People always prefer some incentives such as freebies and discounts whenever they buy something. Businesses use this tendency in their advantage by adopting various methods to promote their sales. Offering coupons have become inevitable business tools for any business. Traditionally manufactures and shop owners print coupons in volumes and distribute them through newspapers and magazines whenever a new product is launched or to get new customers. Proliferation of internet has changed all these. This is the age of e-commerce; people can do anything just clicking a button from their homes, from buying grocery to reserving their funeral place.

Printable coupons, also often called as “print-at-home-coupons” are online coupons available on internet. They are one of the most used coupon varieties by all sort people very extensively. These coupons can be printed at home or any other places according to their convenience. All they have to do is, visit a website of manufacturer or retailer or products, register their name and other required information, select the type of coupon they need, download a small piece of software called coupon printers, print the coupon there itself in their printer and avail the discount by presenting this printed coupon to the shopkeeper when the goods are purchased. It is child’s play and doesn’t require huge efforts. In some cases after registering the name in the website, the manufacture send the coupons or coupon codes though email and people can print it at home and avail the discount on purchasing the product.

Printable internet coupons bear their identifying marks. They may be in black and white of in colors. Any graphic capable printers like LaserJet or Ink Jet printers can be used to print internet coupons. Normally, these coupons printed on A4 size papers and often clipped along with the dotted lines. A typical internet printable coupon contains barcodes such as UPCA or EAN standards just like any other traditional coupons. Printable internet coupons also contain various other details such as offer value, product, pack size, expiry date if any the terms and conditions for redemption.

Printable internet coupons are prone to fraud and misuse like any other items. Printing duplicate coupons and mis-redemptions are the most common coupon related frauds. Both consumers and sellers indulge such frauds from time to time. Product manufacturers and sellers have taken several measures to counter such frauds. They have incorporated security features like customer ID numbers, barcodes, and invisible security codes, etc in order to prevent such malpractices. They also put limitation on usages like printing one coupon for one family and validity date, etc. Despite of all these frauds and misuses printable coupons are going to stay for long benefiting both consumers and businesses.

Leon Groom
http://www.articlesbase.com/internet-articles/printable-coupons-107132.html

If you are concerned about the environment, you already know not to just throw those empty cartridges and toners in the trash. Through those disposal means, your empty ink containers could end up sitting in the landfill for decades. The good news is there are better ways to dispose of these items and many of these methods are helpful to the environment.

Reasons Not to Throw Away

If you’re wondering if choosing one of the options below is worth the effort, just thin about a few statistics. Every single minute of the day, fewer than 500 cartridges are thrown in the trash. Those ink cartridges travel from our trash to the local landfill. If you took all of those cartridges’ weights and added them together, you’d get a figure that is equal to the same weight as more than 112,000 Volkswagen Beetles!

Recycle

As interest in eco-friendly disposal methods has increased, more recycling programs have popped up and offer a good alternative to tossing toners and cartridges in the trash. You can find these recycle programs in a number of ways. Many stores have drop boxes where you place your empty cartridges for recycling. Some school programs and periodical local events also give you a chance to recycle them. If you don’t want to wait, go online and you’ll be able to find programs that will let you mail in your empties for recycling. Usually, the mailing materials will be sent to you for free.

Refill & Reuse

You can actually recycle your ink cartridges right at home in a way. If you think about it, each time you buy a new cartridge, you’re not just wasting the empty plastic cartridge but also all of the packaging that comes with that cartridge. To avoid that, you can simply have the cartridge refilled. You can purchase the kits in your local stores and most are fairly easy to use. Be warned that some of the printer companies don’t like the refill option so don’t wait until your cartridge is completely empty or else you may have a hard time getting your printer to recognize the replaced refilled cartridge.

Return

A number of manufacturers have programs available that allow you to return your empties in order to save money on your next purchase. For example, Lexmark toners’ packages come with instructions on how to mail back the empty toner to the company. Usually, the discount you would receive is already subtracted from the purchase price in good faith that you will return the toner.

