August 2004: Faster Estimates

At the Riverside Group, we take pride in how well we listen to our customers and respond to their concerns. Industry-wide studies indicate that estimate turnaround times are not always fast enough for most customers. As a result, The Riverside Group set to work developing a plan to deliver more accurate estimates, faster. Here are a few things we've done that will help simplify and improve the estimating process:

At The Riverside Group, we’ve adjusted our estimating hours to have an estimator available to help your from the hours of 6:30AM to 7PM.

How We're Improving for You
New Software - The Riverside Group has recently installed new manufacturing software to aid in our estimating and accounting practices. The new system creates an estimate based on job specifications and turns it into a work order and process plan for production. It reflects real-time information and provides reports as projects are produced. By linking to accounting and invoicing practices, the system develops reports to view invoices against estimates. This helps the Riverside Group streamline our standards to produce more accurate estimates for customers.

Expanded Estimating Hours - We've expanded the schedule for our estimating department to ensure that an estimator is available from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m EST. By switching to this extended schedule, our goal is to return estimates to customers by 8 a.m. of the day following its submission - regardless of what time it was received.

Online Submissions - Beginning September 1st, The Riverside Group will begin accepting requests for estimates through our web site. This tool will include online forms that capture necessary information for most post-press work and will simplify the estimating process from both our end and yours.

The Riverside Edge
Getting an accurate estimate promptly is only the beginning of turning your project around quickly. The Riverside Group's "under one roof" capabilities include everything you need for complete post-press and finishing production solutions: perfect and mechanical binding, Smyth sewing, foil stamping, embossing, UV coating, film laminating, die cutting and more. Contact the experts at the Riverside Group today to begin your next project!

Starting in August, The Riverside Group will select one lucky graphic arts company to win a hand-delivered six-foot Subway sandwich - perfect for feeding the entire office!

Qualifying for our monthly drawing is easy - simply go to our website and register to receive these great tips each month! We'll never misuse your email and you can opt out at any time. Existing customers who have already signed up for our monthly tips will be automatically entered.