We estimators all want to get our quotes done as quickly as possible so that we can be the first to present to our customer. We would like to think that this will increase the chances that we win the job.

We often find, however, that we are missing information from the customer, which of course holds up the quote. We use a form here that covers most of the bases. If you would like us to email you a copy of our internal form, please ask or just type FORM to estimating@seaboardbindery.com

Despite all the tools at our disposal, it is not often that we see two very easy ways to enhance the beauty and versatility of mechanical binding. Perhaps your book is strictly utilitarian - that is understandable. But if you have a sales brochure or marketing piece, why not try skip binding, or pewter-colored wire?

Skip binding features a gap in the middle of the spine where there is no wire. You can bind as little as 2 inches at the top and 2 inches at the bottom, with a large space of no wire in between. Of course, you want to balance the binding so that the book does not flip-flop around, so we suggest covering at least 50% of the spine with the binding element. Skip binding does not cost any more than traditional mechanical binding using the whole binding edge.

Pewter-colored wire looks (almost) as rich as pewter itself.  In the context of wire colors, pewter is dull silver. It’s a neutral color that goes with just about any color combination. And as a practical matter, pewter, which is a painted wire, is preferable to silver wire, which is unpainted and tends to leave marks on certain coated stocks. Pewter wire is no more expensive than any of the other colors.

Technifold - This is the best newsletter I have seen from a how-to-do-it point of view.  Each month they feature new technical tips on, say, how to make a sharper fold, or how to improve your paper drilling.  Of course, they are promoting their own scoring tools (which are terrific), but they do help make your life easier at the same time. I especially like their column “Tips on Working with your Outside Bindery.”

LinkedIn - I subscribe to several newsletters, both in and out of our business realm.   My favorites are Print Production Professionals Group, Digital Printing Group, Digital Binding Group, and Printing Industries of America Networking Group.  Now and then I come across something that I can use, and it is interesting to read what people are thinking about.

Bindagraphics - Bindagraphics is one of the largest, if not THE largest trade bindery in the U.S. and is run by the Anson family, whom I know and admire.  Their website is complete with technical information on the myriad services they offer.   Truthfully, sometimes when I am out of ideas I check into their website and come up with several.

As I come across more, I will mention them in this space.