CHESTNUT HILL, MA -- October 14, 2008 -- America's print and media buyers should each receive a medal. Collectively, they saved their organizations $11.9 billion in print costs in 2007, with projected savings over $13 billion in 2008. On average, knowledgeable print and media buyers save their organizations about 7% in printing procurement costs every year.
 
Based on surveys conducted by Frank Romano, Professor Emeritus, RIT, the savings come in seven specific areas:
 
1.    Printer selection practices (equipment, capability, service, etc.);
2.    Intelligent paper choices and buying practices;
3.    Appropriate printing processes (digital, offset litho, etc.);
4.    Efficient finished sizes, page counts;
5.    Optimum print runs, on-demand practices;
6.    Distribution approaches (targeted mailings, distributed printing, co-mingled mailings, etc.);
7.    Other (online file delivery, preflighting assistance, etc.).
 
Margie Dana Quote
 
"We've known for years that professional print and media buyers are responsible for significant savings within their organizations," said Print Buyers International (PBI) founder Margie Dana. "This survey data from Frank Romano confirms it. And this is why PBI's Print Media Professional certification program is so important. It allows print buyers to be re-educated about new printing methods and practices, and it refines and sharpens their procurement skills."
 
PBI's Print Media Professional Certification Program
 
Print Buyers International began offering its Print Media Professional Certification Program at their 3rd Annual Print Buyers Conference last month in Boston. Over 65 attendees filled the seats at Print Buyer Boot Camp, and many have already taken or are scheduled to take the certification exam. More certification programs are being developed for 2009, including an advanced-level program.
 
Interested print and media buyers who want to become Print Media Professionals as certified by PBI may write to [email protected] .