Patch Blog

Reindeer and Jandals.

2010-11-09T13:54:00.008+13:00

Almost-the-seasons' greetings to you all!

It's time to start thinking about flying reindeer and warm weather, summer jandals and hot eggnog, family barbeques and cookies with milk. It's time to think about christmas cards!

Now is the time to think how you can make sure that your christmas messages are out of the way early, so you can concentrate on those end-of-year details that are bound to spring up! It's time to think about xmas greetings! Do you want a christmas card to send out from your company to your clients? Perhaps you would like this card to be personalised with a picture of your staff - or a wacky picture of your staff? We can edit photos to create a unique design from your company to any style you wish, or use a traditional design to give recognition to those you've been in contact with this year.

Do you want a christmas card to send to family and friends? Perhaps this card could include a collage of images from your adventures this year, or a smiling family photo, or again - something a little different - we would be happy to create a design for you either from scratch, or using existing photos of your family portrayed in a christmas theme. Start thinking...

Think about the possibilities - we do! We think about having the chance to create something that you will love - and we can be proud of. Like unique diecut swingtags to put on your presents, or a specialised diecut shape for your christmas card! Perhaps include a foil effect on your christmas cards to ensure they stand out - we have 11 foil options for you to choose from - including our new "holographic" foil - which is a mixture of colours and comes in plain / with small circles, or with jagged shapes. Contact us if you would like samples!

And why stick to a christmas cards when you could choose a christmas postcard, or a christmas fridge magnet that will be kept for longer? You could have a christmas postcard with a tear-off voucher, or a new years flyer with some perforated vouchers included. You are welcome to give us a call to discuss your idea, or make an appointment to come in and speak to one of our designers in person.

See us to have something unique created this year! So your family, friends and clients alike, will know that you value them enough to send them your best wishes for a very happy christmas and a happy new year!

Crystal Mathieson.

Customer Liaison / Graphic Designer

Is there anything we can do to help?

2010-09-28T08:53:00.008+13:00

Hi all.

Thank you to many of you that have phoned in or emailed us to check that we're okay.

We experienced a couple of major outages that had knocked some of our servers out on Monday morning and then again for most of Tuesday, as well as an evacuation of our building on the Wednesday morning (so if you phoned on Wednesday - you now know why we weren't answering).

However, it is currently business as usual.

All presses are up and running an our partner print operations in the North Island have been available to cover any downtime.

The team here have been absolutely remarkable. Some staff have come to work not having a shower in days, others have continued to travel in to work at our TPH Head Offices on the 2nd floor of Leicester House, even with aftershocks still occuring.

Our own personal indented stock supplies appear to have eluded the 30 - 40% damaged stock that some paper merchants have experienced.

Should you experience a problem logging in to The Production House?

Simply re-try logging in again, otherwise give us a call on 0800 533 677. It may be that we've had a power outage and one of our servers has not restarted (which affects all login requests).

It's sometimes hard to know what you can do to help others that have lost a lot.

So, we'd like to offer any of our clients that have lost stationery in the earthquake through damage, the opportunity to get some temporary stationery reprinted at a heavily discounted rate to assist them back on their feet - while they get set up again.

If you are on of our clients that this applies to, then please contact one of our team on 0800 533 677 to discuss what we can do to help.

For all our other customers we've taken 30% off our recommended Full Retail Prices for the next 21 days. You simply need to enter "Quakeoffer" (one word) in the promotion code when ordering onnline, otherwise quote "Quake Offer" when ordering by phone or email.

If you have any questions, or there is anything we can do to assist, then please let us know.

Business as Usual

2010-09-10T11:32:00.004+12:00

Things are finally starting to settle down here at Patch Print HQ in the Christchurch Central Business District. After being evacuated from the building on Wednesday - another safety check required after a large quake struck - we have pulled ourselves together, put things back on shelves and are carrying on. We're still wading through plaster flakes from the ceiling, and there's a few disturbingly large cracks in the walls, but we're happy to say we're here and ready for action for all your printing needs, business card orders, letterheads and stationary requirements, and any other odds and ends as we have been printing in the past week such as building notification stickers, postcards to send to other businesses around the country to advise of address changes or updates from the current situation, and other small and large print jobs that have arisen from the Canterbury upheval.

We experienced some major outages that had knocked some of our servers out on Monday morning, and then again for most of Wednesday, as well as an evacuation of our building in the morning (so if you phoned on Wednesday - you now know why we weren't answering).

However, it is currently business as usual.

All presses are up and running and our partner print operations in the North Island have been available to cover any downtime.

Should you experience a problem logging in to www.patchprint.co.nz simply retry logging in again, or give us a call on 0800 533 677. It may be that we've had a power outage and one of our servers has not restarted (which affects all login requests).

Remember that you're welcome to give us a call for any further quotes or queries, we'd be happy to hear from you.

- Crystal Mathieson.

Christchurch HQ up and running!

2010-09-07T09:52:00.004+12:00

Good morning all.

I'm happy to say we're all safe and up and running here at Patch HQ in Christchurch! Plenty of dramas and stories being shared, lots of communities pulling together, and so much good coming out of something so disastrous!

It's interesting the small things that can change, a bus ride to work this morning and I was the only passenger - very strange - not to mention the forced detours where roads are closed off due to flooding and damage. The driver and I exchanged amused looks as he checked his map for alternative routes to take. There seems to be about half as many people around in Christchurch CBD today, and lots of buildings with fences around them saying 'no access', but there is activity going on - and the action is repair and recovery.

Yes, we're a determined bunch here in the South, and we gladly welcome your orders and work in so we can keep the wheels turning and generate continued business for our industry in this area. So if you need business cards, brochures, greeting cards for your loved ones or postcards to send to friends and business relations as well as our standard stationary products like letterheads, stickers and magnets, now is the time to get them through to us. View our full range of print and promotional products online at www.patchprint.co.nz and you can order direct from our website, or give us a call if you would like some more information or assistance in ordering - 0800 533 677 - we're here and willing to assist with any quotes or queries.

I'd like to say a special thanks to all those who have emailed, phoned and txt'd us to ensure we're all safe & sound, and we send out our thoughts out to those in the afflicted areas and hope that you are getting all the kindness and support you need in this unexpected time, this chance to pull together and show the world our indomitable Kiwi spirit.

- Crystal Mathieson.

Easy File Preparation tips!

2010-08-11T08:54:00.006+12:00

A wide range of templates for different products, such as business cards, brochures, postcards, rackcards and more, is available to download FREE from our website www.patchprint.co.nz These templates are available in Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, CorelDraw and Freehand.

For any other files you wish to supply, simply add a total of 3mm bleed (= 1.5mm on each edge) to the trim size on your file. For example, if you want to create a business card that is 90 x 55mm, create a page size in your software that is 93 x 58mm. My tip would be to add some guides so you can see where the trim line will be. And try to keep all text at least 2mm away from the trim line, as print movement may cause things to get cut-off.

Save the file, then when finished, convert all fonts to paths and save the file as a "paths" file. I tend to add; .ctp - onto the end of the file name of this "paths" file, so I always have two working files for each job. One converted to paths and one with fonts, able to be edited. (.ctp = converted to paths.)

From your "converted to paths" file, export a PDF. Don't include any crop marks, simply ensure the file size exported is the size inclusive of 3mm bleed. ie. 93 x 58mm. Ensure the file is also in cmyk (not rgb), and all images or links in the file are also cmyk - and have been re-sized (preferably in photoshop with 300dpi resolution) then imported into your working file, rather than imported and re-sized in the file. Re-sizing images in photoshop and THEN importing them, keeps the file size down.

Now you can order online through our website www.patchprint.co.nz, simply select the product and quantity that you require, and upload your print-ready PDF file!

Feel free to give us a call for any further file-handling queries - 0800 533 677.

Foiled Effects for business cards

2010-07-07T16:16:00.002+12:00

Have you thought about putting a foiled effect on your cards or cards you are designing for a client? That metallic gloss or matt effect to make a business cards stand out above all others! And not just limited to business cards, but rack cards, appointment cards, menus or other printing?

As follows is a quick how-to for foiled business cards; and don't forget to ask us to send you samples of the colours we have available, and the kind of effects we can produce, if you would like a better look at the possibilities!

Here's a page-by-page file requirement for a foiled business card. PDF files are preferred -simply ensure all fonts are converted to paths/outlines (don't save over the original file when you do this!!) before you create the PDF file.

Page ONE of your business card file would be WHAT WOULD PRINT. This should be only in cmyk (no pantone colours for offset print), and all areas you wish to be foiled will not show.

The size should be inclusive of 3mm bleed (1.5mm on each edge).

Page TWO will be the reverse of your business card - or - if you do not want printing on the reverse, insert a blank white page the same size as the front page. We can print full colour or black-only on reverse, depending on your design requirements.

Page THREE will be the foiled area only set to 100% magenta only. We use this colour simply because it stands out, and is not commonly used on it's own so to most printers it indicates a "special requirement." This page must line up EXACTLY with page one, as the foil block gets made from this file and must fit on top of page one to foil.

HOW TO ensure your foil page or emboss page lines up exactly with your first printed page ; Create a composite page of your design first. Include everything. When it's correct - duplicate it twice. Go back to the first page and delete all the areas you want to be foiled. On the first duplicate page, delete all the areas that won't be foiled and change all the areas to be foiled to 100% magenta. The second duplicate you can leave as a "composite page" and this will be a guide for us. Throw a back page (or a blank page for the back) directly after page one and you're about ready to print!

