Sense-able Folders
Pocket folders are used by, and important to, nearly every industry. Whether for outward marketing, educating the consumer, or for internal documentation, a pocket folder is often the leading impression and first opportunity to demonstrate company culture and mission. Not to mention brand recognition.
“Please Touch the Merchandise” article in The Harvard Business Review, shared compelling research and conclusions about the role of touch in sales, notably: “Consumers use their hands to connect with brands.” A pocket folder is an ideal mechanism to connect client to brand.
Plus, there are more options than ever to improve this sensory experience.
Some believe that pocket folders are more commodity than sales. Admittedly, most of the pocket folders we produce at Pocket Folders Fast are on one of 3 House stocks, run four color process, and ship in one working day. However, when dealing with a variety of consumers and business models, providing options that elevate your customer’s presentation from commodity to sales tool, will separate your offer from the pack.
For today’s example: UV effects and digital foil technology. Let’s talk about three exciting aspects to this technology.
Spot Gloss
Fans of spot UV coating love the way the Scodix gloss applies over a variety of coated stocks and finishes, offering levels of tactile . (My favorite is a Scodix 50 micron level gloss over a matte laminate. An impressive contrast to see and touch.)
For a clear, spot UV look that pops, Ben Ghiasi of The Print Station in Texas, chose a 100 micron spot gloss effect over a gloss aqueous coat on his own promotional piece. “Unlike spot UV, this effect literally stands on top of the sheet as quite a noticeable layer, and it might mislead you into thinking that you are dealing with an embossed process. Of course, this application is a fraction of the cost of having to do embossing, and that is what impressed us the most!” Although The Print Station chose the clean and simple pop of a 100% block over each image, we played with the ideas of applying the effect in different layers over each photo. With this option available, he added, “Another great advantage of this process is that it can be applied in various screen percentages, which puts a very unique touch on any printed piece, and therefore, we would highly recommend this process to anyone who is trying to produce an eye-catching printed product.”
UV Effects
Which bring us to another level of this technology, effects. We have another project utilized the spot gloss over the company logo, at 50 microns, then ran patterned circles, complementing the circles in the logo, on the cover. Chris Calloway from GAM Graphics and Marketing shared, “The client loved the folders, the raised print of their logo made them truly excited. The spot effects with the circles on the swoosh impressed them. Overall the folder was a terrific hit for them and the manager.” These effects are best highlighted when contrasting with specialized coatings, or simply using color to highlight the pattern. One project used effects in a (printed) lighthouse beam while another used UV effects over a Scodix Foil image, making a WOW impact.
Variable Foil
The third, and most exciting level of this technology is the variable capabilities of foil. We put it to the test, ourselves. Working from a preshow registration list, we brought Scodix Foil and Effects, individualized to each business attending the NPOA tradeshow in February. People – even printers – are so impressed to see their company name imprinted on their own folder. And even more impressed when it’s in foil! I wish I had a hidden camera to show the delight.
The Scodix Effects provide distributors a real advantage when working with clients interested in using a pocket folder as an impressive branding tool. Take something beautiful and customize it.
It’s hard to “do justice” to these processes in this format. Samples are the best way to sell this product and we are happy to provide them! Contact us here.
As published in NPOA News and Updates, May, 2017
by Mardra Sikora
