Why is there an Express Charge?
Our standard price list is based on the assumption that our pens are printed on fully automatic lines at a rate of up to twenty-thousand prints per day, per line. It is also assumed that printing will be carried out in normal working hours without having to carry printer's overtime rates. We have over three-hundred pen ranges that are planned on a minimum two-week cycle through eleven fully automatic print lines and each order is allotted a time slot within that period. Because the cycle time is two weeks, it follows that no express orders can be accommodated on these fully automatic print lines. Express orders are channelled through a much more flexible system using semi-automatic print lines with a maximum output of five-thousand prints per day, per line. The express charge is applied chiefly to cover the increased labour cost associated with the slower production rate of these semi-automatic lines. Flexibility is the most important feature of the express printing department because the workload varies significantly from day to day and consequently overtime at elevated rates of pay is the norm. This also adds cost to express printing.
So, in summary, express orders cost more because they are printed on more flexible and slower machines than our standard production and also because there will be an element of overtime at elevated labour rates to take account of.
We place great emphasis on good customer service and the investments we have made in terms of time, space and equipment to deal with last minute orders underscores our commitment to this area of our business. We believe that if you work within the framework we have created for express service orders and by doing so exploit its full potential, you will find it both equitable and fruitful for your business.