Page FOUR will be the "composite page" - on this one you can overlay your foil layer onto your front printing layer to show us the final effect you want. You can have the foil in any colour you wish, to indicate the foil look you want. We can foil with a matt or a gloss finish so decide what look you want to go for first.

A few further NOTES ; When we foil a business card it gets printed first, then laminated, then the foil is done on top of the laminate, then the cards are trimmed.

As well as foiling effects, we can diecut and emboss - even on the same card. With these kind of effect, there is always limitations, or to put it better - things to be aware of. With embossing for example, say you wanted to have a swirly circle embossed and then foiled over the top. Sounds cool? The thing to avoid is making your swirly circle too fine - what can happen is that the cards will emboss fine, then the laminate may not be able to stay down in those small spaces and lift up. Ensure your designs are big and clear enough to avoid this. Both foiling and embossing look better on larger fonts - 8 point is about the smallest, and avoid itallic serif fonts where possible as it's very tricky to make a foil block on those tiny edges.

In saying all this - don't let these tips deter you from your creativity! We check all files as they come through, and if you're not sure if it will work you are welcome to flick us the file to have a look at before you proof the design to your client, or set your heart on it yourself.

Want to add an Emboss page, or a Diecut page? Simply create your diecut line or shape and set this to 100% magenta. Include this after the magenta-only foil page, keeping the "composite page" as the last page. A good idea to put your dieline on the composite page also, for reference. Emboss effect - same process applies, simply have the area you want to emboss in 100% magenta and include it after your foil or dieline pages. You can create a second "composite page" if you want to show the area on your final image - if it won't be seen where the foil already shows. Composite pages won't print so you can add some notes on there too if you want to send some instructions.

Notes on PAGE SIZE ; When you create your business card file, make the page size the size of the card inclusive of 3mm bleed (that's 1.5mm on each edge). So if you want a 90 x 55mm business card, create a page size that is 93 x 58mm. Another common size is 86 x 55mm, where you would make your page size 89 x 58mm. Put some guidelines on the page to remind you where the trim lines will be, and wherever possible, keep your text at least 3mm inside of this cut-line.

Meet the Team.

2010-06-22T09:49:00.004+12:00

I don't think we've been properly introduced! So let me rectify the situation; we would like to handle your digital printing, offset printing, marketing and promotional product requirements. So I thought I would tell you a little more about us here at Patch Design & Print Solutions, also known as The Production House, to give you an overview of what we do, and the passion and purpose that goes into providing the best service and quality printing that is what we strive to provide on a daily basis.

A quick note: The Production House was created as an online-store brand, and is gradually taking over Patch as being our most recognised name. We welcome any feedback you may have on our current brands, website or products.

The friendly team here at The Production House consists of our Manager; Nigel Matthews. This is a man who has transformed a simple print shop into the largest online print store in New Zealand, through his unique vision and development of a system that has taken four years and immeasurable planning, creating, testing, adjusting, and considerable patience, to become the greatest tool I have ever come across in the print industry. Capable of archiving all the work this company has done for the past six years and more, making your current and previous orders instantly accessible by us, and by you, when you login online. This is by far the best system I, personally, have come across, and a formidable reason for why I stay and enjoy the work I do here. I am constantly amazed at the ease with which this system allows me to give the good service our clients are used too. We are able to give our customers instant information about products we have available, orders they currently or previously have put through us, prices for our complete range, and the ability to update online listings and add new products daily. In fact, the system we have all had input into, and have developed and use daily; "PatchPro" is just about worthy of having staff member status itself!

We have a fantastic Office Manager in Tania Wahrlich - with a brain like a computer. This lady is charming in person, and just a super-computer of information on how "PatchPro" works, and how the company works as a whole, connecting all the separate parts into one efficient machine. To the rest of the team Tania is invaluable, and her personal involvement in the long-term development of our system, both in-house and online, means she is also the safety-net we often find ourselves caught in before we hit the floor.

Donna Pore is our Accounts person, and is someone I have known for many, many years, having previously been trained by her in a printing role, running a printer the size of a large dining-room table and multi-tasking from graphic design to printing to invoicing. Donna is a flexible, wonderful member of our team, able to multi-task with the best of them, handling any design or file-handling requirements and client queries, to all of our accounting needs. If you have any account queries or issues, Donna is quick to assist and we are very lucky to have her here.

Adele Little should have about eight more hands to handle the Production Manager role she wrangles with daily - keeping track of all current orders, whether they be printing here in-house by us, or printing off-site around New Zealand, including Auckland and Gisborne, with our Supply Partners. Adele is a wonder, overseeing that all orders are approved by our clients, or automatically approved (a feature that can be requested when ordering) are put into production, printed, and then in most cases trimmed, packed and freighted out. Then sometimes additionally die-cut / laminated / embossed / creased / folded / glued / padded / hole punched / or any number of other special finishing that may be requested, not to mention ensuring that we have all the paper stock and supplies we need to keep things running smoothly. This is a demanding role that Adele handles with a smile, and she welcomes any queries and is never too busy to take your calls and queries when needed.

I am Crystal Mathieson, and beyond an uncanny knack to ramble about what it is we do here and why you should be inspired to let us assist and provide for your printing needs, I check and handle your files as they come through from orders processed online, emailed or faxed in. Or taken personally when you may wish to come in and see us directly. I ensure your orders flow through from the processed stage to approval, and followup orders, along with others in the team, to ensure everything gets checked and double-checked prior to printing. I pilot our flight into social media, and do some of any graphic design jobs and in-house printing where needed, along with our other in-house Graphic Designers. I enjoy assisting with online print order processing, or any file handling queries, and am always happy to take your calls and answer your emails to that end.

Within our company there is a lot of overlapping roles, as we are all happy to answer your queries and assist in the process to a final product we can all be proud of. We all put more than just our time into the challenge of making this company a smoothly functioning Production House, and a purpose-driven yet enjoyable atmosphere to work in. And so I ask you to give us the opportunity to provide you with our top quality products. I ask you to support a New Zealand based print company, and our New Zealand Made products. Take a look at our products and pricing online, or let us quote you on any printing or products you may be thinking about using as a marketing tool. Let us assist you with any stationary needs that you may have, such as letterheads, compliments slips or notepads. Or any promotional products such as pens, name badges, stickers or fridge magnets that will give you or your company that extra platform with which to promote yourselves.

We ask you for the opportunity to do what we do best.

Expanding our printing range

2010-04-20T16:08:00.004+12:00

Greetings all. We've recently added more products to our already hefty selection of print and marketing, New Zealand made products.

Most recently added are our Un-laminated Rackcards. A beautiful quality Offset-printed Rackcard on a very chunky 445um stock - these Rackcards will not curl over when put into a rack, and the un-laminated finish on our sustainable stock will ensure you are making a good choice for the environment.

See our range of Plastic Countertop Holders for allowing your customers easy access to your business cards, rackcards or brochures. There are good, clear illustrations online of the different sizes and shapes available through our website.

We offer "Value" Un-laminated Business cards, as well as our most long-running and popular Value Hi-gloss and Value Smooth-as-Satin business cards - which are all Offset printed and of the highest quality on a thick and chunky card weight.

We've added USB Sticks to our range, printed single-colour so you can print your own corporate logo or personalised message onto them as a unique gift or promotion.

Are you in a high-stress industry? How about some Stress Balls?! Print your company logo or message as a fun way to have your logo be seen and enjoyed, on this colourful selection of tension-easing promotional products.

Good luck with your promoting! More products on the way!

- Crystal Mathieson

Patch Print Customer Liaison.

Goodbye Reindeer Hello Kiwis!

2010-01-20T15:06:00.007+13:00

Happy New Year to all our loyal blog readers! ... and those others who got lost on their way to finding print products on our website - welcome!

I hope you've heard wonderful feedback from your stylishly printed christmas cards over the break, and that you're among the many who ordered and received their christmas cards, christmas tags, custom-printed wrapping paper, christmas posters and other seasonal-themed, reindeer-enhanced marketing material early, avoiding the rush. As for everyone else - I'm sure we will hear from you again this December 23rd! Unless! - you would like to get in early this year and have a stress-free christmas wind-down.

We would recommend you start thinking about your christmas printing in early September, and then contact us so we can assist you in getting your needs met quickly and efficiently in late September / early November - leaving plenty of time for you to panic about all those other little stressfully important things.. like family.

A special new year's greeting to our Resellers! And all the best for your business endeavours in 2010! Our team of smiling, tanned and well-rested personages are here awaiting your calls and emails so as always, feel free to contact us for your product queries and your tricky quotes, we'd love to hear from you.

For anyone new to the wonders of online print ordering - welcome! - we're always happy to talk you through our online systems and introduce you to the new features, so start planning your marketing for the new year, and don't forget to always carry business cards!

Here's to a brighter more positive 2010 and the best quality print and smiling service we would love the opportunity to provide.

- Crystal Mathieson

Patch Print Customer Liaison.

Please note: For information on becoming a reseller, we encourage you to contact us to find out more.

Print Specials this month

2009-11-10T14:53:00.008+13:00

To help you get prepared for the Christmas rush to come, as well as your own Business Card requirements, we would like to offer you some Print Specials for this month on two of our products.