John C. Arkin
http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/how-to-dispose-your-old-inkjet-or-toner-printers-with-environment-in-mind-689277.html

When it comes to brochure printing, there is a lot to consider before you place your order. Here are some topics to think about before you start the brochure printing process.

1. Size

You need to decide on the size of your brochure – both page-wise and physical size-wise. The number of pages will impact how you write your brochure because less pages equals less content. You will need to really focus your brochure’s message for a smaller brochure. The physical size will affect your layout and therefore your room for text and graphics.

2. Paper choice

Try to choose a paper that is not so thin that it lets the ink seep from the front of the paper to the back, creating see-through panels. You also need to make sure your paper is not too thick so that it folds nicely and stays folded in the brochure rack. The ideal brochure paper has a “vertical grain” and is at least 70-lb. coated paper stock.

3. Brochure quantity

You need to discuss pricing for how many brochures you need to print. Ask your printer about the minimum number of pieces that need to be printed to take advantage of a web-fed press. Items printed on a web-fed press cost less than a sheet-fed press because it is less time-consuming and large sheets of paper (webs of paper) cost less to produce than individual sheets of paper. Do not be surprised if your printer quotes a number of 50,000 or more pieces.

4. Know how to fold ‘em

You have three main folding options: bi-fold (two folds equaling four panels), tri-fold (three folds equaling six panels) or a z-fold, which is similar to a tri-fold in that it has six panels. The way you fold your brochure will dictate the order your information is presented.

5. Combining print runs

If you can, try to design two brochures that will be printed at the same time. This way you can get a bulk discount for printing both brochures at once. They will also have the same color quality, which will make their look and feel that much closer. If you do not have any other brochures you would like to print, ask other area businesses if they are planning on doing any brochure printing soon and both of you might be able to get your brochures printed on the same run, saving you both money. Check with your printer first, though, to make sure you will qualify for a bulk discount.

6. Shipping internationally?

If you are mailing your brochures to international customers, you need to make sure you have “PRINTED IN USA” somewhere on your brochure along with the date. You probably will not mail brochures internationally too often, so using the date (month and year are sufficient) will help you when dealing with international orders.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit:  Brochure Printing

Lynne Saarte
http://www.articlesbase.com/online-business-articles/6-topics-to-think-over-before-brochure-printing-530353.html

Adding some pizzazz to your Disney Scrapbook need not be a hard thing just some creative thought. With these four tips you will be well on your way to creating a stunning Disney Scrapbook

Tip Number 1 – Create It Yourself

Create your own unique stencil or mask. Choose a design or character that you love and draw or trace it onto a piece of clear acetate or thick cardboard. Then carefully cut the design out, be sure that when you are cutting you are keeping the edges smooth. When you have finished cutting the design out push out the image and there you have it your own personal stencil. Use spray or acrylic paint, dye or ink to transfer the image onto your layout.

Tip Number 2 – Print and Stick

By printing letters straight onto adhesive backed paper you can take all the hard work out of adhering hand-cut letters and titles to your Disney layout. Once the letters or titles have been printed, cut them out as per usual by peeling off the backing and stick the letters directly on your layout. You can purchase adhesive backed papers or labels from computer stores or stationery stores and they come in a large selection of sizes and colors’.

Tip Number 3 – Print and Scratch

Transfers are a great way to add some detail to your pages, you can create your own rub-ons and use them over and over again! You just need transparency paper, an inkjet printer and a popsicle stick and you are on your way. Insert the transparency into your inkjet printer, so that it prints on the smooth side of the transparency, have the text/image you want to have as a rub on ready to print from your computer. Format your printer settings so that it is set to print on “plain paper”, “best quality” and “mirror image” (the image needs to be reversed especially if you are printing text or it will appear backwards). And then print. Let it dry for about 3-5 minutes, careful not to touch it. Place the transparency smooth side down onto your Disney scrapbook page precisely where you want the image/text to appear, holding firmly in place, and rub with a popsicle stick just like you would any other rub on. Don’t be afraid to push to hard, and make sure you rub the entire image. Carefully take away the transparency and let ink completely dry before touching. Use a damp cloth or paper towel to clean off your transparency to prepare it for your next rub-on, you can re-use the transparency over and over and over again.

