Lower end ink jet printers are sometimes used to print on vinyl. The problem with this process is that inks are usually "dye-based". The bottom line is that these inks are meant for indoor applications and short term outdoor use. Normally they are quickly faded by UV from sun, and they are also susceptible to scratching and water will damage image. Some suppliers try to overcome these problems by "UV-laminating" vinyl after it is printed — coating vinyl with a clear laminate designed to protect surface. This adds significantly to production costs, takes additional time, makes finishing more difficult, and is still an inferior product when compared to vinyl printed with legitimate solvent inks.

When you're ordering a vinyl banner for outdoor use, or one that you hope will last a couple of years, you're best bet is to go with a true solvent ink process. Especially when there is no significant price difference. If you don't, you will be disappointed. Non-solvent inks do not resist sunlight or moisture, and scratch easily.

Some equipment manufacturers (especially Roland) have marketed machines that use a "solvent-like" ink. They claim these solvent-light products have all features of solvent ink without drawbacks (solvent machines are more expensive and inks harder to work with). But in our experience — yes, we got burned with one of these over-priced machines — product just does not stand up. The surface is much too soft and therefore scratches easily.

Other manufacturers (e.g., HP, Epson, Colorspan) have tried for years to create water-based inks that have durability of solvent. But, we have tried all of these systems, and our experience is that they just do not cut it.

So when you're ordering a vinyl banner for outdoor use, or one that you hope will last a couple of years, your best bet is to go with a true solvent ink process. Especially when there is no significant price difference.

For more information, go to America-Banners.com or Tradeshow-Display-Experts.com

Prospects and customers will think of you as being "one of us" ...a specialist who caters to their unique needs. They will want to do business with you because you understand their special situation and know exactly what they need.

As a specialist you also eliminate much of your competition ...even if their prices are lower. Most customers will pay a little more to buy from a specialist so they can avoid risk of doing business with a competitor who has little or no understanding of their special needs.

Bonus: When you deliver results as a specialist you also establish yourself as an expert in your field. Customers will proudly refer other prospects to you. They appreciate what you did for them and are confident you will deliver same results for others.

You can boost your sales significantly by using two simple, low-cost steps revealed in this article. Just (1) identify narrowly defined sub-markets hidden in your main market. Then (2) become a specialist catering to unique needs of customers in each of these sub-markets.

Bob Leduc spent 20 years helping businesses like yours find new customers and increase sales. He just released a New Edition of his manual, How To Build Your Small Business Fast With Simple Postcards ...and launched *BizTips from Bob*, a newsletter to help small businesses grow and prosper. You'll find his low-cost marketing methods at: http://BobLeduc.com or call: 702-658-1707 After 10 AM Pacific Time/Las Vegas, NV