Jeff Bauer on Print Embellishments and Elevating Client Engagement

In this episode of Printing's Alive, Warren Werbitt and Jeff Bauer explore print embellishments and the challenges of finding local printers with these capabilities. Jeff shares his journey with technologies like Scodix and MGI, and the struggle of contacting OEM representatives. They discuss Takitful's role in bridging industry gaps and the importance of showcasing embellishments to clients. The conversation covers USPS discounts for embellished mail, Jeff's transition from web to print, and the need to educate end users and salespeople. The episode wraps up with insights on networking and presenting new print techniques to clients. (0:00) Introduction and Jeff Bauer's background (0:30) El Nino weather and its impact (0:46) Jeff's passion for print embellishments and technology (2:00) Struggles finding local printers with embellishment capabilities (2:33) Learning about Skodix, MGI, and industry options (3:29) Difficulty contacting OEM reps and industry response times (5:51) Discovery and impact of Tactifull (6:58) Seeing samples to understand embellishment capabilities (9:12) Critique of OEMs' response times and industry implications (17:23) Showcasing embellishments to clients (22:30) Comparing embellishment samples to paper company samples (25:05) Jeff's client sectors: nonprofit and education (25:16) USPS discounts for embellished direct mail (27:27) Approaching designers for embellished direct mail (28:17) Jeff Bauer's journey from web to print (30:31) Technological advancements in print (32:47) Educating end users and salespeople (34:04) Tactifull connecting printers, OEMs, and designers (35:32) Tactifull's designer sessions and resources (37:22) Urgency in customer service from OEMs and printers (39:23) Presenting new print techniques to clients (41:37) The significance of unique business cards (43:09) Open houses for showcasing print equipment (44:10) Jeff Bauer's location and networking (45:41) Final thoughts and call to action