Tip Number 4 – Cutting costs

Trying to keep up with the latest trends in scrapbooking can be expensive. You can save some money by visiting your local hardware store or discount store to find some great bargains. In your local hardware store you can find great little trinkets such as name plates, key ring holders and brass rings just to name a few items. Discount stores have now caught onto the craze of scrapbooking as well and stock some interesting products that can add some fun to your Disney scrapbook page.

Creating a stunning scrapbook does not mean you need to break the bank, with the top four ideas you will be on your way to creating memorable scrapbooks that will last a life time.

Gloria Morson
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/4-tips-on-how-to-add-some-pizzazz-to-your-disney-scrapbook-688288.html

How to Save Green When Buying Blue

In the mid-Fifteenth Century, when Johann Guttenburg brought movable type printing to the western world I doubt he envisioned the industry he would create. Today, printing is a significant line item on every business budget. Invoices, contracts, business cards, letterhead, and brochures are all part of the day-to-day operations of every business.

Often when the bill comes, it feels like you are carrying the whole $90 billion industry by yourself. There are, however, ways to save money on printing, if you know the right questions to ask.

The most important thing to remember if you want to save money on printing is that printing is a production business. Large jobs and long runs are less expensive than short ones, so plan ahead! The most expensive part of the process is the set up. Once the press is running, your per piece cost goes down with every page you print. For example: I recently designed a small tri-fold brochure for a client. The printer’s quote looked like this:

500 pieces $450

1,500 pieces $650

2,500 pieces $750

This is fairly typical whether you are printing 500 or 5,000 pieces. The more you print, the lower the per piece cost. It was easy for this client to make the decision to print the higher quantity instead of planning a reprint six months later. But what if you really don’t need more?

Ask about GANG RUNS. When you print 1,000 postcards your printer is actually laying them out on a larger sheet of paper possibly 4 to a page or 8 to a page.

When printing is complete, the printer will cut the page divide the finished project into piles. It doesn’t matter to him if the four piles are the same or different, but your savings could be tremendous. Using the Gang Run format, you can actually create four different cards and print them at the same time. Look at the potential savings on four batches of 1,000 postcards:

Printed separately $500 each run for a total of $2,000

Printed in a gang run for a total of $750

The benefits are obvious, but there is work involved. You must invest time up front to think about your printing needs for the next six months or year. Then bring that plan to a meeting with a printer, and let him help you look for ways to save money.

Another way to use the gang run is to create a “shell”. Letterhead is an example of a shell. With your logo and address at the top, the center is blank so you can run individual letters through your desktop printer one at a time.

This same strategy will work with postcards or newsletters. Working with your printer, design a shell and pre-print a one-year supply in color. Then when you need some, you can either print small quantities on your in-house printer, or have the commercial printer overprint the specific information in black ink. The result; the finished product has a professional, full color look, for significantly less.

Creative use of color can also save you money. Black and white doesn’t have to be boring! Using reverses and ½ tones you can create the illusion a piece has more than one or two colors. Also, one color in doesn’t have to be black. Dark blues and dark greens are extremely legible, and much more eye catching, without being any more expensive.

Talk to your printer about paper. Find out about their “House Sheets.” These are usually adequate quality for most projects, and because they buy large quantities, your price is lower than for a specialty paper. Sometimes, changing paper grades from 100lb to 80lb can cut your cost, but you may not be happy with the quality so always ask for a sample. This is where printers will look to cut cost, so if you are getting multiple bids, make sure you get paper samples.

Establish a relationship with one printer, rather than looking for the lowest bid every time. In the long run, this relationship will save you time and money. A printer who knows you are price shopping they will quote a low price, with no extras, because they know you will go somewhere else next time to save a few pennies. However, if they are working with you on a regular basis they will look for ways to add value.