Get in early for your A6 Greeting Cards to send to your family and friends! Design your own and send us the file, or collect your best photos and come and see us so we can work with you to create your own uniquely designed cards! We also have a range of Xmas images if you need us to come up with a style and greetings for you.

All Christmas Cards this month come with FREE envelopes!

Our second Special This Month are our NEW PRODUCT - Unlaminated Business Cards!

These are a great product, if you don't need a laminate coating then these top quality, Offset Printed business cards are an excellent option.

Because of the lack of any coating, these cards are more suitable to cards without any dense concentrations of dark colours - which fare better when protectively coated.

I would love to send you some of our samples, we're very proud of this new cheaper, eco-friendly, but still thick and chunky business card option.

For samples or any other queries, email me at ; orders@patchprint.co.nz

- Crystal Mathieson

Patch Print Customer Liaison.

Settled into new premises, & thanks.

2009-11-10T12:40:00.010+13:00

One way I can tell that our Patch Print team is all settled into our new offices - the continuation of "Nerf Wars" - time to check before stepping blindly into a hallway, that you're not in a direct line-of-fire, and that you squint slightly to avoid the common affliction loosely termed ; "foam-bullet-in-the-eye".

I have come to the conclusion that these new premises are a definite improvement! The move was a good one and congratulations to all those who were involved, both outside the team and here at Patch, for the decision making process, the heavy lifting and struggling up and down stairs (then up and down lifts), and the relatively smooth transition into "who-goes-where" and "has-anyone-seen my...?" which was an adventure all on it's own.

Lastly we would like to send out our heartfelt thanks to all our Customers, Re-sellers and Suppliers who had the patience and fortitude for the short time our systems were in transit, and for their continued support and business.

For any queries or further information, feel free to email us at ; orders@patchprint.co.nz

To keep up to date with our ever-expanding product range, visit our websites today ;

Clients go to ; http://www.patchprint.co.nz

Resellers visit ; http://www.theproductionhouse.co.nz

Thanks again to all, and all the best in your business and marketing efforts!

Kind regards,

Crystal Mathieson.

Patch Print Customer Liaison.

We Have Moved!

2009-10-06T14:52:00.004+13:00

... and we're still unpacking!

Your positive, professional, practical (perky?) patch team has just moved headquarters within the Christchurch Central Business District! We've moved from 96 Tuam Street to Leicester House, Level 2, 291 Madras Street! We're even mostly unpacked!

Moving is a great time for a change of scenery, a good sort out, and a fresh start.. that is, after the back breaking, nerve shattering, muscle straining moving is all done anyway! whew! I would relate moving into new offices, with existing funny-shaped desks and odd-sized equipment, to be much like a game of tetris on some advanced level! But we've done it! So you're welcome to come down and see us if you need any design work done and would like to talk to one of our designers face-to-face about getting your own fresh start - perhaps with a new logo, or some new signage around the office. You can do all the hard work but don't underestimate the positive effects on yourself or you staff of CHANGE! Some new colours on the walls, a coffee machine, an interesting plant?! Or a change in your own marketing personality through printed media!

Come and find us online at http://www.patchprint.co.nz for our full range of products to spruce up your image, or just get your name out there on a Large Format Poster, some Marketing Postcards, or perhaps some Printed Magnets?! Possibilities are only limited by your imagination as we can create customised products to suit your needs.

One of our recent customised jobs was for "Foam Hands" - like you would see people waving frantically at an American Football game. Well, we made them! So if you want to have an original product that is not normally found in New Zealand, starting thinking and give us a call!

Attention designers and those already in the printing trade - apply for Trade Access at our wholesale website here http://www.theproductionhouse.co.nz or contact us for more info. We will happily send out samples wherever required.

Time to add some SPRING into your company!

NEW PRODUCTS!! Come & See!

2009-09-11T14:24:00.011+12:00

Exciting new product now available on our website!

COFFEE HOLDERS - print your own company branding on our new fold-up coffee holders, so when you have an appointment with another company you can turn up with coffee's in your own branded coffee carrier! Comes as a two or four coffee holder.

This is a new Print Partner product from one of our New Zealand suppliers - NZ business supporting other NZ businesses supporting our economy!

Go direct to this product on our website ; Coffee Holders

For related products visit us here at ; http://www.patchprint.co.nz

Or for those in the trade ; http://www.theproductionhouse.co.nz

Buy NZ Made!

2009-09-11T13:38:00.006+12:00

Here at Patch we're proud of our "Made in NZ" status, and would like to encourage New Zealanders to buy New Zealand made! Most people share the inclination to support their own local community ahead of outsiders and the success of the "Buy New Zealand" campaign has been greatly helped by the well recognised stylised kiwi logo. The "Buy NZ Made" campaign started in 1988! So it is very well recognised in representing those companies, like ourselves, who are dedicated to producing quality products made by New Zealanders, for New Zealanders.

In a recent telephone poll, of 529 people in a month, researchers found 59 percent of New Zealanders said they made a point of buying New Zealand-made goods and an additional 13 per cent sad it depended on what the goods were. A mere twenty-eight per cent said they didn't make a point of buying New Zealand-made. The poll was part of Research New Zealand's monthly survey of attitudes and opinions and was not on behalf of any organisation.

When you buy a New Zealand produced product or service, you're helping to create jobs and promote growth in our country. So you're giving our country a huge benefit when you buy NZ made rather than from another country. We can be proud of the quality of our products.

For more information and to join up and register with "Buy New Zealand Made" follow this link ; http://www.buynz.org.nz/87083/links/subpages.html

Positive Vibe

2009-08-14T09:34:00.002+12:00

We love to hear your feedback on our jobs, so as follows is a few recent comments that make us feel glad we're achieving the level of service and quality that we excell too.

"Thanks team, the job arrived safely and in time for our celebration on Saturday".

S. C. -Whitianga.

"Thanks so much for the **** brochure, both the client and I are delighted with the result!"

A. K. - Blenheim.

"Hi. Order has been received - am impressed with level of service and quality of work, will certainly be recommending you."

G.R. - Auckland.

"Hi.. just to say the flyers arrived safely yesterday and my client is very pleased... thank you for a great job and turnaround, cheers J."

J.G. - Auckland.

"I have just received the flyers and I just wanted to say they are AWESOME! Excellent quality - thanks heaps!"

V.G. - Mount Maunganui.

"This morning I received the samples for the weddings flyers that were completed last week with great urgency. The flyers met and exceeded my expectations. I'd like to convey my thanks to you and the Patch team for working so diligently to get this job to my client in time for his departure for the wedding expo in Wellington. The completed job looks great and I'm certain my client will be more than pleased with the final result. While I'm not normally given to ostentatious outbursts of grandiose exclamations, I'm moved to proclaim that YOU GUYS ROCK!"

P.H. - Blenheim.

"Hi. Magnets turned up today brilliant job, can't wait to see cards will pay straight away, cheers D."

D.N. - Rangiora.

Made in New Zealand for New Zealanders

2009-07-07T16:57:00.004+12:00

For our latest website have a look at www.clickprint.co.nz

We're offering design & marketing solutions and great products made in New Zealand, to all New Zealanders, and servicing among other areas, the following ; Akaroa, Amberley, Cheviot, Darfield, Kaikoura, Rangiora, Culverden, Lyttleton, Christchurch.

North Shore, Manukau, Albany, Howick, Takapuna, Ponsonby, Papakura, Warkworth, Auckland. Te Kuiti, Thames, Tokoroa, Matamata, Te Awamutu, Cambridge, Featherstone, Hamilton.

Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Kapiti, Porirua, Kilbirnie, Miramar, Paraparaumu, Karori, Wellington.

Mt Maunganui, Te Puke, Katikati, Ohope, Tauranga, Rotorua, Taupo, Whakatane, Opotiki, Turangi.

Design Student tips!

2009-07-03T10:25:00.009+12:00

I was recently contacted by a student at the National College of Design & Technology, querying the following topics for a print project - quality, time, cost and function. Here at Patch we aim to support those starting out. I went to Natcoll myself - it was fantastic! I did feel then that there was a distinct lack of support from the Industry and not many printers would give you the knowledge you need if you are a student rather than a paying customer, and so I emailed back a novel of information to this student who is just starting out in the design industry and looking at organising print for their clients. Pretty much an overview of what I would have liked to know about when I was a student myself!

Needless to say, if anyone out there would like more information, and has any specific questions about product choice, price markup, file handling, spot colours, special orders such as foiled, embossed or diecut business cards, how to order online to get the best price, budget print options, accounts and payment queries, opportunities for commission design work, or any other queries that may be of relevance in this quickly changing industry, then feel free to contact us here at Patch, we'd love to help you get your orders through, sound like a professional about the products you can offer, and build your business!

Here's some basic info to advise on the topics I was asked about ;

Greetings Students! We here at Patch are ahead of the market in online ordering, so to get the best deal you would be advised to go to our wholesale website and apply for trade access. You need to be in a position to on-sell the products to get these prices and as a designer you should qualify. There's a good tip to start with - don't pay retail! Ordering online also saves you a $20 processing fee - which covers the time for basic file handling and admin order setup. This is a standard charge from all print companies if you were to email or post the job in.

