Since our initial review of financial printers in 2007, the industry has undergone significant transformation, with the number of players decreasing by over half. This decline is attributed to a drop in demand for printed materials, driven by the rise of Notice and Access and a prevailing belief in the web as the optimal, fastest, and most cost-effective means of disseminating crucial corporate information. The relentless pursuit of cost reduction by corporations has also contributed to the diminishing demand.

Despite these challenges, a few traditional financial printers endure, emphasizing that competition still thrives in the USA, and financial printing remains fundamentally a service-oriented business – a key consideration for savvy buyers. Notably, new entrants, such as Broadridge Financial Solutions, have emerged, offering digital printing expertise, size, strength, and a convenient “one-stop-shopping” solution during annual meetings.

In the last two years, a growing awareness has emerged among companies that reducing the quality and quantity of printed materials can be detrimental. Well-designed printed materials have an immediate impact, prompting recipients to engage with the content. As corporate governance matters become more complex, attention has shifted towards effective ways of capturing readers’ attention, garnering support, and securing votes.

Printed materials convey a strong message about a company’s strength and its commitment to shareholders. While web-based models are gaining ground, with the “push model” often garnering more shareholder attention than the “pull model,” the design and functionality of materials and voting sites can influence outcomes.

In the realm of financial printing, we, as purchasers ourselves, emphasize the importance of relationships with financial printers. Changing printers can be challenging and disruptive, and maintaining good relationships yields dividends. Nevertheless, regular benchmarking of market prices and services ensures that you are getting value for your investment.

Key advice:

• Prioritize relationships with financial printers for long-term benefits.
• Regularly benchmark market prices and services to ensure competitiveness.
• Exercise caution when letting other suppliers buy printing for you to avoid hidden surcharges.
• Employ a well-designed RFP process to secure a good deal and prevent surprises in billing.
• Use phone calls from those knowledgeable about the printing business to negotiate better pricing.
  Scrutinize printing bills for surcharges, extras, and mathematical errors.
• Conduct due diligence on new printers, checking D&B reports, to ensure a sustainable and reliable long-term relationship.