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The article focuses on cost-cutting measures being made in catalog paper. Scaling back on grade quality and/or basis weights of catalog papers is one of the first places catalogers look to cut costs. A lighter basis weight is being used by plenty of marketers to lessen the quality of their paper to offset postage increase. Trends that are affecting catalog paper selection are explored. INSET: KEEPING PAPER WEIGHT LOW FOR POSTAGE BREAKS.

The article offers suggestions for catalogers on testing what paper works best for their catalogs. One is to work closely with the printer and paper supplier to discuss about the parameters of printing the catalog. Another is to make sure to test different segments of the file including prospects. The use of slightly dingier paper for mailings when colors are darker is also advisable. INSET: THE GREEN EFFECT.

The author offers tips for catalogers on how to reduce their catalog design and production expenses. She states that catalog creative is one of the most expensive elements of marketing. She recommends evaluating the catalog paper weight and notes that it has no effect on customer behavior. She also suggests for catalogers to develop one-on-one relationships with customers.

The article discusses the challenges facing print catalogers trying to purchase paper in the U.S. in 2008. Mill shutdowns continue to affect catalog paper supply. According to Miles Kimball marketing manager Ryan Hennig, the company had to change its paper stock when its text paper was discontinued in February. Ross-Simons jewelry and decor merchant tries to stay ahead of potential paper supply problems by using a dual vendor strategy.

The article offers information on what to do during a press check. According to the author, if an owner of a catalog is disappointed with his sales tool, it is likely that the catalog will fail to impress consumers and prospects. She mentioned that the first thing to look at is the proof. The author also stated that it is important to check the paper used. She also suggested getting a mockup for further checking. INSET: Before the press check.

Discusses ways to solve catalog damages caused by manufacturing, handling and the postal system during the delivery. Views of Don Landis, vice president of postal affairs at Arandell Corp., on the decision of catalogers to change paper weight; Factors that increase the chances of damage of catalogs that are meant to pass through the AFSM 100 automated flat sorting machine; Recommendation of most experts on the type of paper to use for catalog covers.

Focuses on the impact of strikes and lockout conducted by labor unions on paper prices in 2005. Impact of a lockout implemented by the Finnish Forest Industries Federation in Finland following the failure of its talks with the Finnish Paperworkers' Union representing paper mill employees on paper prices; Effect of the continuing strike at UPM-Kymmene Group's lightweight coated paper mill in Canada on the supply for coated groundwood in North America; Approaches used by catalogers to address the price changes in paper.

Reports on the marketing strategies of catalogers to deal with the paper price hike. Analysis of the situation by Bill Dean, managing director of Bruce, Dean & Co., a San Francisco-based catalog consultant; Note on the effect of the paper cost hike on leading catalogers like Dodgeville, Wisconsin-based Lands' End, the Minnetonka, based in Minnesota and others.

The article examines pricing trends in the paper industry that affect print catalog businesses. According to the author, prices for coated groundwood grade paper increased by around 20 percent in 2010 mainly because of paper mills cutting down supplies of paper during the year. Further price increases are predicted if more paper mills are shutdown within the period. For 2011, industry analysts are not expecting any price increase in paper during the early part of the year. INSET: ST. MARYS PAPER MILL GOING BACK ONLINE.

The article reports on the launch by NewPage Corp., a producer of publication papers in North America, of the Free Paper to Reach More campaign aimed at helping retail catalog companies expand their marketing efforts amid the economic difficulties. Under the campaign, five catalog companies will be awarded with a grand-prize of 100 tons of paper to reach approximately 500,000 new prospects.

The article reports on trends and development in the paper industry that concern the catalog business in 2006. Prices of paper are reported. Trends in the demand and supply of paper are noted. Factors that affected paper prices are reported.

Reports that floor covering merchant Interface Flor has changed its paper stock and reduced its trim size to better showcase its product line in 2005. Type of paper stock used by Interface Flor for its spring 2005 calendar; Comments from Dan Malone, the catalog's vice president of operations; Reason for reducing the catalog's trim size.