Apply for Trade Access to our wholesale website here ; http://www.theproductionhouse.co.nz

Click this link to visit our retail website http://www.patchprint.co.nz - where can see the standard retails pricing charged. Generally we like to leave the markup that you want to charge your own clients up to you - just make sure you cover all your costs in what your charge, and ensure you have included all possible costs such as freight (local, around NZ, or rural delivery all differ), and any charge for faster turnaround where required.

To answer the queries on specific topics ;

QUALITY ; We have a range of stocks available, and a great tool is our Sample Pack which we can offer you when you are a potential reseller, to show you a good variety of the quality you would expect from us. This pack includes Offset business card samples, Digital business card samples, Matt Foiled business cards, Gloss Foiled business cards, Matt Spot Silver business cards, Gloss Spot Silver business cards and a variety of DLE Swatches on a book-ring that show a range of different options such as UV Accent, Diecutting, and Smooth-as-Satin Matt laminate or Hi-Gloss laminate. We also include letterhead and compliments slip samples, and some extras like bookmarks in various finishes, postcards, pens, notepads, magnets, all examples you can show your clients and labeled only with generic branding.

With quality you need to find out exactly what your client expects, and if they have anything they have done previously that they want to achieve again - this may be a previous stock they've used or a matt or gloss finish, or even a specific company colour that must be the same across various printed products and stationary. More about colour further on...

TIME ; each product has a standard turnaround time. These are listed on our websites next to each product. For faster turnaround, or products required by a specific date - let us know so they can work to this deadline. Sometimes there is an extra charge for "Strict Schedule" jobs, and you would need to add this cost into what you charge your client.

Also, be aware that you will be adding time on for each extra 'event' in printing. What I mean here is if your client wants a rushed brochure job, and then wants it with a UV Gloss coating and a diecut - then these two additional events are going to add more time onto the job than what the turnaround time of the original product states. Contact us to check how fast this can be done and tell your client, they may have to settle for something simpler for a rushed job, or print the job digitally instead of offset, which is generally faster, but pricier for larger quantities. On some occasions we print "Temporary cards" when a client wants a really good quality business card from our Offset Printed Value range, but needs some cards immediately for, say, a business trip. We can then give them some cards same day if required, and send the fancy cards to them as soon as they are ready. There are always ways to satisfy your clients needs! Ask us how!

COST ; as a reseller you need to know what you will be paying, and what markup you wish to charge your client. You need to be fair, and allow a decent margin in your jobs so if things go bad you're not liable for the whole cost yourself. On this topic - get a signed copy of the proof from your client before proceeding! And a signed copy of the "proof sheet" too, showing exactly what your client will be charged for when the job is complete.

FUNCTION ; You need to know product options available, to ensure you have the right product to fit your clients needs. If, for example, they've ordered x 5000 Digital Brochures, it would actually work out cheaper for this quantity, and of better quality, to print them on an Offset press. Often it's just a case of checking with your friendly print company for the print solution that best fits the requirements, and getting quotes.

When you receive your username and password for trade access to our wholesale website, we have a new option that allows you to request a quote online. This is great for you as it allows you to check in on your quote/s, and have multiple quotes in progress. You get an email when the quote is ready, to which you follow the link to view your quote online, with the option to order it right there - avoiding any processing fees. It's great for us, as there are all the options to fill in and space for notes, so we don't have to worry about forgetting to ask you something!

FREIGHT ; This is one of a few extra things off the top of my head that will be important to note when you start getting orders. Is your client local or not, if they're rural this will be an additional charge, or do they expect you to deliver the job to them? Which will cost you time and petrol. Could they collect it from you? Talk through the options with your client before proceeding to print so everyone knows where they stand. There's nothing that makes you look unprofessional like phoning a client after approval and adding on extra costs, or the client coming back to you unhappy with surprise charges on their invoice.

Freight costs can be added onto your online order as you go, and if you select 'email me a proof' then you will clearly see all charges on your proof sheet. We recommend you do this for your clients also, so there are no unexpected costs, and you appear professional and organised, having covered all bases.

COLOURS ; very important. Is your client particular about the colours they want? Have they seen a printed proof or need too? What colours have they had previously they may expect to match again? Spot Colours / Pantone colours can be tricky also. Our Value and Vmax Offset print runs use cmyk, so if a spot colour is required we can run several cmyk breakdown swatches through the run first, and give you back a visual of some colour options to choose from, or offer your client. Ask us about our Colour Matching Service if you would like more info.

If you need any further tips about anything mentioned above, or a specific job you are looking to print, please feel free to contact us here at Patch where we're all happy to help.

Design, Print and Signage Network Expands

2009-06-23T13:15:00.004+12:00

In the current economic climate, where business foreclosures and receiverships are virtually a daily occurrence, one company is seeing a remarkable upturn in sales and lead generated enquiries. The Production House, New Zealand's leading online design print and sign network is experiencing substantial growth in both sales and quote enquiries thanks to an expanded product range, growing online presence and active supplier network.

Managing Director for The Production House, Mr Nigel Matthews comments, "We started investing heavily into systems and online tools 5 years ago. Back then businesses in NZ were only starting to think online - and it wasn't easy. Now it's a different story. We're experiencing response rates to our online advertising anywhere from 400% - 1800% above the industry average."

Mr Matthews points to the supplier network as one of their reasons for success. "We've been able to grow by having good suppliers on board. Currently, we have more quote requests and work than we can handle."

"Our system allows for quotes and orders to come in from around New Zealand and suppliers get to quote or accept jobs immediately for producing and dispatching back to the client."

"We market the products and manage the debtors - ensuring payment is received and that our suppliers get to do what they do best - produce great work. We've kept the network entry cost to approved suppliers down with no immediate ongoing costs until the network begins to pay for itself. It's a win win situation." With a further 3 print and signage companies having already joined the network this month, TPH is preparing for further growth.

Ms Tania Wahrlich, TPH Production Manager says, "We have suppliers on the network that are handling anywhere from $2k - $20k worth of work each month via the system - with very little end user contact. Files are usually supplied in pdf format ready to print taking the hassle out of customer liaison."

Asked what the future holds for The Production House, Mr Matthews comments,

"Continued growth and a host of new features that will benefit our suppliers and clients nationally."

Foiling

2009-06-23T11:56:00.005+12:00

I've had a lot of interest lately about Metallic business cards, business cards printed onto metal or plastic - like a credit card, cards with numbering or individual names and numbering, cards with metallic foils in various colours including orange, red, blue and green, as well as the usual gold and silver printing, emboss effects, die-cut cards - both your standard die-cut business cards or unique, original die-cut cards, and more... Here I will start with some information about Foiling and go from there, as there as so many small ways to ENHANCE YOUR IMAGE and HELP YOUR CLIENTS REMEMBER YOU!

So not just once, but definitely for all, I will give a explanation for all those people looking for business cards and printing with a little something extra. A little ZING to make a business card stand out among the billions of others.

So like the salesman with the flashing gold tooth.. but a lot less cheesy.. we offer foiled business cards! These can be added to either our Hi-gloss cards or our slinky matte option - Smooth-as-Satin business cards, and come in a variety of colours ; Classic Gold foil, Stunning Silver foil, Bronze foil, my personal favourite - Gunmetal foil, Blue foil, Green foil, Red foil - great for Christmas Cards, Black foil - you gotta see the black, ask us for samples! .. White foil - looks like a smooth twink finish - yes, that's the best way I can explain it - and a white foil will look fantastic on the right card.

Foils are a great option to get your cards looking classy. We have done designs where we try to work a foil into the design which looks great for Manufacture companies, where the foil is the hammer or anvil or some kind of metal. We have used foils to give a card a "riveted" look, or to highlight parts of a motorbike or a safety helmet. Imagine the possibility!

Classic foil use would be starting with the right font for your style, and having that font embossed. It used to be that you would only see a foil effect on your lawyers business card, or the foiled business card with matching foiled letterhead from you Dentist reminding you of your next bill due date. Nowadays foils are an affordable and very effective way of making your card stand out from your competitor, and insuring your customers KEEP your card, which is, after all, our ultimate goal. Even better if they're impressed enough to show their friends!

More on our other Special Effects coming soon!

Tania's North Island Tour - Part II.

2009-05-22T14:03:00.010+12:00

This is a continuation of my interrogation/interview with Tania from Patch and The Production House, grilling her for gossip and information about her recent trip to the North Island to visit with some of our new suppliers in the efforts to offer you, the client, a better range of Print and Marketing Media at your fingertips.

Crystal: What type of businesses are you looking for to connect with The Production House?

Tania: Basically we are looking at Digital Printers, Offset Printers, and Signage Printers. Currently we are looking more towards signage than anything else, because that comes down to our available National, Regional and Local licences.

Crystal: Those businesses already using Patch Systems, did they have any feedback or comments that you'd like to share - either on Patchpro, Quoting or Website Ordering Processes?

Tania: They were absolutely blown away, and the reason they were blown away is because taking them through the Patchpro system and showing them ; okay this is how you load up a product, your image is changable, there's a content management system as well, so they can change the description, pricing and everything on -the-fly. And then showing them on the website what it looks like and the fact that it's all interchangable, they were just "Wow!". And a lot of these companies don't have online catalogues or online ordering or anything, they've just got a basic website which is a little bit of information about them with pictures and things. So, to be able to have this content management system and tie it in to the back end of The Production House and have their own catalogue website system they were absolutely blown away.

