Folder Focus: QUALITY SEWING

Inside Panels of Quality Sewing's Personalized Presentation Folders.

As a leading national manufacturer custom presentation folders, we are witness to a daily avalanche of designs that go through our production floor. On many — and frequent — instances, we think to our selves, "for the money they are spending, customers would do well to maximize the potential impact of their folders as it relates to design." In other words we think that they didn't make the most of it and could have done much better.

But every now and then, we come across a piece that makes us exclaim, "Wow! These guys did a great job!" One such piece is by a Washington State based company called Quality Sewing. We interviewed their graphic designer, Tara Smith to learn the story behind their visually-packed folder design.

FOLDERPRINTERS WRITERS: Please describe your company and its services or specialty.

TARA SMITH: Quality Sewing & Vacuum is a family-owned and operated business dedicated to the sewing, crafting, and vacuum needs of the communities we live in. Since 1985, our sewing community has been the heart of our business, which is why we are dedicated to offering a wide range of classes, quality products, and exceptional service. We are committed to creating an inspiring environment for makers and providing a community space for creative people because we believe that sewing is for everyone!

Not only can we help you create, but we also have the largest service and repair center in the country. This means we can get your machine serviced correctly and quickly every time. Sewing brands we offer Brother, Baby Lock, Bernina, Handi Quilter, Janome, Juki, Pfaff, Singer & Viking.

We also carry a full line of vacuum cleaners and accessories including vacuum bags, belts, and filters. Vacuum brands we repair/service and sell include Miele, Riccar, Hoover, Sebo, Shark & Dyson.

FPW: What makes you stand out or differentiates you from your competition (if you have any)?

TS: Quality Sewing & Vacuum stands out for its wide range of products and our dedication to educating and inspiring our customers through engaging classes and events. As a family-owned and operated business, we take pride in delivering exceptional customer service and being a trusted resource for our creative community.

FPW: Are folders in any way a part of it?

TS: Our image folders are a small but meaningful way we stand out. We provide these folders to customers with their courtesy sheets or purchases as a handy way to keep all their important paperwork organized. At the same time, the folders also offer a glimpse into who Quality Sewing is and the many products, services, and opportunities we provide. It’s our way of helping our customers stay informed and connected while adding a thoughtful touch to their experience.

FPW: Who are your main customers?

TS: Our primary customers are those passionate about sewing or in need of a reliable new vacuum. Whether they’re seasoned creators, eager beginners, or simply looking for the best tools to care for their home, we’re here to provide expert guidance and exceptional products to meet their needs.

FPW: What purpose do your folders generally serve? Is it for marketing or selling? If so, What problems or challenges in marketing, selling do the folders solve for you?

TS: Our folders serve as both a pre- and post-sales tool, adding value at every step of the customer experience. When providing a quote, the folder introduces customers to who we are and highlights the wide range of products and services we offer. After a purchase, it becomes a convenient way to keep important paperwork organized while serving as a helpful reminder of the classes, resources, and support we provide to guide them on their creative or cleaning journey.

FPW: What items do you put inside the pockets?

TS: Quote sheets, Sales Orders, Service Contracts.

FPW: Have the folders proven to be effective? Do they work?

TS: Yes, the folders have proven to be highly effective, which is why we continue to use them across all 11 of our stores. Customers appreciate having a dedicated place to keep their important paperwork organized, and it adds a thoughtful touch to their experience. Providing these folders feels like a great way to support our customers by helping them keep everything related to their machine in one convenient spot.

FPW: In this digital, internet age, why use analog presentation folders?

TS: In today’s digital age, there are still moments when having a hard copy of a sales invoice or contract is important to customers. Our presentation folders provide a beautiful and practical way for them to store and organize these documents. It’s a thoughtful touch that adds value to their experience while offering a convenient solution for keeping their paperwork safe and accessible.

FPW: Who designs your folders?

TS: We have an in-house graphic designer who creates our folders.

FPW: What was your aesthetic philosophy or aim in coming up with the final design?

TS: Functional & informational.

FPW: Are these your first professionally printed folders? What made you decide to go with Folderprinters?

TS: No, we have ordered from Folderprinters in the past.

FPW: If not, had you been working with a printer, and what made you switch to Folderprinters?

TS: We had been working with a different company but their art submission process was very cumbersome. Folderprinters had competitive prices and are much easier to order from.

FPW: Did you look at other folder sellers’ websites? What made you choose us?

TS: Yes, we do shop around. We went with Folderprinters based on price and ease of ordering.

FPW: What was your experience using the website? Was it easy to use?

TS: The website is very user friendly and makes ordering a breeze.

FPW: Did you easily find the product you were looking for?

TS: Yes.

FPW: Did the final product meet your expectations?

TS: Yes.

Our Takeaway

As can be gleaned form the images above, Quality Sewing maximized the printable are of their custom presentation folders. But they didn't just arbitrarily slap on images; it was well thought out and executed. Every image was relevant. Some of their products were shown in colors that are lively.

Their services, policies and other offerings are laid out in a way that does not look like a cheap coupon or sketchy ad. Even their YouTube channel is featured; talk about a melding of analog and digital.

The result is a pleasantly striking and informative presentation folder.