PRESS
RELEASES
Printers Prefer to Buy From Dealers
Washington, DC, June 1997 - A recent study of printers conducted by the National Association of Printers and Lithographers in conjunction with the North American Graphic Arts Suppliers Association- indicates that graphic arts dealers are the preferred source of consumable supplies and equipment. According to the study -the first in a series providing critical information regarding how the dealer channel serves printers- more than 95 percent of printers of all sizes buy their film from dealers. Printers buying other supplies from dealers ranged from more than 92 percent for plates, to more than 85 percent for proofing material and blankets. More than 50 percent of the printers polled indicated that dealers supply them film processors, platemakers, and imagesetters. When asked whether they would rather buy directly from manufacturers instead of from dealers, printers indicated dealers as their preferred source for every supply and equipment category except presses.
Asked about their overall satisfaction with graphic arts dealers, the more then 85 percent of the printers polled indicated they were satisfied or fairly satisfied with the service provided by dealers. Only 14 percent of the printers characterized their relationship with dealers as indifferent, fairly unhappy, or very unhappy. Dealers were characterized as very competent or moderately competent in mechanical equipment service by nearly 73 percent of the printers polled. Electronic equipment service was seen as very competent or moderately competent by more than 67 percent, but only 52 percent of the printers see dealers as very competent or moderately competent in the area of computer software support. Some 65 percent of printers see their dealers as very competent or moderately competent when providing technical assistance in the pressroom, bindery or prepress area.
Most of the printers responding to the survey indicated that they select a graphic arts dealer for a variety of reasons. While price was indicated as the most important reason in choosing a dealer, other reasons, in the order cited, were local warehouse/quick delivery, technical advise, availability of the preferred manufacturer's products, long-standing relationships, and the ability to service equipment. The study indicated that the typical printer is remarkably loyal to one principal dealer. Only 20 percent of the printers indicated that they had switched primary graphic arts dealer in the last year.
Single copies of the study results are available from NAGASA at 202-328-8441 or nagasa@smart.net
In announcing the study results, NAGASA president and CEO David Steinhardt said: "Virtually all printers rely on dealers to provide a ready supply of consumable products, equipment and service. By an overwhelming majority, printers have indicated their satisfaction with graphics arts dealers, a particularly gratifying testimonial to the efficiency and professionalism of the dealer channel."
NAPL president I. Gregg Van Wert commented: "NAPL is happy to have worked with NAGASA on this survey to the mutual benefit of the industry and our respective members. Our relationship with NAGASA is expected to lead to a more open and honest discussion of trends and expectations between printers and their suppliers."
Chartered in 1933, NAPL is a not-for-profit trade association representing the $72 billion commercial printing industry. NAPL's mission is to prepare the printing industry to profit from change through a full range of management and educational services to its worldwide members.
NAGASA - the North American Graphic Arts Suppliers Association - is the world's largest trade association of dealers, resellers, distributors, and manufacturers serving the graphic arts, imaging and publishing industries. NAGASA members sell more than $4 billion of equipment, supplies, systems, software, paper and service annually. NAGASA is dedicated to strengthening distribution channel alliances, streaming costs and operations, and improving the business performance of its more than 350 members. NAGASA: The Distribution Association for Printing and Imaging Technologies.