Say they've got a head office and they want to type the details in and just let head office manage it and they organise the print. They were blown away with that too. Just with all the tools that we were able to offer in terms of templates and business cards and things.

Something else I impressed them with, was we have a system called "Card Builder Template". This is where we setup your stationary as online templates, which allow each staff member to enter their details into these pre-existing templates without changing the brand or logo, look or style of your business card or other stationary. Either Head Office can control this or it's up to the individual Branches to fill in the information and from there to order the product - all done online and without the need for a designer to be involved, once the templates are complete. Ask us for more information on this fantastic Card Builder option by sending us a quick email with your contact details to orders@patchprint.co.nz

Crystal: So for those who aren't in the know, and to clarify, this means that without our interference or involvement suppliers are able to put their own products online?

Tania: Yes, they can put their own products online, and they can also put their products onto The Production House as well. And then they can have a catalog for their direct clients as well that has no reference to The Production House - they can have their own logos and all they are using is our back-end or layout from our technical setup.

Crystal: Where there any products or processes mentioned by these businesses that are difficult to achieve or hard to source?

Tania: There is some stuff that is hard to source but the fact that we just want to be the hub now we just put it out there, so it's becoming a lot easier now for The Production House, we can just float it past these supplier and see whether or not they can source it, and if we have no success with one then obviously we can go to another and see if they can source it, and just continue building our network. It's important to note that all of our product base comes from within New Zealand. All paper is imported into New Zealand as we don't have any paper mills, so we can proudly say all our products are proudly New Zealand made.

Crystal: Of the businesses that you spoke with can you recall a theme or an idea that is desired by the Management Staff that you spoke to, regarding the hopes for their company and the companies direction?

Tania: Yes, interesting when I got into the business side of things and see that each company has got their own existing core market that they want to work with, but the desire is - especially at present with the bit "Recession" word floating around, to look at different avenues and be able to source work from other areas. Hence they have chosen to come onto our network to partner with us, so we work with them, they work with us for mutual benefit and the natural achievement of this is having more ways of letting the public know what products can be provided and easy access to them! Providing more work for all.

In short our suppliers want to do what they do best, without having to worry about the marketing aspect or having to find a client base. They want to be able to stand behind their product, knowing that they've done a fantastic job in supplying their product to the end user.

Crystal: Was there anything that you were particularly impressed with on your travels?

Tania: The fact that we can now offer Neon signs and LED signs, Flag signs and signs that are about three times my height. We can also offer customised signage, Light Box signs, just the amazing product range that's out there... Full-on spray painting if required, as there's a spray painting booth available with one of our suppliers.

Crystal: If there anything you are particularly excited about regarding the new technology coming through?

Tania: Technology is forever changing but at the end of the day companies always need to advertise what they are promoting. One cool thing was in terms of motor-cross we now have a supplier that does all the graphics and can actually stick it on the motorbike for the client (think sponsors people, sponsors) and that was pretty cool because we've never been able to offer that and I think there's only three or four other companies in New Zealand that are doing that. That is definitely a unique part of signage that we can offer and I'm excited about having something unique to offer in this, along with the Neon Signage.

Crystal: Apart from the business you visited, were there any parts of the North Island that stood out for you and you'd recommend we visit?

Tania: North Island is absolutely beautiful. Travelling between Tauranga and Rotorua we got stopped in road works but it was just so tranquil. I stopped, turned the radio off, and just wound down the windows and listened to the bird life and it was just absolutely amazing. And the coastal scenery just driving along the beach between Whakatane and the Mount was really cool.

Crystal: So enjoying the serenity of the North Island in a traffic jam pretty much sums it up for you then?!

Tania: It's just great, especially when you're driving between Tauranga and Rotorua, and Rotorua to Taupo, there was a lot of road works, but it was really cool, you'd look out and see these little steam vents everywhere, and probably the only downside was it rained in Taupo, but I still managed to squeeze in a walk by the lake, and overall it was pretty cool

Crystal: Are you glad to be back, and what are your own feelings about what we have achieved at Patch, and where our ideas and skills in the market are leading us?

Tania: Yes, I'm glad to be back. But in saying that as well I fully stand behind Patchpro and The Production House because I think it's amazing what Nigel (Nigel Matthews - Manager of Patch Design & Print Solutions) has been able to accomplish with the website and the database and hopefully I'd love to see this grow a lot more in terms of our product range that we can offer to our end users, and at the end of the day I think the inspiration is to be the Trade-me of Print, and be able to let end users source all their print and marketing material via The Production House.

Crystal: And just lastly, what would like to say to Clients who are just looking for signage and thinking about using us?

Tania: If they're looking for signage I would recommend jumping onto http://www.theproductionhouse.co.nz. You are going to be absolutely amazed with what you find and with what's going to be coming in the next couple of months in terms of product. It's a brand new product range that we haven't been able to offer before, and now we've got access to offering this to our end users so watch this space!

A special thanks to Tania for undertaking this journey and representing the wildly enthusiastic and dedicated team here at Patch, in the trip across the ditch (Cook Strait) - bringing in more suppliers and thus allowing us to offer a wider range to our clients and give more work back to those skilled people in the Print and Signage Industry.

Thanks Tania, and may we all have the opportunity to bask in the tranquility of a North Island traffic jam and dally with the locals.

Tania's North Island Tour - Part I.

2009-05-20T12:28:00.032+12:00

As many of you may know, Tania is one of the star's of Patch and The Production House (which is our best product-based website), keeping everything running smoothly. She has just returned from a great and wondrous journey around the North Island to visit, chat and generally snoop around some of our potential and existing suppliers in May of this year 2009. I have the pleasure (and amusement) of interviewing her here to give you an insight into what the trip was about, and through this, a lot more about what we do here at Patch, what we wish to do, and how we aim to offer you the benefits of all this travel and in-depth investigating...

Crystal: Where did you visit, and what types of businesses were you visiting?

Tania: Basically what I was doing was I went up North - as we've now got five new suppliers

on board! the aim of the visit was firstly to show them the application and what Patchpro is capable of doing in terms of these new suppliers coming onto our network with The Production House and being able to quote out direct to the client using The Production House branding. And additionally, to see what other products these suppliers have got available to supply The Production House, and to gain an understanding of what their core business is and what they are able to add to the existing product base so we can offer New Zealanders a wider range of signage and marketing products.

Crystal: Was there anything you were hoping to specifically gain from these business by being right there on site amongst the action?

Tania: My aim was to gain a clearer understanding of what these suppliers would be able to help The Production House with, in terms of production and print media, and also to bring back to the team some useful information on what these suppliers can sell to our Clients. Making sure that the team has a fuller understanding of different signage, all different printing products, and being able to show our team what these new suppliers can do.

Crystal: How different was each business you visited, and do you think they each had their own angle on the market?

Tania: Each business was very different to one another. For example - I visited three Signage Companies and one was a smaller setup, but their core business was more signage specific, in terms of your 'coreflute signs' and 'printing on canvas' as well as 'vehicle signage' involving vinyl application. Whereas one of the others went in a different direction - they had a spray booth, they did light-box signs, they made all sorts of plastic stands - for example brochure stands and and business card stands in clear or frosted finishes, and your motel toothbrush stands etc.

And then the other business took it a step further and they've got a Router Cutter and can cut custom wood and metal up to a thickness of at least 3 centimetres. So these business, even though they were all signage based, they were very each very unique in terms of what they specialise in, and what they could offer The Production House.

Crystal: So what about the other business you visited?

Tania: Of the other two business I saw, one was a Digital Print based company who was in-line with another signage company doing stickers, 'Decals' and 'Coreflutes'. And the other was an Offset Printer company capable of printing A2 size and offering many print capabilities including Coldset Newspaper Printing.

Crystal: Can you think of anything that really stood out from each company? Something that impressed you personally?

Tania: Working here at Patch Design & Print for the last five years and building up a relationship with these clients or customers and now them turning into suppliers, originally I had thought that these businesses and operations were very small, and for one of them that was in Tepuke I was absolutely blown away at the size of their factory and how many staff were there, and all the different options that they could apply to signage and things like that, for example I didn't even know they had a spray booth on their premises!

And the other one I've been dealing with and talking to for the last three years and I was surprised that not only do they do signage and motorcross stickers and decals but they can also do customised products.. they cut wood for signage, they cut metal, as mentioned 3cm thick.

So they're all very different and I was rather blown away by what these companies do, and the friendliness and professionalism of everyone I met was outstanding. New Zealand has a lot of hidden talent that we hope to help make available to those who can benefit from it in promoting more New Zealand industries!

Crystal: In your own words, what would the benefits of these varied companies association with Patch be?

Tania: Well the benefits are not so much for us, but for our client base and reseller base. Earlier on this company was very much focused on design and print and websites and things like that, now we've got this wider range of signage we can offer in various centres around New Zealand, that can do various printing onto different media.

It's not all just your Offset and Digital focus. Now we're becoming more of a one-stop-shop for our Clients in terms of design and printed media or advertising. We've also got the tools to help our suppliers that are on board, where they can use our tools for their website and create their own catalogue aswell so it's a win win situation for both companies.

Crystal: There's a lot of media options for people wanting to promote themselves and the environmental angle means a lot to people these days. Did this issue come up with any of the suppliers about the environmental sustainability of their products?

