Reston, VA - PRIMIR, the Print Industries Market Information and Research Organization, the research unit of NPES, has announced the recently published study, "Value-Added Printing & Finishing for Improved Profitability," is now available. The research that addresses high-end color, new finishing products and techniques, special coatings, foiling, laminating, scented inks, raised inks, brand protection and security, metallic inks, metalized substrates, stitching and die-cutting, and more was circulated to all PRIMIR members in the spring of 2014.

The study findings will be featured in two sessions during GRAPH EXPO, coming September 28 – October 1to Chicago's McCormick Place. In the first session on Sunday, September 28 during the EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK Conference, Hal Hinderliter, who conducted the PRIMIR study, will examine "Print that Performs." A more in-depth discussion about the study findings is the focus of Hinderliter's special seminar, "Value Added Techniques for Print that Performs," slated for 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 30. Both sessions will enlighten printers about value-added enhancements that improve print's effectiveness and provide new insights on profit-boosting opportunities.

According to Hal Hinderliter, "Adding value to print is often touted as a way to improve the profitability of print service providers, but until now there has never been definitive research on the topic. Print company owners and managers, design agency owners and managers, vendors, brand owners, PRIMIR members and anyone who is curious about the true value of value-added services will find this PRIMIR research valuable."

The study included a cross-sectional survey of print service providers, print buyers and brand owners, along with industry experts and leading vendors. According to the research results, adding value to print can both improve print service providers' profitability and print product effectiveness for the brand owner. In seeking an effective means to stand out, print buyers and brand owners are asking for value-added enhancements that add 'eye candy' to capture buyers' interest and also improve the ROI of the printed product. Notably, they believe including value-added enhancements to their printed products is cost-effective. Plus, 93% of print and trade service providers reported that sales of value-added enhancements contributed to increased profitability. Equally important, printers reported that several value-added enhancements do not require any additional investment.

The full 240-page study "Value-Added Printing & Finishing for Improved Profitability" is now available for purchase to firms outside of the PRIMIR membership for $1,990. The 48-page Executive Summary is available for $498. Printing Industries of America's member print firms and trade shops may purchase either the full study report, or the Executive Summary, at a 50% discount through the Association's online store at: www.printing.org.