the riveting is complete, the binder is complete. They are then packaged and made ready for shipment.

We hope this description has been useful. Please feel free to call us at 888 338 0924 if you have any questions.

Catalog Binding Options

2005-07-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

At SpeedBinder, many of our customers use custom looseleaf binders as their catalog publishing strategy. In this post, we try to describe some of the various binding options for catalog publication, and how looseleaf fits into the picture.

Publishing catalogs is expensive! Duplication and binding costs are significant, but don't overlook the base cost of preparing the camera ready artwork for each product. That cost is constant no matter what catalog publishing strategy you use.

Over the past ten years, we have seen a rise in the number of companies that are publishing catalogs on CD/DVD or on the Internet. Interestingly, we believe that that trend has peaked, and that more and more companies are returning to paper catalogs. The reasons are simple: Consider the typical "City Sales" counter at a distributor. If one manufacturer's product is in a paper catalog, and one is on CD or the Internet, who's catalog do you think the sales person will pull out to show to the customer? For general browsing, people still prefer paper!

For paper publication, there are three realistic binding options: Looseleaf, plastic binding, and perfect binding.

Plastic binding takes the form of GBC binding or spiral binding. It is useful for low volume jobs, where only a few hundred catalogs will be produced. It is economical and easy to do. Durability is mixed: GBC binding is prone to pull apart, and spiral can get caught and snagged.

There are two fundamental drawbacks with any form of plastic binding: First, the resulting book can not stand on its own. Second, there is no imprint on the spine of the book. Both of these mean that the plastic bound catalog has poor "shelf presence".

Perfect binding is the term used for binding that is similar to what you find in an ordinary paperback book. In sufficient quantity, it is very economical, although for smaller runs it can be quite expensive.

There are several drawbacks to perfect binding. The books will not stand on their own on a bookshelf, and it is impossible to replace individual pages. The entire catalog must be replaced for any change.

Looseleaf binders provide a flexible, long-term solution to all catalog publishing needs. The drawback to looseleaf is apparent: It costs more. But the advantages are many:

Looseleaf binders are free-standing. This means that your company name is on permanent display on your customer's bookshelf.
With looseleaf binders, you can add, remove and change pages quickly and easily. Many companies send a monthly or quarterly update packet to their customers and distributors. This promotes "front of mind" presence for the company.
Looseleaf binders lay flat and are easy to read.
Looseleaf binders are durable. In typical applications, custom vinyl looseleaf binders will last for years.

Taken as a whole, many companies are deciding to use looseleaf binders for their catalog applications. After the initial investment, they enjoy superior customer presence, superior flexibility, and lower long term costs.

Custom Binders In The Age of The Internet

2005-06-28T11:33:00.000-07:00

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

2005-06-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

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

2005-06-17T15:36:00.000-07:00

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

2005-06-16T11:46:00.000-07:00

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

2005-06-15T16:43:00.000-07:00

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

2005-06-15T13:02:00.000-07:00

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.