ONLINE INTERFACES -- Printers Set Sites on Clients

The printer originally developed its own online quote request forms, which are specific to the product, Madsen says. Its envelope request, for example, lists all of the common sizes of envelopes, and folded products are shown as drawings to aid less knowledgeable buyers.

"We are working on a new service for two of our clients that will enable users to pull up 'approved' versions of templates for their letterhead, business cards and other documents. They then can type into changeable fields, view an online proof and place their order," Madsen notes. "This is for a couple of our corporate clients with offices all over the country."