You know you need to bind some pages together into a booklet, but you may not know where to start.  With so many binding options out there, how do you know which is the right choice to make when choosing a binding style?  And once you decide on the binding style that is right for you, how do you decide which binding equipment is best for your job?

Hopefully we can clear up some of the confusion and provide you with some helpful tips as you select a binding machine that meets your needs.   Here are 5 questions you can ask to help assess your needs as you choose a binding machine.

When choosing a binding machine, you should ask . . . .

1. What are my project needs?
   Often, there are multiple factors that come into play when making a decision about your binding needs.  For example, budget may be important, but so is reliability.  Or you may need to mail your documents, but you also want a binding style that is, well, stylish.  Other potential needs might include ease of use, equipment durability, equipment speed, overall performance, supply costs, number of sheets, as well as ongoing support.  This is a brainstorming step where you list all of your project needs.
2. What is my most important need? 
   Since most decision making is a give and take, you’ll want to prioritize your needs established in step 1.  For example, if you only have $500 to spend, it doesn’t matter how many sheets at a time you would like your binding machine to punch, because you will be limited somewhat by your budget. In some cases though, budget should not primarily dictate your purchase decision.  If you need to keep up with high volume demand, then speed and efficiency would be your most important needs.  Or if your first priority is to mail bound documents, then your choice would be narrowed somewhat based on this business requirement.  So determine at the start what is most important to you as this will help you narrow down your options.
3. Which binding style will best meet my needs?
   Now that you have prioritized your needs and identified your most important need, it’s time to look at which options meet those needs.  Our binding style comparison page is a good place to start.  A chart like this (you can even make your own) can help you to visualize which style best provides the features you need.
4. Which binding equipment is best?
   This is the step where you take all the information you have gathered so far regarding your binding needs and continue to narrow down your choices.  By now, you should have established a budget, determined your volume needs (high volume vs. low volume) and figured out which binding style works for your project.  Now you’re ready to compare equipment by style.  Our binding equipment comparison page will give you an “at a glance” comparison chart to help you make the best decision. 
5. Who has the experience and ability to help me best?
   You don’t want to feel like you’re “doing it alone” when you embark on a binding project.  Is the local office store going to be able to answer your questions about the various equipment you’re thinking about?  Does your supplier have a large stock of bindings and covers to accommodate your project needs? Look for a company with years of experience helping people like you in a variety of situations and with just the right equipment to get the job done right. 

Let us know if we can help answer any questions you might have or provide you with samples.  Call us at 1-800-284-2463 or take a look at the binding section on our website for more information.

www.presentationsdirect.com