I know that dealing with printers can be a problem. Had a problem myself last year a little more indirectly. The painter/restorer I was working with had made up the artwork in digital images and sent to the printer for production, as I assume Michael is doing.
Several decals came out fine, but the printer had purched a new "high tech" printing setup which evidently was both better and faster for whatever application constituted most of the printer's business. But as produced on this new setup, a set of white Raleigh "International" decals proved too translucent and disappeared against the orange top tube. The printer was not about to abandon the new setup, which I understand cost $25,000 or more, because of a bicycle decal. The restorer even considered offering to buy the old printing setup and doing the printing himself, but it had already be traded in or sold to finance the new one.
As printing becomes more high tech it is unlikely any one bicycle decal producer will have enough volume to justify the purchase of the equipment. So they and indirectly the bike collectors will alway be at the mercy of printers to whom bicycle decals are an insignificant sideline. The brutal truth is we have essentially zero leverage with printers and are going to get our stuff done whenever they feel like doing it.
Regards,
Jerry Moos Big Spring, TX
Peter Naiman <hetchinspete1@yahoo.com> wrote: I called Michael Swantak at Velographics this afternoon, and he has sent along the following letter for me to post to the CR List members on his behalf. Please read below.
Peter Naiman Glendale, WI ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To the CR List,
First of all, dont start dragging the river, and ignore any ransom demands; Im still here. Ive had a confluence of issues that have kept me from responding to your correspondence in a timely fashion, and for that I sincerely apologize.
Youve heard my printer problems alluded to; thats one of the issues, and the one that continues to be my biggest impediment to providing better service. Although its one of my goals, for the time being I cant afford to simply purchase the necessary equipment and handle the printing myself. Finding an outside printing source has presented several problems. First, they need to have the right equipment and be proficient with it this alone cuts down the list of potential printers. Second, they have to be willing to take on an account that consists of fussy, very short-run orders this cuts the list down even further. Last and probably most important, they need to service the account after they take it on. This has been the big hangup. So far both printers Ive used have delivered a decent product at a reasonable cost, but never on time, and both have been pretty shabby about keeping me in the loop about delays in delivery dates. This puts me in the position of not having adequate answers for your questions, which I absolutely hate. Im continuing to search for other printers and have one that sounds promising. But then the last guy sounded promising too.
Beyond that, I had another work-related commitment that took me away from the computer for a few days, and twice in the past month I got socked with adware and malware to the point that I had to back up my drive and reinstall my operating system; that was another three or four days. First thing I knew I was a week and a half behind on my e-mail, and I get a considerable volume these days. I am clawing away at it though; no ones been forgotten.
Again, I apologize to all of you whove been patiently waiting. I appreciate the interest youve shown in my little (well, not so little anymore) undertaking. Im not at all satisfied with the level of service Ive been able to provide you, and I intend to work toward improving it. Any and all suggestions to that end are welcome and appreciated.
Michael