A random survey of almost 200 readers of GAM (Graphic Arts Magazine) taken in May has yielded some facts that you may find surprising – and that we’ll be following-up on with the goal of making our magazine more informative, more helpful and more engaging. Here are some of the highlights:
- The majority surveyed worked primarily in the commercial printing, graphic design, signage and label-printing sectors.
- Most (over 50%) were shop owners (i.e. the decision makers).
- Just over 70% who receive the magazine spend from 30 minutes to one hour reading it.
- The most frequently read sections and features of the magazine were new products, installations and investments, and industry updates.
- Just over 60% of respondents utilize a combination of digital and offset printing in their shops.
- The top four obstacles to profitability were lack of sales, rising costs of essential materials and supplies, capturing a larger market share, and a shortage of skilled labour.
- Almost 70% read the last four issues of GAM.
Congratulations to Dave Peterson. Our May Readership Survey winner of a $125 gift card for participating was Dave Peterson of Haines Frontier Printing in Sarnia, Ontario. Haines Printing has been serving the Sarnia-Lambton area since 1912. The company offers offset, digital and large-format printing, full bindery services and graphic design expertise. Its offset printing department features a recently added RMGT-925P 5-color perfector running LED/UV inks, and a Ryobi 755 5-colour with aqueous coater. The shop’s digital presses are equipped with optional spot, clear and white printing, and can accommodate up to a 13″ x 27″ sheet size – enabling them to better meet demands for short-run and variable-data printing.