For example, my printer checks all my files before they go on press. She has caught spelling errors, or other small mistakes I missed. Yes, I pay a bit more, but it is a lot less expensive then re-running the project.

We work together to schedule my projects. She is willing to give me a small discount, if I can give her extra time to print a project. Sometimes, she will tuck my small job into a hole in her production schedule or combine it on a gang run with another one of her customers. And every now and then she throws in the little extra, over-runs at no extra charge, or a paper upgrade because she has a small supply of really nice paper left over from a larger project.

Printing is a big part of your budget, but with upfront planning and the right relationship you can manage your costs!

Lorraine Ball
http://www.articlesbase.com/international-marketing-articles/how-to-save-green-when-buying-blue-521921.html

You might that it is silly to buy two printers I have a simple reason why, like many others, chose to have two printers instead of just one. One is set up for color printing while the other is black and white.

Another reason is to keep the printers healthy. With the printers assigned differently, it reduces the strain on them by distributing the work. It isn’t one printer doing 100% of the work and getting all the paper jams, errors and other physical injuries within the system. It’s two printers working to help each other out, getting more breaks and keeping the engine from overworking. This lengthens their longevity while increasing the quality of their products.

People do this for many reasons. The first reason, and maybe the least helpful for the printer, is just organization. Having one printer set for color makes it easier to focus all color tasks to it and not have to worry about changing printer settings, worrying about readjusting the quality of changing settings, and trying to remember if it might be out of ink for the certain task. With each printer have its own purpose, it is easier to manage it and keep it stocked and properly aligned.

The drawback, of course, is space. Two printers take up at least double the space of one printer. It can be even more of a hassle when one printer is a bit larger than the average sized printer. Properly preparing for this and setting aside the right space along with keeping the computer desk and area organized and tidy is the best solution to this problem. Once you keep in mind of how hard or easy it will be to load the fresh paper and ink into the printer and how much space it will take up when the papers are printed, usually because of a pull out paper catcher, the space issue really isn’t a problem.

Another drawback can be the cost. Two printers are more expensive than just one, but there are usually lots of great deals to help with this. When buying a new computer, or sometimes even going to get a new printer and equipment, one can find lots of good deals going on. Finding one that can get you a second printer at a discount may not always be easy, but when it is there it is quite the opportunity. Even without and the cost seeming a bit more than one would want to spend, the outcome is well worth it. The longer-lasting printers with less problems will quickly be worth their cost.

Two printers may not be for everyone, and maybe some people still don’t agree with the benefits outweighing the drawbacks, but it is a much smarter move in the long run especially if you are planning on printing things out a lot. Whether a college student or someone starting up a home business, or even just the casual person that likes to write or make homemade cards for people, it is a great idea to get two printers. The less downtime with readjusting and fixing problems, the easier your life will be.

Steve Buchanan
http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/why-two-printers-111059.html

Your printer ink cartridges play as big a part in the final quality of your print as the paper that you use. If you use cheap paper, your print quality will suffer and in many cases the same is true of using cheap ink cartridges. This isn’t always the case, however. Discount ink can be bought in a few different ways and each of them has advantages and disadvantages.

Refill Ink

The first option for cheap ink is to refill your empty cartridges. This is generally the cheapest of all the alternatives, but it is also tends to wind up with the lowest quality prints.

It’ll depend on what brand and model of printer you have, but many of the newer printers are difficult to refill. It can also be quite messy because you’re dealing with bottled ink, trying to inject it back into the empty cartridge.

Recycled Cartridges

There are plenty of companies that recycle cartridges for you. They basically take the empty cartridges, clean them up, refill the ink and test them.

This is more expensive than refilling your own because you’re paying for the labor involved, but it tends to give you better results.

These companies have refilling and cleaning equipment that can do a much better job of remanufacturing your empty cartridge. They also generally offer a guarantee on their work, so if the cartridge doesn’t work properly you can either get a replacement or get your money back.

