March 4, 2010
Promotional materials, which are wide ranging from calendars and pocket planners to pens and computer accessories, are really part of your marketing. Almost everything that Ajalon prints is part of the marketing mix of a company. Business cards and letterhead are really business stationery which is part of what promotes your image or brand to your customers and prospects.
The same for your brochures and flyers. So you see that your printer is really helping you with your marketing. Promoting your business to the world. And promotional items are another arm of that process. Corporate apparel, custom T-shirts and personalized gifts are promotional items that extend your marketing arm.
So it is only natural that Ajalon would sell promotional items. We have had many years of helping Sonoma County businesses with their corporate gifts or awards. Truthfully there are a lot of businesses out there that who sell pens and candy with your name on it. But do you know the company you are dealing with? Can they be trusted?
What we can offer you is our experience and expertise. Our seasoned professionals can talk the graphic lingo that promotional item manufacturers speak. Since we have been doing this for over 50 years we know who is best at producing what.
We can offer you peace of mind. When we are in charge of the job you don’t have to deal with files and wonder if things are going to turn out or be the way you want them. You get what you want with no hassle.
So when you are looking for those items to promote your business, to leave behind after a sales call or something just to say thank you, Ajalon can get what you want when you want it. Give us a call today. 707.528.0288
Written by David Walrath
Ajalon Printing & Design
Tags: bags, calendars, candy, computer accessories, corporate apparel, custom T-shirts, drink ware, executive gifts, gifts, mugs, pens, pocket planners, promotional items, promotional products, trade show items, treats, wearables
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
March 3, 2010
Labels are almost a non-ending category. Labels actually seem to have more applications than the rest of the printing industry put together. Here in Santa Rosa, centered in the great wine country of Sonoma County, we easily think of wine labels. But wine labels are only a tip of the label industry.
Here is just a short listing of the types of labels: anniversary seals, embossed anniversary seals, asset tags, bar code labels, bumper stickers, business card magnets, vinyl decals, fan folded custom labels, foil labels, hang tags, laser labels, name tags, roll labels, sheet labels, short run custom labels, tamper proof seals, security stickers, window decals. And did I mention wine labels?
In this dizzying array of offerings, it is good to have a printing business like Ajalon Printing to help you with your label printing needs. We can help you sort through the many different requirements that you have for your label and help you choose the best product that will serve your needs.
We can simplify your label shopping by helping you decide what the best solution is to your labeling needs. Applying the wrong label to a product can make the product unsellable. That can be expensive.
And we can help you with your label design. If you aren’t sure exactly what you want on your label, our designers can work with you in creating exactly what you want.
If you only need a few labels and you need them fast, Ajalon can step right up and help you. If you need thousands of specialty labels that have to be a specific size, again we can produce them for you. Sheets of labels or rolls of labels, we are ready to help you.
Tags: anniversary seals, asset tags, bar code labels, bumper stickers, business card magnets, embossed anniversary seals, fan folded custom labels, foil labels, hang tags, laser labels, name tags, roll labels, Santa Rosa, security stickers, sheet labels, short run custom labels, sonoma county, tamper proof seals, vinyl decals, window decals, Wine Country, wine labels
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 25, 2010
We used to have a copy center in downtown Santa Rosa and before that we were the Ajalon Lettershop in Sebastopol. We migrated from letterpress printing to offset printing and into the copying business. We still do all those things, now we just use computers in the process.
What this means for the somebody who wants to get something printed is that with digital printing we can produce the quantity that you need at a cost savings to you. This is particularly true with color printing. Short runs of full color printing are now economically done.
It used to be that in order to produce a full color brochure the only way to do that was to put down the four process colored inks, cyan (blue), magenta (red), yellow and black. This was expensive and only made sense with long runs over several thousand. Quality was good; however, set up expenses were high and short runs meant individual pieces could be quite costly.
With digital printing it is now possible to apply the same four color process, but it is done directly from a digital file. This saves all the production costs of film and plating and the time to set up the proper inking. All this means that we can produce printed pieces for you at a cost savings.
So printing and copying have changed and merged and the distinctions that used to be made no longer hold up. The old adage, printing is expensive, copying is cheap but the quality isn’t there, is no longer true. Today printing is economical and copy quality is very good. The two worlds continue to meld and the winner is our customers.
