Catalog Success (9/1/02): Catalog Insert Programs -... -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 9/1/2002
Last Visited: 12/8/2004
Explains Debra Goldstein, divisional manager of LH Management: "We're the insert manager responsible for selling blow-in or bind-in space into the Current Social Expressions and Scrapbooking catalogs.
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Goldstein predicts more advertisers will take advantage of these types of promotional methods in the future.
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"Most advertisers work with insert brokers who are continually looking for insert opportunities for their mailers," Goldstein adds."The insert recommendations can include blow-ins, bind-ins, statement and invoice stuffers, package inserts, ride-alongs and co-ops.Most catalog companies don't have the time or the staff to develop these types of relationships, so they turn to managers who typically charge about a 10-percent commission."
It's no secret that catalogers tend to keep their business practices close to the cuff.So what do they think about developing these partnerships?"Catalogers were resistant at first," Goldstein confides."They were solely concerned with making their own sale, not making a sale for some other company.And they were a bit reluctant about renting files.In most cases, it requires approval from key executives and sometimes that's difficult to nail down."
But the culture is changing, Goldstein continues, and catalogers are beginning to broadly embrace the idea.
Know the Specs
First decide on the types of programs to offer third-party advertisers, including the physical specifications.Deciding whether to offer advertising ride-alongs, blow-in cards or bound-in inserts can come down to your own aesthetic preferences.However, the selections more often should be based on the specifications of your catalog itself (e.g., trim size, type of stock, type of binding).
The choice between blow-ins and bind-ins automatically can be made depending on the catalog's size specifications.Says Goldstein, "The smaller the trim size, the more likely that blow-ins will fall out.
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"The lead time varies dramatically depending on the type of program and the individual requirements," explains Goldstein.
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It's not only important that add-on materials arrive in time for insertion and according to specifications, it's also vital they arrive in decent shape,specifically that the inserts arrive in the proper packaging, allowing smooth insertion by the machinery, Goldstein says.