JD, what brand of binder do you normally use? I have looked at several on the shelf at Staples but didn't feel any looked as professional as I would like, however, I may be looking for something perfect that doesn't exist. I do like the cover sheet and was planning using something similar either way. If I end up binding some reports I will use a heavy clear cover and the first sheet will be the logo, picture ect.
First, let me apologize for not answering your question sooner.
I can't really give you a brand as I get what is available and at different times, they have different brands.
The three ring binders I use are a bit more expensive because instead of using the circular rings, I purchase the binders with rings that are circular on the left side and slanted on the right side. This allows the pages to sit properly, turn easier and gives a more professional appearance.
I generally go to Office Depot, or Staples, which ever is closer at the time and I usually get white binders, but have purchased blue binders when white is unavailable. These binders must have a pocket on the front where I place a cover sheet as explained in my previous post in this section of the board.
I hope this answers your question.
-- Edited by JD on Monday 20th of July 2009 08:23:55 PM
No, I don't put each page in plastic sleeves. I think that would require the larger 3" or 4" binder. The additional information pages that we provide from the Resource disk would then need to be included in plastic for consistency?
__________________
George A. Childs Owner
Quality Home Inventory Service, Inc. 24 Stockton Dr. New Castle, De. 19702
The cost of materials for my finished product is abour $32.00. That includes:
3" Heavy Duty binder $18.00 Section Dividers (set of 5) 1.50 Paper (28lb 98 Brite) 10.99 Disk Sleeve 2.00
Total $31.49
I haven't yet calculated the cost per page for the toner. The problem is that every inventory is unique. Some require more photos than others. This changes the total number of pages per final report.
I hope this gives you some help.
George
Quality Home Inventory Service, Inc.
__________________
George A. Childs Owner
Quality Home Inventory Service, Inc. 24 Stockton Dr. New Castle, De. 19702
for those of you that present a 3-ring binder to your clients, what is an average cost to produce it? I am trying to estimate what printing costs i will have due to printing color photos.....thnx in advance
I agree with JD, I use the three ring binder. I've used the "off the shelf" white loose leaf binder. I prefer the one with the pockets on the front and binder. I place the Inventory Title page inside the front pocket. The information included is:
Name and Address of the owner Photo of exterior of the house, Date of the Inventory My business name and address
I use the three ring binder because of the amount of paper etc that goes into the final report. For example: the final report includes the Inventory by Location and Inventory by Category. Then there are the Client Information pages that are provided on the resource disk. I also include some "value-added material." Then I provide the Data Disk and the Protection Plus disk in a sleeved vinyl page. There are four "pockets" on each page so I could, if necessary, include a total of four disks.
The notebook is divided into five sections. These are precluded by the pages that I use:
Scope of Work Recommendations for further followup Disclaimer Confidentiality Assurance Table of contents
This make for a full package. It would be somewhat difficult to bind all of this. Plus, the client may wish to add pages that I also give them for clothing inventory, kitchen utensils and glassware. The loose leaf binder makes it easier to write additional notes or remove a page to write on it.
I hope this helps you.
George
__________________
George A. Childs Owner
Quality Home Inventory Service, Inc. 24 Stockton Dr. New Castle, De. 19702
Thanks for the feedback. My only reservation to binding has been as Fred said, I may have something to add or change which creates an issue.
JD, what brand of binder do you normally use? I have looked at several on the shelf at Staples but didn't feel any looked as professional as I would like, however, I may be looking for something perfect that doesn't exist. I do like the cover sheet and was planning using something similar either way. If I end up binding some reports I will use a heavy clear cover and the first sheet will be the logo, picture ect.
I use a white three hole binder for my reports. Most inventories fit into a 2 or 3 inch binder, but it all depends on how much stuff they have as to how thick it is. I've done some that fit in 1 inch binders and one home inventory that took six 3 inch binders (very large multi-million dollar house on Lake Tahoe). Some business inventories take a few thick binders too.
Instead of punching holes in each page (time consuming and messy), I place each page into a document protector which is also time consuming, but looks better. I also place a page into the front of the binder (clear window) with my company name, logo, web site, phone number and a photo of the outside of their home or business, which ever the inventory is about.
Robert, It is definitely a personal preference and what you feel will provide a professional product to your clients.
Some people do prefer to use the binding machine because your package can fit more easily into a safe deposit box if the client chooses to place in their box.
However, you should also consider your process.... some business owners give the client a package and give a week to review...so that corrections may be made.... If you offer a review period then a 3-hole style package may be easier to just supply the pages for only items that were updated verses having to rebind another whole package.
Maybe I have missed this somewhere else so forgive me if I have, but I have been considering binding my final reports for the customer using a manual binding machine with a fairly heavy (60 lb) front and back cover. Could be a little time consuming since my binding machine only punches 8 pages at at time, but I think I like the overall appearance better and can still use CD pockets on the inside of the back cover. Overall cost for me seems cheaper as spines and covers are less then binders and sheet protectors since I already have the machine. Any thoughts on this and why it would or would not be a good idea? I know it is hard to add pages later but I'm not counting on having to do that every often. Thanks....