Ajalon has been helping businesses with their communication needs here in Sonoma County for over 50 years and we will continue to stay on top of the printing marketplace so that we continue to give you great service and value.
Tags: brochure, copying, digital printing, full color printing, letterpress offset printing, printing, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, sonoma county
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 18, 2010
It used to be that books were something that big, mega sized companies published and the rest of us bought in bookstores. But that is no more. Ajalon Printing & Design has printed as few as 20 books for a gentleman from Oakmont. Conversely, we have printed tens of thousands of books for John Lee MD Solutions in Sebastopol.
With the computer and the digital world upon us, it is possible to print most any size or quantity of books. It can be a short run of poetry books for a reading in Petaluma or the book faire in Santa Rosa. We can do perfect binding (soft bound), so that the book looks like a regular trade paperback.
Or for that especially precious biography, we can do a hard cover book in a large or small quantity.
We do many different types of binding from plastic spiral binding or comb binding. Wire-0 or velo binding. Or the traditional saddle stitched pamphlet or chapbook.
We love helping our clients with their books. For some people this might mean even scanning something previously printed for which there is no digital file. Scanning can be done quickly and it is a lot easier than retyping many pages.
Some people bring in books created in Microsoft Word and we can format them for printing into a book of a traditional size paperback. We can add art or pictures to a book and help in the layout.
So book printing is right up our alley. We have been helping folks from all over Sonoma County with their bookmaking needs. After we do a book, often times people bring in their friends so that we can help them.
With our letterpress we can produce beautiful poetry books where the type kisses the fine 100% cotton paper and leaves a sweet impression. The quality of the written document literally makes an impression that is beautiful and classic.
So we aren’t one of those big publishing houses, but if you want to self publish a book or just get a few copies of a manual printed, Ajalon Printing can help you. Give us a call today.
Tags: books, letterpress, manuals, oakmont, perfect binding, Petaluma, poetry book, saddle stitch, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, self publish, sonoma country, spiral bind, wire-o
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 16, 2010
When is a copy a copy and printing printing? A copy used to be when you placed a document on the glass of the copier and then that image was “copied” or transferred to another sheet of paper.
Today, “‘copiers” take digital files and make many copies, each one actually an original print from a file. All this has businesses that used to call themselves “copy shops” now selling “printing” and printing companies, such as Ajalon Printing & Design, selling digital copies.
So why do I point this out? To explain some of the confusion with what is a printed piece and a copy. Here at Ajalon Printing we have modern. “old fashioned” printing presses that print using ink and new digital printers (that used to be called “copiers”) that use toner to make prints. We use each one to its best advantage to produce the printed document you need at the best price.
For short runs, black and white printers can produce documents quickly and inexpensively. For longer runs of several thousand it can be cheaper to print in the traditional offset method using ink.
Color copiers or printers have advanced a great deal in the last few years. Our color digital printer can print sheets as large as 13″ x 19″ and up to 100 pound cover stock on two sides in one pass through the machine. Truly remarkable just a few years ago.
This new equipment makes it possible to give you what you need, when you need it, at a price that is affordable. With all of this equipment in our production area, we can choose the method that best suits your needs. You don’t have to worry about pixels or picas, or ink or toner, we will make your next printing experience enjoyable.
Written by David Walrath
Ajalon Printing & Design
Tags: black and white copies, color copies, copying, digital copying, hi-speed copying
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 9, 2010
Consumers have not given up their long time affair with catalogs. Just today, a Santa Rosa business owner came by to have me drill holes in a catalog he had just received so that he could put it in his binder. Sonoma County businesses would be wise to keep their catalogs.
Catalogs and online shopping account for a large percentage of the total consumer sales. L.L. Bean customers shop more via the web than traditional print catalogs, but print catalogs are a big factor in generating online customers orders.
In a study by the USPS (post office), consumers who receive catalogs in the mail are more than twice as likely to make an online purchase, compared to consumers who don’t receive catalogs, regardless of household income, education or geography.
A Direct Marketing Association survey showed that 59%of catalog shoppers will keep catalogs they from at least three months or until a new copy arrives. Catalogs are used and do help sales. They drive business to online shopping.
