Print Finishing Remains a Profitable Process: Web Consulting Survey

Print finishing is a growing and increasingly profitable step in the production of wide-format inkjet graphics, according to a recent market-research study by Web Consulting. The results indicate that the majority of shops surveyed that provide print finishing (mounting and laminating) do so as a protective measure, and more than 90% describe print finishing as profitable.

The respondents also were asked to estimate their use of laminating over the next 5 years. The breakdown:

* Grow somewhat: 39%

* Remain the same: 25%

* Decline somewhat: 14%

* Grow significantly: 13%

* Decline significantly: 9%

Alan Anderson, managing consultant of global market research at Web Consulting, says that “Several of the results of this survey are rather surprising. The majority of shops surveyed not only describe their print finishing as a profitable process, but 70% believe their mounting and laminating work will grow or maintain current production volumes….”

The results of the study were presented by Web Consulting at the annual meeting of the Post-Print Manufacturers Association (PPMA, www.printfinish.org) in Chicago.

“Although advancements in printing technology have marginally diminished the need for some finishing services, other factors have caused an increase in demand,” says Al Boese, executive director of the PPMA. “This can be attributed to a heightened awareness among buyers and providers to the value of protecting and enhancing printed images. We were pleased with the results from this survey as the findings strongly support the themes of the white paper published by the PPMA earlier this year.”

The results are based on more than 100 usable responses to an online survey of current wide-format inkjet users conducted in October 2006.

WEB CONSULTING

www.web-na.com