Generic Brand Cartridges

Generic cartridges are not as common as the other two options, mainly because many printer companies have patents on their ink cartridges so no other companies can duplicate them.

There are some cartridges that you can find brand new generic replacement ink for. These generic cartridge are not recycled, they are new but they aren’t made by the printer companies themselves.

These cartridges tend to be the highest priced of the three options, but they are still cheaper than the original cartridges, and work just as well.

Which option will be best for you is going to depend a lot on how much printing you do, and what you’re printing. If you’re printing photos that you want to be able to keep for a lifetime, you’ll have different needs than if you’re just printing copies of web pages for future reference.

Frank Bolsom
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/3-types-of-cheap-ink-cartridges-89383.html

During these hard economic times, we’re all searching for ways to save money on basic consumer products. Although the price of printers remains low, the money spent on ink cartridges adds up quickly, especially if you do a lot of high-volume printing. Over the lifespan of your printer, it’s not unusual for your ink and toner costs to exceed the original price of the printer itself. So take a look at this guide, and you’ll find some simple solutions to saving money on printer supplies.

1.)    Print in “Draft Mode”: Most modern printers have a setting that uses less ink for each print job. Although your text may be lighter than normal, you should take advantage of this great feature when you don’t need perfect results.

2.)    Buy in bulk: Buying printer supplies in bulk may cost a lot up front, but it’s a great way to save money in the long run. Most manufacturers offer significant savings if you purchase their consumables in large quantities, including paper, ink and toner.

3.)    Opt for remanufactured or recycled cartridges: These cartridges go through a recycling process, so that they can be sold and reused at a much lower cost. During this process, the returned ink cartridge is disassembled and cleaned thoroughly. Once they are refilled with fresh ink, each individual cartridge is inspected and then tested to ensure premium quality.

4.)    Proper installation and storage: After you remove the ink cartridge from its package, make sure you install it immediately to prevent any ink from drying out. If you’re storing your cartridge for future use, make sure you put it in a cool, dry place that’s protected from dirt and dust. You’ll also need to keep track of the expiration date—using the cartridge after this date may result in low quality printing or clogging of the printer nozzle. 

5.)    Clean the cartridge regularly: As you continue to use your printer, a small amount of ink will be left in the nozzle after each print job. Over time, this dried ink will build up, causing the device to jam or to produce substandard quality output. Nowadays, most printers come with a maintenance program which can be used to remove clogging. You may have to pay a little extra, but it’s definitely a worthwhile investment.

6.)    Look for economical combination packs: Several manufacturers now offer their customers an economical combination pack of toner and ink. Instead of just monochrome or color, these packs typically include black, white and color printer ink. Discount kits are made with quality components and help save the environment by reusing supplies. If you’re not sure which product is right for you, try speaking with customer service personnel. He/she will help you find just the right toner cartridge for your needs, and then make suggestions on refill or compatible cartridges to save you even more money.

The best way to find great deals on ink cartridges is to shop online. If you choose to go this route, look for online retailers that ship for a low cost or no fee at all.

Stacy Page
http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/saving-money-on-printer-supplies-751446.html

During these hard economic times, we’re all searching for ways to save money on basic consumer products. Although the price of printers remains low, the money spent on ink cartridges adds up quickly, especially if you do a lot of high-volume printing. Over the lifespan of your printer, it’s not unusual for your ink and toner costs to exceed the original price of the printer itself. So take a look at this guide, and you’ll find some simple solutions to saving money on printer supplies.

1.)    Print in “Draft Mode”: Most modern printers have a setting that uses less ink for each print job. Although your text may be lighter than normal, you should take advantage of this great feature when you don’t need perfect results.

2.)    Buy in bulk: Buying printer supplies in bulk may cost a lot up front, but it’s a great way to save money in the long run. Most manufacturers offer significant savings if you purchase their consumables in large quantities, including paper, ink and toner.