Tania: It depends, in terms of some of the signage you could say it was environmentally friendly because it will last up to ten years. I didn't approach this angle with our suppliers but this is something I would advise Clients to talk to us about if it is an issue they want to investigate a particular advertising media.

It depends on what you're printing at the end of the day, for example we've now got 'coffee holders' made of thin card that we never used to have available, and these are a much better solution than the previous carton-like options you would get from a drive-through. There are a lot of recycled papers now available that our Clients are welcome to ask us about.

For the rest of this fascinating and insightful interview - if I do say so myself - see our next blog.

Banner & Poster Solutions

2009-05-19T11:57:00.015+12:00

We offer a wide range of media to enhance your look, your unique business identity, and can help you choose the products to suit your desired use, allowing you to stand out from your competitors. If you're having a conference, a stall at a trade show, or just need more advertising space in your office or reception area, try our durable wide format banners - under 'Posters' on our website.

Our posters are printed on a heavy weight 150gsm for a Matt-finish poster and 160gsm Photogloss for a Gloss-finish poster - a great option for moderate ink coverage. We have other stocks and sizes available, please contact us for more options as you require.

We have the banner solution for you, for indoor or outdoor use.

Prices are readily viewable on our website for A2, A1 and A0 posters, as well as our 'Low Cost Posters' in A3 and A4. These are our best online deal for quick simple flyers or posters. Limited stocks to choose from make selection quick and simple, but again, contact us if your needs are more specific and we can discuss alternative options with you.

Follow this link for our poster prices.

To view our site with an overview for all products, follow this link to Clickprint.

We are always looking for advances in print technology that continue to dramatically change the face of printing. Expect advances in eco-friendly products, technology, productivity and efficiency as the market looks to sustainable solutions to produce their printed marketing material.

Extremely conscious of image quality and colour management? Looking for a press that can product photo quality or close to it? This is what we do best, try us for best quality and value.

For those in the Printing, Design & Marketing Trades - you are welcome to apply for access at our Wholesale Printing Site The Production House.

In Search Of Excellence in Print

2009-05-08T16:15:00.006+12:00

We have a team of exceptionally skilled and client-focused people here at Patch, who are motivated to help you with your printing needs, website interests and design ideas to lead you out into the market and get you known!

Are you looking for local printing? Colour printing? Digital printing? We can help you decide whether printing Digitally or using an Offset Press method will suit your unique look and your marketing budget better. We can colour-match your printed stationary so you will have a beautiful corporate or small business range of matching letterheads, business cards, compliments slips, and those small give-away items to help your clients find your contact details easily - like fridge magnets, pens and jotter pads in a range of sizes.

Have a look at our website for what we can offer, and contact us so we can work with you on the best direction for you to take when it comes to the abundance of print and marketing material available to you. We have a lot of combined experience in the printing and online media industries and we're passionate about using that experience and focus to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible... and we love those happy satisfied customers like the one below. Read on for more positive feedback ;

"This morning I received the samples for the wedding flyer that were completed last week with great urgency. The flyers met and exceeded my expectations. I'd like to convey my thanks to you and the Patch team for working so diligently to get this job to my client in time for his departure for the wedding expo in Wellington. The completed job looks great and I am certain my client will be more than pleased with the final result.

While I'm not normally given to ostentatious outbursts or grandiose exclamation, I am moved to proclaim that YOU GUYS ROCK!"

- P.M.

What people are saying about us...

2009-04-17T11:08:00.005+12:00

Yes we try to be humble, but what's the point of getting wonderfully encouraging feedback if we can't share it? So please excuse us as we sit back and reminisce about all the people we have helped in getting their marketing and print products with as smooth and easy a process as possible. As follows are some real comments we have received from new and existing clients...

"I just can't thank you enough for you and your teams amazing key rings at crazy short notice... They were better than I had ever visualised in my head."

A.M. - Christchurch.

"Fab! ...Looking forward to seeing them, especially the business cards. I was really impressed with your print samples you sent and I loved the different stock options."

J.M.

"Cards look excellent thanks for great service again."

J.C. - Christchurch.

"We just want to say, "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU" ...... For the absolutely wonderful, sincere and professional service we received..."

G.C. - Rangiora.

"...Cards arrived on time, and they look great! I'd forgotten how good laminate looks!... Thanks again for making this happen so quickly. :)..."

J.K. - Whangarei.

"Thank you again for your friendly & efficient service."

N.W. - Auckland.

"Thanks for the samples, they arrived via courier this morning. We're very impressed, so I guess you've got yourself a new client."

P.M. - Blenheim.

"We wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your recent service regarding our printing requirements. We are very impressed with your professional service and your quality and competitive result with our business cards. We use these cards as an effective marketing tool and many of our clients have commented on them and will be in touch for you to service their needs as well. Thank you again, we look forward to future trading with your company."

J.F. - Christchurch.

"We have just received our first order from you - My business cards. We are absolutely stoked! Product quality, on-time, service, friendliness you have it all. We will move from our existing supplier in the future wherever possible."

T.R.

And if these comments haven't tempted you to try one of our products for yourself, then contact us and let me send you some samples so you can see and feel - the smooth finishes, the richly deep hi-gloss and the velvety smooth-as-satin matt, the vibrant brochures, the durable presentation folders, and anything else you're curious about - for yourself! Take a look at our full range at http://www.patchprint.co.nz

Are you already a print supplier? Taking on the daily challenge of keeping your own clients needs met? Take a look at our Wholesale Print Site and register with us to view our trade pricing and our full range of printed products and marketing solutions at http://www.theproductionhouse.co.nz If you print most jobs yourself then we may be able to supply you with those tricky jobs like diecut business cards, cards with coloured foils, ticket jobs with perforations, pads and docketbooks, and any large quantity printing. Ask us for some un-branded samples you can show to your own clients. We think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Behind The Scenes Print Production - After Approving Your Order

2009-04-17T09:35:00.023+12:00

When you have approval a final design and selected your printed product. Be that product Glossy or Matt finish business cards, budget flyers in A6, A5 or A4, DLE folded brochures, or a mixture of all and more, we give ourselves a wee pat on the back that we've found the right print and marketing solution for you, and get to work...

Approval methods : You may have approved online, by email, or told us personally. When ordering online we email you back a proof of your order (if you request this proof method when ordering) and you receive an "approval link" by email, that takes you online to approve or alter your order. We have found that giving you more control over your print order with our online print ordering system makes the whole process faster and more efficient, so you are not waiting for someone to take your request and then process the changes required. What you are doing is the much-tested and vastly efficient process of logging changes online which are actioned asap. Why is this faster you ask? - because we can work more efficiently within our system by taking your online instructions and completing them, rather than taking your calls, noting and entering instructions and completing them - which also leaves us free to take your phone calls if you have any other queries. Requesting changes online also ensures we get your instructions clearly and precisely with no margin for human error, as may happen with a phone call and jotting down notes.

Take a look at our products online, and follow the simple 3 step process to procure your print from us at http://www.patchprint.co.nz

Print deadline? Tight turnaround time required? Please let us know if you require your job by a specific deadline so we can arrange a print schedule to meet this date. Fast turnaround printing is possible, the earlier we know your schedule requirements the more we can ensure we meet your needs.

Pre-press and print methods : We employ new generation pre-press and print methods, using some of the latest technology to give you bright, vibrant, colourful print jobs.

By utilising A2 and A3 four-colour offset (four colour - cyan, magenta, yellow & black = from this we can make up most other colours) as well as digital presses, we can produce the right product at the right price.

The image below shows a technician adding stunning foil effects to a job, as one of the finishes we offer.

Finishing : Once printed, your job may pass through one or more of our finishing processes before it is quality checked and packed, ready for despatch. Your order is then couriered overnight to arrive on your door the next morning. If you're in a rural area please allow 2-3 working days for delivery.

We take pride in our work : Each print order is backed by our commitment to quality and value.

Come take a closer look online, to see what we here at Patch are all about www.patchprint.co.nz

Behind the Scenes Print Production - the first steps in organising your print

2009-04-08T13:15:00.019+12:00

What a pleasure it is to work for a company with such a smooth and easy to use system. Where products and current orders are at your fingertips and we can offer these same benefits to you, the Client, allowing you to view pricing, place an order and upload a file into that order, track the job progress, have a proof emailed or posted to you, and upload a replacement file if necessary.

I love the ability to answer your questions in an instant - have we printed a certain job for you last May? Yes, and we still have the files and I can tell you exactly what was ordered and when. Even better - you can find all this information yourself, at your own convenience, by simply logging on to our site and looking at your "order history" tab. These are fantastic advances in print technology and I.T development at it's cutting edge. I.T. doesn't stand for Intimidating Technology as I once thought - it's Internet Technology and we're racing ahead of the game to give you all the advantages of modern technology and up to date processes for producing your marketing products, printed material, and design solutions.

Processing ; Once you have placed your order by ordering online through our easy-to-use ordering system at patchprint, the order is processed and queued for a designer / mac operator to begin working on. Using a range of software tools we will design, create, update or operate on the digital file and either supply you with a proof or (if it is a repeat order or re-order) action it for printing. Over 100,000 high quality business cards are printed each week and delivered overnight locally and throughout New Zealand.

First Proof ; The first proof is often a starting point and we will happily amend, adjust or revise the design, as advised by you. If the file is your own design you can pause or hold a job, then upload a new file into a current job as you wish.

