Unique Industry Training Program Teaches INs and OUTs of Direct Marketing

Instant Web’s Direct Marketing Academy Serves Direct Marketers Seeking Further Education

Chanhassen, Minn. (Oct. 15, 2000) – In earlier decades, the print production learning curve in direct marketing may have been as steep but the deadlines stretched longer and a purchaser of production services had fewer projects to shepherd through the process. Now, a direct marketing buying department may have fewer staff, more responsibilities and less time to get established on the learning curve.

Understanding all the details of direct marketing services can be difficult if proper training has not been offered. The Instant Web Companies, providing integrated printing, envelope and mailing services for direct marketers, is promoting the Direct Marketing Academy, a free training service to clients looking for assistance in training new buyers and other staff in the direct marketing production cycle. The academy also trains sales and customer service associates of The Instant Web Companies in all aspects of direct marketing production so associates can be consultative, guiding clients through a direct marketing campaign.

“The focus is to provide clients and Instant Web employees with a technical understanding of printing, envelope manufacturing, lettershop services, mail preparation and U.S. Postal Service regulations,” said Kurt Ruppel, Instant Web’s corporate training manager. “Hundreds of clients and employees have attended the academy’s sessions.”

The academy is presently taking specific class requests from a course list that includes: Paper and Ink, Color Theory, Pre-press, Envelope Design, Envelope Manufacturing, Envelope Printing, Press Capabilities, Promotional Plastics, Data Center/Tape Processing, Imaging (Personalization), Continuous Form Design, Finishing (Bindery), Lettershop, Postal Basics and Reply Mail Design Issues.

Ruppel, a 17-year employee of The Instant Web Companies, was integral in establishing the academy. Instant Web has offered training since 1995, but the number of courses has increased significantly since the Direct Marketing Academy was officially formed in May 1999.

The Instant Web Companies, headquartered in Chanhassen, Minn., with a logistics management facility in Little Falls, Minn., has served the North American printing and mailing market for over 30 years. The Instant Web Companies provides integrated printing, envelope and mailing services for direct marketers.

<<back>>