Ajalon Printing has been printing catalogs for many years. I remember when most catalogs were in black and white and we had to paste up copy with artwork. Today most of our catalogs are in color and everything is done digitally.
We recently looked at a catalog that was made up of cards that were laminated and then bound together. The products were sold to manufacturers and catalogs are hung in harsh production environments, so they needed to be sturdy.
So when you need to get that catalog printed Ajalon is the place to turn. And we can help you get your products online on your website. We have onsite photography studios and a team of skilled designers waiting to help you. Call 707.528.0288 or email us at ajalon@ajalon.com today.
Written by David Walrath
Ajalon Printing & Design
Tags: catalog, catalogs, Santa Rosa, sonoma county
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 4, 2010
Pocket folders, gift card holders, warranty paper holders, presentation folders for new products. Businesses and consumers all over Sonoma County are using these smaller presentation folders.
We’re all familiar with the normal pocket folder that is 9″ x 12″ and holds a full size letter. But many businesses in Santa Rosa or Sebastopol have need to present and protect materials that are different sizes.
Gift Card Holders
Over the years we have made many different types of folders for gift certificates, or now in the modern era, magnetic gift cards.
We have a number of dies available for various sizes and can custom make just about anything you might need. Colorful gift card holders add value and allow the purchaser to write a personal gift message.
Warranty Papers or Contract Folders
A very popular size of folder is in the 4″ x 9″ size.
This versatile folder can safely protect warranty papers or other important documents (such as a contract) that are folded up. Or they can carry a tri-fold brochure or rack card and other material for a streamlined, but effective, presentation.
Half Size Folders
Sometimes the best size is half size. For various reasons sometimes what needs to be kept together only needs a 5″ x 8″ size folder. We have produced various models over the years.
Pocket Folders
Because of our invitation business we have access to a wide range of pocket folders for just about any size presentation. Click here to view available sizes and colors.
So we have been providing businesses from Petaluma to Healdsburg and Freestone to Sonoma with their presentation folder needs for many decades. We offer letter size pocket folders, legal size folders, reinforced edge folders, small folders, box pocket folders, expansion/capacity folders, three-panel presentation folders, etc. all with attractive and custom designs.
If you are interested in letting people know of your new products or services, presenting your products at trade shows, or just want to make a good impression, Ajalon Printing can provide you with folders that guarantee a high marketing appeal and are durable and affordable. Give us a call today or visit us on the web at http://ajalon.com.
Written by David Walrath
Ajalon Printing & Design
Tags: 3 three panel presentation folders, box pocket presentation folders, expansion / capacity presentation folders, freestone, gift card holders, Healdsburg, legal size presentation folders, letter size presentation folders, Pocket folders, presentation folders, reinforced edge presentation folders, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, small presentation folders, sonoma, sonoma county, warranty paper holders
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 2, 2010
Program guides are really like catalogs but list services provided rather than items to be sold. They are a little different from newsletters, which can include events and services provided as well as newsletter items. Gyms, non-profits and schools are businesses that use program guides.
The Santa Rosa Junior College class schedule and Community Education Bulletin are examples of program guides. You can find a lot of these bulletins and guides in places like Sawyer’s News in Santa Rosa or Copperfield Books in Sebastopol or Petaluma.
In some ways a catalog, program guide or bulletin is really just grown up brochure or newsletter. Services or programs grow to the point they can’t fit into one of these former printed publications, and become a stand alone catalog.
We have worked with guides for the Occidential Arts and Ecology Center, the Angela Center in Santa Rosa and programs from Life School in Bodega Bay. We can help with design and layout or just take your files and prepare them for printing.
Some smaller organizations don’t need thousands of program guides and we can economically produce smaller numbers with our digital capabilities. We are always happy to talk with you and assist you at whatever stage you are in with putting together your program guide or bulletin.
Written by David Walrath
Ajalon Printing & Design
Tags: bodega bay, brochure, bulletin, catalog, newsletter, occidental, Petaluma, program guide, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 28, 2010
Yesterday I was at a trade show in Santa Rosa and stopped to talk to one of the vendors. He handed me his business card. I looked at it and held it in my hand while I talked to him. I noticed that I was rubbing the card between my fingers.
