Cost-cutting Tips You Can Take to the Bank

TWO

Eliminate the Bind-in Order Form/Envelope

If you use a separate bind-in order form with envelope, consider printing the order form on a page in the catalog. As fewer orders actually are received by mail, many catalogers have eliminated the bind-in order form and envelope as a way to save money.

Bind-in prices range from $12 to $20 (or more) per thousand depending on the size, quantity printed and use of color. They add weight to the catalog, too, which can increase postage costs. If you decide to print the order form on a page in the catalog, part of your cost saving calculation needs to include the gross margin you will forfeit from the elimination of saleable merchandise on the page (or two) you devote to the “printed” order form. Eliminating the bind-in order form also will impact your ability to trace orders to a specific mail code, increasing the necessity to do a matchback.