On Friday, January 12th Graphic Arts Supplies.com formed a key partnership with RGI (www.raregroupinc.com) and Pacific Equipment Sales, Inc. (www.psi-sales.com). The partnership brings a key element to both companies - to compete aggressively in equipment and consumable market. The deal enhances the service and support of the business, as well as the sales force to get the message out about the products. Gary Fischer, CEO of Graphic Arts Supplies.com said the partnerships would allow more effective competition with large manufacturers who bundle equipment, consumables and support into one package. "The partnership helps this market by combining sales forces and product lines to deliver a complete package to printers." The deal puts the online super store in a better position to service its growing customer base. Gary says they will be selling CTP systems, imagesetters and presses. "The partnership now includes some of the best service and support reps in the industry. The sales and support force has just increased by 14 people. The team puts together complete packages for printers including software, hardware, densitometers, training, and consumables." The team includes MAC and PC qualified service engineers, work-flow specialists, color specialists, training specialists and a highly skilled sales staff. In early 1997, several highly regarded technicians joined RGI to create today's unique team. This significant event, coupled with the ability to respond quickly and effectively to a wide range of customers, enabled RGI to grow rapidly and become one of the leaders in independent third-party service for electronic pre-press end users of screen equipment. This event is also considered to be a significant factor in SCREEN USA becoming a major customer of RGI. According to the companies, customers have a field technician available to them 24 hours a day until the final completion of the service call. These field technicians develop strong personal relationships with the customers, resulting in high return business. When the service is completed, the customer is assured that he or she will receive immediate and continuous service support throughout the life of the equipment. Pacific Equipment Sales, Inc. (PSI) is an authorized Dainippon Screen dealer of equipment serving the graphic arts and printing industry. Their success is a direct result of always providing their customers with innovative solutions and the highest quality of service. "Printers demand customer service, product selection, availability, competitive pricing and continued support to maintain their loyalty. Our customers have been looking forward to a deal of this type," said Gary. Graphic Arts Supplies.com (don‚t let the .com fool you) didn’t change any of that. Incorporated in November of 1999, Graphic Arts Supplies.com brings graphic arts professionals tens of thousands of supplies and products with all the niceties of traditional regional dealers. From hardware and software to paper, inks and chemistry, Graphic Arts Supplies.com is a veritable smorgasbord of the best the industry has to offer, all under one roof.