Have a look at our website to see what we can offer you at www.patchprint.co.nz

View our best quality best value products and don't forget each print order is backed by our commitment to quality and value and backed by the best quality and best value guarantee.

I would recommend our Value business cards as a good starting point. These are available in Hi-gloss or Smooth as Satin finishes, in a thick chunky card weight. Upgrade to Vmax business cards if you are interested in getting your business card printed as magnets with the added bonus of free stickers with every card design ordered!

For those Graphic Designers selling finished printed products, apply for trade access at The Production House and see how we can give you a wider range of print and marketing solutions to offer your Clients.

Servicing Locally and Nationally

2009-04-07T10:46:00.006+12:00

Have you tried ordering online yet? Try our site www.patchprint.co.nz
It's simple and easy, and FAST! You can process payment online which we have ensured is a safe online payment process.

We have a wide range of promotional products, you can personalise products with your own company logo and company branding. We offer a vast range of printed products, from top quality full colour printing like letterheads and business stationary, to business cards in different finish options and types to suit your desired look and current marketing budget.

We have been servicing the following areas ; North Shore, Manukau, Albany, Howick, Takapuna, Ponsonby, Papakura, Warkworth, Auckland, Te Kuiti, Thames, Tokoroa, Matamata, Te Awamutu, Cambridge, Featherstone, Hamilton, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Kapiti, Amberley, Ashburton, Cheviot, Darfield, Kaikoura, Rangiora, Culverden, Lyttleton, Christchurch, Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Taupo, Timaru, Dunediin, New Plymouth, Palmerston North, Whitianga, Gisbourne, Bluff, Greymouth, Napier, Hastings, Hokitika and Whangarei!

Come to us for your local printing, locally printed business cards, and that top quality professional service that our Clients expect from us, and the reason why they keep coming back.

For any further queries contact us through our website www.patchprint.co.nz
For those in the Promotional & Marketing Industry, apply for access online and take a look at our Online Trade Site www.theproductionhouse.co.nz

A Website Design that's truly a piece of art on it's own.

2009-03-27T15:39:00.012+13:00

We were recently approached by Garth Mitchell, who is a metal worker and artist by trade. Garth is the founder of Ironstein Designs and Battle Choppers, and first started his business of building amazing Custom Choppers in his workshop in Christchurch, New Zealand in 2002.

Working between Ironstein Designs and Battle Choppers it has taken Garth four long and painstaking years to produce the first Battle Chopper "The Armored Knight" and the last six months working on the "Full Metal Jacket", his next project.

Garth's amazing talent and eye for detail makes his unique skill highly effective in creating individual and extreme choppers. Battle Choppers are forged out of time, not your usual bikes with fat tyres and a flashy paint job, these are rolling pieces of art with a purpose.

We were proud to be able to offer Garth this amazing website, designed and created by Bryce Easton here at Patch Design. Please explore this site to see what Battle Choppers is about, and while there have a think about what a web site designed by our Creative Team here at Patch can do for you and your business.

I hope to have a post here soon with a bit more behind-the-scenes on website development with the express purpose of marketing your company's products and services, if I can just pry Bryce away from the computer for two minutes...

But do have a look at the Battle Chopper website, a fantastic example of a blend of specialised graphic design skill and technical know-how, in the exact style and function to suit both the Client's tastes and the target audience. The bikes are a must see - especially if you were ever a fan of the Mad Max movies or have had dreams of riding a roaring armor-clad harley, tyres smoking, weapons gleaming, through the dusty backstreets. It's enough to give you a far-away look and plaster a tiny sinister smirk on your face as you dream of the possibilities...

http://www.battlechoppers.com

View an article about Garth's bikes here - http://www.3news.co.nz/article

Contact us for more info on website design, we'd love to opportunity to flood you with ideas! And feel free to browse the variety of new zealand made products on our site - http://www.patchprint.co.nz

Or see our ClickPrint site for the best value and cheapest printing in New Zealand - www.clickprint.co.nz

The Colour Matching Challenge

2009-03-24T15:56:00.010+13:00

Colour Matching is the process of assuring that a color on one medium remains the same when converted to another medium. This is extremely difficult because different media use different color models. Color monitors, for example, use the RGB model, whereas process printing uses the CMYK model. As color desktop publishing matures, color matching is gaining more and more attention. The most recent Windows and Macintosh operating systems include a color management system (CMS) to assist in color matching.

We are often coming up with creative ways to problem-solve various colour issues, like trying to match stationary. Matching your Colour Logo and Corporate Colours onto your digitally printed letterheads with your 4 colour printed compliments slips and your offset press printed business cards can be a huge headache!

So how do we do it? We recommend you print as much stationary as you can using the same print processes - for example, we often gang-up our letterheads, which means printing more than one letterhead design onto a larger sheet. We can lay-up four to six letterheads on a large sheet and print as many sheets as are required.

(This is often why the pricing for larger quantites becomes cheaper per unit when you get into large amounts of colour printing - because it is the inital setup and layup that incur the costs, and from then on it just prints ... and prints ... and prints, allowing us to stagger the costs.)

We recommend you print you compliments slips on this same run as your letterheads, ensuring the colours are set to the same CMYK Values. Because you will be printing on the same paper through the same press (even colour presses can make a difference to your colour!) that will take away the risk of another factor in our colour matching battle - paper stocks! All the different paper finishes, colours - there are many shades of white that are all called white - texture and thickness that can all play a part in making minute colour changes that will cause you nightmares. On this same letterhead run I would also put your notepads, to be trimmed and padded later, and any other printed material that you can put together in a bulk order.

Business cards are best done on an offset press, and we print a ganged-run (called 'ganged' because of the amount of cards all kept together on a large worksheet) of these cards, at least one print run a week. The colours don't shift much on these runs and if colour matching is a priority for you - we can run swatches down the side of this run with small squares of similar colour breakdowns to what you are trying to achieve, so we will know what to expect when we run the full business card job.

View our site and the various card types we offer at www.patchprint.co.nz

And for the cheapest printing in New Zealand go to www.clickprint.co.nz

If you know exactly what I'm on about with Offset and Digital Printing you must be in the Printing Industry so come on board and apply for Trade Access at our Wholesale Printing site www.theproductionhouse.co.nz

Yes we are a creative fun-loving bunch of design and print fanatics but we definately like the result to be what we expected, our colours to be bright and vibrant, our toner coverage to be even and smooth, our inks to show continuous smooth colour.

Surprises are for birthdays - not for printers.

Our Unique Online Solution

2009-03-20T14:51:00.008+13:00

Oh the wonders of modern technology. Here's an insight into our system, developed exclusively for ordering, managing and handling print from concept to order to production to completion.

Once logged on, a customer is able to see their order history and immediately see what they have ordered in the past. It is simple to quickly re-order the same products from a previous date with one click of the mouse - with the option to check all freight and order details.

We believe a good website offering online products and services should empower the customer by allowing them to gain access to the information independently. Through our website you can arrange the printing, upload your files, and have the job freighted to you, completely independently. In saying this, we love to hear from you if you need any design, a new logo or company branding, or wish to discuss any ideas for your own website development and online solution.

In short, we are passionate about grabbing hold of the online technology available, as a doorway to reach you, our potential and existing clients, to inspire you to promote what you love to do, by doing what we love to do.

And that is one of the many reasons we are unique. Take a look at our website, try ordering one of our many products or services online, or contact our helpful team to discover the other reasons!!

Have I tickled your curiosity? I hope so. To be further tickled and tempted by the large range of printing solutions and marketing products that you can use to promote your business identity, and to see what all the fuss is about - follow this link www.patchprint.co.nz

Want to see New Zealands best value printing? Peek here www.clickprint.co.nz

If you are a Graphic Designer, a Marketing Guru or own your own Print Shop, don't see us as your competition - see us as an opportunity to expand your existing range and to offer your clients products outside of your current ability to produce. This may mean you can offer them Foiled or Diecut Business Cards, Presentation Folders or Docket Books - things that would benefit you to offer your clients so they don't have to look elsewhere. Apply for Trade Access and find out more at www.theproductionhouse.co.nz

Design Tips from a Pro - Begin with Grey

2009-03-18T16:48:00.004+13:00

I'd like to share a design tip I recently found online from the creative mind of Mark Boulton.

Feel free to have a look at his website ; www.markboulton.co.nz - he's had some intensive design training and has recently published a book called "Five Simple Steps - Designing for the Web" which looks very interesting.

An excerpt from an article from his as follows ;

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Begin with Grey

Next time you start a design, try this. As simple as the heading says, start your design in grey and tones thereof. Don't introduce any colour until the design is working in black and white. Chance are, your decisions on palette and colour will be made a lot easier because the design, or elements of the design, aren't relying on colour for their function. This of course is very useful for designing with accessibility in mind. I'm not addresing any accessibility issues within these articles, as I'd like to focus on the graphic design, but it's an important consideration that shouldn't be overlooked. Designing with black and white first will ensure that the solution doesn't rely on colour to work.

I often use colour to highlight specific elements of the design, but generally those elements have a function within the design solution. An example might be highlighting a search button or elements of a navigation bar. Using colour to pick out key functional elements in the interface.

