Variable Data Samples - How To Do Them Right

I work for a printing company - no shocker - that is one of many that perform variable data printing (VDP). Creation of good VDP samples is something critical to printing companies to be able to show capabilities and samples.

Why?

1. To sell more variable data printing.
2. To show how variable data printing works (and doesn't).
3. To explain assorted concepts for VDP uses.

One of the big challenges to creation of good samples is that VDP requires use of data - live and personal data - thus the samples cannot use the supplied data for print samples since the personal data is contained in the final printed piece.

What should the printers do?

Create a standard data set of 10 records for samples which contains: first name, middle initial, last name, company name (unique), address, city, state, zipcode, phone number, member number, fax number, and one number of field.

Then hold onto this data file and use it each time samples are needed. Adding the 10 records to the supplied data, filling in the blank fields with data as needed. Make sure to print 3-5 extra sets of the sample batches.

And just in case you need one, I've posted a sample data file.