French Paper Ordering FAQ: What I Wish I'd Known Before My First (and Costliest) Mistake

A print production manager shares hard-won lessons from years of ordering specialty paper, answering the real questions designers and agencies have about working with French Paper and avoiding expensive reprints. [...]
Continue reading

The Hidden Cost of 'Good Enough': Why Your Commercial Dispenser Choice Matters More Than You Think

A quality manager's perspective on the long-term operational and financial impact of commercial washroom dispenser decisions, moving beyond just the initial purchase price. [...]
Continue reading

The Real Cost of 'Cheap' Packaging: A Procurement Manager's Deep Dive

Why the lowest quote for glass jars or bottles is often the most expensive mistake you can make. An honest look at hidden fees, quality pitfalls, and the true meaning of value in B2B packaging. [...]
Continue reading

The Hidden Cost of Cheap Printing: Why Your Business Cards Keep Getting Rejected

A print production manager shares costly mistakes and the real reasons behind common print job failures, from file setup to material choices, with actionable advice for getting it right the first time. [...]
Continue reading

Why I Won't Tolerate Vendors Who Look Down on Small Orders

An office administrator with $150k in annual purchasing power argues that treating small orders seriously is a sign of a reliable, long-term partner, not a sign of weakness. [...]
Continue reading

The Real Cost of 'Cheap' Printing: A Procurement Manager's Guide to Avoiding Hidden Fees

As a procurement manager who's tracked over $180,000 in printing spend, I break down the hidden costs behind low quotes for posters, water bottles, and more. Learn why the cheapest option often ends up costing you more. [...]
Continue reading

The Dixie Dilemma: Why Your 'Good Enough' Disposables Might Be Costing You More Than You Think

A quality manager breaks down the hidden costs of choosing disposable tableware based on price and convenience alone, and how to spot the real value in products like Dixie cups with lids and heavyweight paper plates. [...]
Continue reading

The Dart Container Quote That Taught Me to Always Read the Fine Print

A procurement manager shares a story about a seemingly straightforward packaging order that revealed hidden costs and led to a hard lesson in total cost of ownership (TCO). [...]
Continue reading

The Rush Order That Almost Cost Us $12,000: What I Learned About Last-Minute Packaging

A packaging procurement specialist shares a real-world story about a critical rush order gone wrong, the hidden costs of 'saving money,' and the lessons that changed how their company handles emergency deadlines. [...]
Continue reading

Berry Global Aluminum Packaging: The Hidden Cost of 'Leadership' (A Procurement Manager's Reality Check)

A cost controller with six years of budget oversight explains why Berry Global's aluminum packaging leadership might not translate to the best value for your business, based on a detailed analysis of total cost of ownership. [...]
Continue reading