The New York Times is a Commercial Printer?

Now, commercial printers don't just have to compete with each other for customers.

In an effort to combat declining ad revenues and provide more to consumers, the New York Times announced last week that it will offer commercial printing services to its customers. As print classified ads and subscription bases continue to shrink, newspapers are forced to find new revenue streams. Producing pamphlets and brochures to advertisers is a natural way to use the Times' economies of scale.

Welcome to the next step in digital printing.

The Times intends to leverage its buying power and market position to offer digital production at an attractive price. In addition to New York Magazine inserts and New York Times inserts (everything from DVDs to scent strips), the Times is producing freestanding pamphlets, brochures and postcards. The Times will even be producing newsletters/newspapers to try and improve operating efficiencies on their presses.

The new business approach might just be working. The Times reported that pre-print distribution business is up 20 percent in the past year.

"We are pleased to offer our advertisers and potential advertisers a host of new printing and production services," said Jyll Holzman, senior vice president of advertising, The New York Times.

If you're thinking about offering commercial printer services to your customers, consider JJ Bender for all your equipment needs.