ONE-STOP VS. NICHE PRINTERS — SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT

“It’s our expertise in one area that drives success in another,” he adds. “Success breeds success, and once you understand how to provide a high-quality service and product, you just continue to duplicate that. Customers have responded positively to our expanded offering.”

Then there is the niche that is clearly outdated, but those who love old-school technology refuse to let it die. Quality Letterpress is a two-person storefront operation in San Diego, operated by brothers Tim and Matt Butler (their dog, Coltrane, keeps the peace). As its name suggests, Quality is strictly a letterpress shop, with some foil stamping and embossing, providing invitations for brides and ideas galore for graphic designers. Some trade work is also performed by the Butlers; Tim used to work at a print shop, running ABDicks and Multiliths.