After I finished talking with him, I walked away and looked more closely at the card. It was embossed. I have known about embossing for many years but had never had such a personal experience with it. It had really drawn me in.
Embossing and debossing can certainly draw attention to your printed pieces. Embossing is usually subtle and adds a sophisticated and elegant touch to a business card or letterhead.
How is it done?
Embossing, or its opposite cousin, debossing, is typically done with a die and counter. The die is usually made from metal, often copper or magnesium, and the counter is made from a plastic or polymer based material that is capable of taking the pressure and still keep the details present. It is usually done on a letterpress.
The die is a convex impression of the image and the counter is the positive or concave impression. When the two are fitted together a nice impression is created in the paper or card stock.
Types of Embossing
You can use embossing by itself, with no ink, called blind embossing. 
It can also be used in conjunction with ink, called register embossing.
It also can be used with foil stamping, which when embossed with foil is known as foil/embossing or combination stamping. This can produce outstanding results, but it is more expensive since a specialized die needs to be created and two passes need to be made through the press. The first press pass stamps the foil and second pass creates the emboss.
At Ajalon Printing we can do all of these processes in our own shop, ensuring consistent quality. So when you are wanting to improve the ‘feel’ of any of your printed material give us a call, 707.528.0288, or visit our web site at http:/www.ajalon.com. We have been right here in Sonoma County for over 50 years and are ready to help you.
Written By David Walrath
Ajalon Printing & Design
Tags: business card, deboss, emboss, foil stamping, foiling, letterhead, Santa Rosa, sonoma country
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
January 26, 2010
Presentation folders are an important part of your marketing materials. Your business card, letterhead and company brochure all seem pretty straight forward. But when you actually get in front of a client or want to send something to a prospect what do you do with your cover letter, proposal, your business card and brochure? Obviously the most professional thing to do is arrange them properly in a presentation or pocket folder.
No matter if you are a small start up in Petaluma or a established business in Santa Rosa, you want to present yourself well. Making a good impression with well presented materials can go a long way in making a positive impression on your prospect.
So where do we begin? For many years Ajalon Printing has been helping Sonoma County businesses with their presentation folders, They come in a variety of sizes and purposes:
- letter size
- legal size
- reinforced edge
- small pocket folders
- box pocket
- expansion or capacity folders
- foil stamped
- special shapes
- custom pocket
- embossed
What goes on it?
The first thing a person should see when viewing a presentation folder is your company logo and/or name. Even if it is a small pocket folder, your company name should be clearly visible. I’m often asked by clients if they should print their contact information such as address, website, etc. on the folder. Since it’s often that pocket folders aren’t ordered as regularly as letterhead or business cards, I encourage people to keep the information on the folder pretty limited. That way, if they move offices, change phone numbers or websites, the presentation folder will still be usable.
What size ?
The typical size of a presentation folder is 9″ x 12″ which presents full sized letterhead well with plenty of room for additional materials. At Ajalon Printing we can provide you with special sized pocket folders that can hold a tri-fold brochure or even legal sized documents. Whatever your needs are rest assured we can help you put your best foot forward.
What materials and colors?
It is best to choose a thick folder stock that is durable and will continue to look good. Glossy can look good, but darker colors can become marked with finger prints. Obviously the colors and style should be consistent with your that of your company. Dark colored papers with vibrant foil stamping make a dramatic presentation for your company. If you’re after a subtle, elegant look, embossing your logo (with no ink at all) is a good choice.
What else should I be aware of?
Would you like one pocket, left or right, or two pockets. There should be slits for business cards and in this day and age you might want a way to present your CD or DVD. You may want special or custom features in your presentation folder, our experienced staff at Ajalon Printing can help you get just exactly what you want.
So the next time you are considering how to make that special presentation, give us a call or email us at ajalon@ajalon.com for prompt, professional service.
Wrtitten by David Walrath
Ajalon Printing & Design
Tags: box pocket presentation folders, expansion folders, legal size presentation folders, letter size presentation folders, Petaluma, printer, reinforced edge presentation folders, Santa Rosa, small presentation folders, sonoma county
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Subscribe via RSS