3.)    Opt for remanufactured or recycled cartridges: These cartridges go through a recycling process, so that they can be sold and reused at a much lower cost. During this process, the returned ink cartridge is disassembled and cleaned thoroughly. Once they are refilled with fresh ink, each individual cartridge is inspected and then tested to ensure premium quality.

4.)    Proper installation and storage: After you remove the ink cartridge from its package, make sure you install it immediately to prevent any ink from drying out. If you’re storing your cartridge for future use, make sure you put it in a cool, dry place that’s protected from dirt and dust. You’ll also need to keep track of the expiration date—using the cartridge after this date may result in low quality printing or clogging of the printer nozzle. 

5.)    Clean the cartridge regularly: As you continue to use your printer, a small amount of ink will be left in the nozzle after each print job. Over time, this dried ink will build up, causing the device to jam or to produce substandard quality output. Nowadays, most printers come with a maintenance program which can be used to remove clogging. You may have to pay a little extra, but it’s definitely a worthwhile investment.

6.)    Look for economical combination packs: Several manufacturers now offer their customers an economical combination pack of toner and ink. Instead of just monochrome or color, these packs typically include black, white and color printer ink. Discount kits are made with quality components and help save the environment by reusing supplies. If you’re not sure which product is right for you, try speaking with customer service personnel. He/she will help you find just the right toner cartridge for your needs, and then make suggestions on refill or compatible cartridges to save you even more money.

The best way to find great deals on ink cartridges is to shop online. If you choose to go this route, look for online retailers that ship for a low cost or no fee at all.

Stacy Page
http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/saving-money-on-printer-supplies-751446.html

During these hard economic times, we’re all searching for ways to save money on basic consumer products. Although the price of printers remains low, the money spent on ink cartridges adds up quickly, especially if you do a lot of high-volume printing. Over the lifespan of your printer, it’s not unusual for your ink and toner costs to exceed the original price of the printer itself. So take a look at this guide, and you’ll find some simple solutions to saving money on printer supplies.

1.)    Print in “Draft Mode”: Most modern printers have a setting that uses less ink for each print job. Although your text may be lighter than normal, you should take advantage of this great feature when you don’t need perfect results.

2.)    Buy in bulk: Buying printer supplies in bulk may cost a lot up front, but it’s a great way to save money in the long run. Most manufacturers offer significant savings if you purchase their consumables in large quantities, including paper, ink and toner.

3.)    Opt for remanufactured or recycled cartridges: These cartridges go through a recycling process, so that they can be sold and reused at a much lower cost. During this process, the returned ink cartridge is disassembled and cleaned thoroughly. Once they are refilled with fresh ink, each individual cartridge is inspected and then tested to ensure premium quality.

4.)    Proper installation and storage: After you remove the ink cartridge from its package, make sure you install it immediately to prevent any ink from drying out. If you’re storing your cartridge for future use, make sure you put it in a cool, dry place that’s protected from dirt and dust. You’ll also need to keep track of the expiration date—using the cartridge after this date may result in low quality printing or clogging of the printer nozzle. 

5.)    Clean the cartridge regularly: As you continue to use your printer, a small amount of ink will be left in the nozzle after each print job. Over time, this dried ink will build up, causing the device to jam or to produce substandard quality output. Nowadays, most printers come with a maintenance program which can be used to remove clogging. You may have to pay a little extra, but it’s definitely a worthwhile investment.

6.)    Look for economical combination packs: Several manufacturers now offer their customers an economical combination pack of toner and ink. Instead of just monochrome or color, these packs typically include black, white and color printer ink. Discount kits are made with quality components and help save the environment by reusing supplies. If you’re not sure which product is right for you, try speaking with customer service personnel. He/she will help you find just the right toner cartridge for your needs, and then make suggestions on refill or compatible cartridges to save you even more money.

The best way to find great deals on ink cartridges is to shop online. If you choose to go this route, look for online retailers that ship for a low cost or no fee at all.

Stacy Page
http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/saving-money-on-printer-supplies-751446.html