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Are you currently a Graphic Designer? If so you may want to think about on-selling our fantastic print range to your own clients. Apply for access to our Wholesale Trade site and we will contact you to chat about samples we can offer and how we can help you to help your clients promote themselves with better quality and more options! See us here at www.theproductionhouse.co.nz

NZ's Best Online Print Deals.

2009-03-18T16:25:00.004+13:00

Printing is quicker, simpler and more cost effective thanks to easy online systems that save you time and money without compromising quality.

Quality is guaranteed via NZ's Largest Online Print Store. You're sure of guaranteed quality, fast service, and some of the lowest prices in New Zealand.

Access hundreds of product and service options including... Business Cards, Letterheads, Postcards, Rackcards, Printed Envelopes, Promotional Printing, Web Design, Graphic Design, Company Re-branding, Pens, Presentation Folders, Booklets, Docket Books, Notepads, Brochures, Cards, Labels, Publications, Stickers, Black&White Printing, Colour Printing, Digital Printing, Offset Printing, Booklets, Branding, Graphic Design, Nationwide Service, Banner Advertising, Advertising, Online Shopping, Website Development,

We also offer a range of finishing services including ; Perforating, Die Cutting, Foiling, Embossing, Laminating and Binding.

Anything you can't find online? Contact us now through our site www.patchprint.co.nz

We're proud of our range and our quality of service - are you willing to give us the opportunity to help you with your promotion and printing?

The Advantage of COLOUR PRINTING

2009-03-17T11:37:00.013+13:00

We don't live in a black and white world, so let's use the COLOURS!

Many small businesses assume they cannot afford full colour printing ... in fact they are missing out!

We are partners in a major New Zealand Print Brokerage that delivers huge savings to small businesses throughout the country. By group printing up to as many as 30 different business cards designs at once on large worksheets we can provide you with top quality.

We want to identify and promote what is special and different about your business, to showcase what make your products or services stand out from the crowd, and why potential customers should choose to deal with you.

From business cards and brochures to web sites ... we create cost effective products that promote small businesses ... marketing material that really works!

The first step in this process is very simple, we suggest you take a look at the information here on our web site, then we'd love you to give us a call if you would like any further information on the products shown, if you would like samples posted to you, and if there is anything you require that is not currently showing on our site.

Check out our best quality, best value print here www.patchprint.co.nz

More good feedback to share ;

"Hi John magnets turned up today brilliant job cant wait to see cards. cheers Dave"

Top quality full colour print, down to earth prices

2009-03-13T11:59:00.004+13:00

Did you know that as well as business cards we can do ;

Banners, birthday party invitations, brochures, corporate identity, custom invitations, design, digital printing, printed envelopes, fundraising flyers, invites, leaflets, letterhead, letterheads and matching envelopes, menus, new baby cards, newsletters, offset printing, pamphlets, party invitations, personalized invitations, placemats, postcards, posters, presentation folders, school newsletters and stationary, stickers, thank you notes, wedding invitations, and so much more...

Postive Feedback

2009-03-13T11:38:00.005+13:00

We love to get positive feedback from our Clients, and we've had more recent comments that we love to share!

A client of ours recently send us an email saying ;

"I would pass this on, we got some feedback back for some business cards we got done through you guys ;

"Everyone that has seen it has said 'WOW' 'what an awesome website!', and 'very jealous', words like 'classy', 'very professional', 'very creative', 'posh', 'beautiful', and 'oh dear, I really must do something about our website' etc. Also a smaller point but nonetheless important, we've had exactly the same reaction to our new business cards which Toby helped us with and designed them to tie in with our website homepage. Everybody has again reacted the same way - 'WOW', 'classy', 'very professional', 'very creative', 'posh', 'beautiful', and 'oh dear, I really must do something about our business cards'... ."

Another satisfied Client who now uses us regularly emailed us these comments ;

" ...This is great value!"

"Our brief was to keep costs down and still present something professional. Achieved and the site coding is very easy to follow" - says her husband.

Would YOU be willing to give us a try?

A business card that says "This is Me!"

2009-03-11T15:16:00.005+13:00

If you are looking for a positive team of print suppliers you've found us!

We have a quality range of chunky business cards in a range of finishes. Our most popular business cards Offset Printed with a Smooth-as-satin Matt finish for that touch of class, and alternatively our very Shiny Glossy finish business cards called Hi-Gloss cards. See our Online "Value" Range for these products and prices, and the options for full colour both sides, one-sided or colour front with black reverse.

You will be impressed when you see our Gloss printed Postcards and Matt Postcards, contact us if you would like us to post you out some samples, we would love the opportunity to show off our great value products, especially if we can assist you to market yourself and your business with the quality stationary and printing that we can offer!!

If you would like a little extra something take a look at our VMAX range, these are the same top quality as the business cards from our VALUE range but we include Free Stickers! and Printed Magnets the same size and printing quality as the business cards.

Simply come up with your own unique & stylish design ideas, or come and see us! We would love to help you through the design process to create a card with personality - a card that you will love to hand out to potential clients to say "This is me!"

We are the right people for the job.

2009-03-04T10:57:00.007+13:00

Now that I've stepped up to the position of Marketing Guru, I'll admit I'm a little nervous. There is so many free marketing opportunities to take advantage of ; Facebook, YouTube and Blogging to name a few - that I feel overwhelmed with what I don't know before I even begin!

But Social Media is the way we're going, and the road to get there, and I'm excited about what we do, having been in the industry for 10 years, and I can appreciate that we have a definitive edge here at Patch with our Online Solutions and our uniquely developed In-House System, which is the technology of NOW. And it needs a lot of keeping up with and putting out there!

Apparently, if you're not blogging at least three times a week, it's not worth bothering at all. So although I love the idea of promoting the SOLUTIONS FOR PRINT that we can do - I need to take it a step further and really get the message out to YOU! Even though it may seem easier to wait for YOU to come to us - which is the way business in New Zealand tends to lean - at some point we need to see that this is not how the rest of the business world does it.

What we do have going for us is the well-worn Kiwi Tradition of "Do It Yourself". Which is great! But there are times when we do it ourselves and end up taking twice as long and at twice the price, instead of pushing a little further to investigate the right person or business for the job.

When it comes to Print and Marketing Solutions, I think WE ARE the right people for the job, with the right price. So please give myself and our wonderful team here a call or an email and the chance to ease you through the process of putting your own business face out there for the world to see.

- Crystal Mathieson.

Bright Bold Business Cards New Zealand

2008-07-31T09:26:00.003+12:00

In the winter months it is important to break through BORING Business Stereotypes and get noticed!

Get a business card that SCREAMS look at me!!!

Now when you think business cards it is important not to get stuck in the "box" of old business cards

Joe Blogs
123 Business Card Road
Joes Bike Shop
Christchurch New Zealand
Owner

A business card can be anything that promotes your business - get an incentive card - buy 7 pairs of socks get the 8th one free.

Receive 10% of bike repair kits.

Go in a draw to win a mountain biking trip in Canada.

Its important to think big - get a business card with more then your details - give value to your customers. Make them want to look at your business card, show others and increase its perceived value to anyone you share it with.

Patch Print Provides outside the box marketing solutions to help get you noticed and make sure your business card is not one of the crowd.

Call us today for advice on how to break through the boring winter business blues and SCREAM LOOK AT ME!

Technorati Profile

Apex Car Rental Talks Business Cards Christchurch

2008-06-30T13:33:00.003+12:00

Patch enjoys saving you time and money when it comes to marketing your business.

Watch this video and listen to Ricky Shaw talking about streamlining the ordering process to make sure his staff always have the right off line marketing material at the right time.

Patch Print and Professional Pride themselves on giving you Business Card and Print Marketing Material that fits with the image of your business.

Ben Talks about Business Cards And The Rockshop

2008-06-30T13:30:00.002+12:00

Yet another happy customer, Here Ben from the rock shop talks about branding his business, Dealing with patch and how easy it is to get great business cards and printed material from patch that fit well with the marketing and promotion of The Rock Shop Christchurch

Mirror Marketing Competition Draw Patch Print and Optymise

2008-06-24T16:51:00.002+12:00

We have just drawn the prize for our mirror marketing stand at the south island hospitality show in Christchurch June 18th and 19th. Watch this video to see the lucky winner.

Southern Hospitality Show Christchurch New Zealand

2008-06-16T13:57:00.002+12:00

We are heading to the southern hospitality show this Wednesday the 18th June 2008 and we are super excited!

Recently we have partnered with online marketing experts Optymise Ltd. to bring you Mirror Marketing - So you can look fabulous online and offline and be covered from every angle.

So if you are in Canterbury, feel free to come down to the show and say hello.

Be Our Friend...

2008-06-16T13:04:00.000+12:00

Patch has joined the world of social media networks. You can now find us on Bebo, Facebook and Youtube.

Please be sure to "be our friend" and subscribe to our video feeds so that you can learn all about what we are doing.

We love to get feedback and here what our customers think! And look forward to hearing from you!!!

Welcome To Patch Print's Brand New Blog

2008-06-16T11:35:00.000+12:00

Hello and Welcome to Patch Prints Sparkley New Blog!!!

Here at patch we recognize the importance of getting online and communication with you our customers. This blog is here to keep you informed about specials, services and also give you marketing tips to make sure you are always performing at your best.

We look forward to blogging to you! Please subscribe to our blog and leave us comments we always love to hear from you.