Why do I need a catalog?

• A catalog puts your products right at your customers’ fingertips, 24/7.
• Your catalog and other marketing materials generate name recognition.
• Catalogs reduce special orders and credit memos because your customer can identify and order the right product the first time.
• Catalogs increase inside sales and therefore, profit.
• Catalog marketing allows vendor co-op opportunities.

Why should I choose a SAMS catalog?

A catalog from SAMS is a complete solution; we write your item descriptions, scan your images, design your pages, manage your print process and deliver a top quality catalog either to your loading dock or into your customer’s mailbox. 

Why shouldn’t I produce my catalog in-house?

Your staff is busy serving your customers and running your business.  Adding a catalog project to their workload diverts their focus and reduces their productivity, increasing your operating expenses.  With SAMS, you get expert staff whose full attention is focused on delivering a professional catalog.  In other words, we take care of your catalog while you take care of your business.

What about my website?  I already have so much invested.

A printed catalog complements your website by giving your customers all the information they need to purchase online.  A printed catalog is also available where Internet access is limited…on the road and at the job site.

What industries does SAMS serve?

We have produced catalogs for clients in the HVAC, Marine, Cabinet Hardware, Janitorial, Industrial Hardware, Building Materials and Plumbing industries.  We are constantly pursuing new opportunities in both wholesale and retail markets.

What products should go into my catalog?

Our clients typically display the top 20% of their stocked items in their product line catalogs. 

How many copies should I print?

Our clients generally print twice as many catalogs as they have active accounts.

Can my catalog qualify for vendor co-op programs?

Many vendors offer co-op programs based on a percentage of your purchases from them.  You should contact your vendor representatives for the details of their co-op programs.  When your catalog project is complete, SAMS will provide a final statement as well as a template which you can use to assist in collecting co-op program funds.

Are there other ways to offset the catalog cost?

In addition to their co-op programs, vendors will sometimes purchase advertising space in their distributors' catalogs.  SAMS can help organize the inclusion of advertising inserts, section openers, back or inside covers and more!

Will you tell us if we’ve exceeded our budget or estimated page count?

Your SAMS project manager will keep you informed of any changes occurring in the estimated page count of your project as they work through your item selection.

How much more does it cost to get a 4-color catalog?

We will quote your catalog as 1, 2 or 4-color… whatever you desire.  Our rule of thumb is that 4-color work is about 40% more expensive than 1 color.

I don’t know where to start such a large project.  Can you tell me how to get going?

SAMS is staffed with catalog publishing experts who will guide you through the process and advise you on the decisions that need to be made along the way.

Can we use our catalog data on our web site?

The data in your catalog is your data and can be repurposed.  We provide you with the FrameMaker files used to create your catalog.  In addition, we supply PDF files for each of the catalog chapters.  Those PDF files may be uploaded to your website, or you may also choose to have us extract a raw HTML file from FrameMaker.

What other ways can I re-use my catalog data?

In addition to your full-line catalog, SAMS can publish niche catalogs, sales flyers, CD-ROMs and other marketing materials.  These specialized marketing materials are excellent ways to showcase overstock or sale items, promote seasonal items, or introduce new product lines to your customers.  They can also generate brand and product recognition with your customers and help keep your marketing message fresh between editions of your full-line catalog.