Eventually 2796 was opened and became a category for separators. Not keeping the category open until it no longer meets important statistical tests would be a significant loss in the forecasting and historical aspects of understanding our industry.Ī similar situation occurred in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, with the business classes under the old SIC system for 2791 (trade typesetting), 2793 (engraving) and 2795 (trade platemaking and color separation). 'Quick printing work' we know is declining and has been for a long time. We should not confuse the statistical collection of data about a number of business establishments with an application called 'quick printing work.' The latter is done by office superstores and inplant operations and has never been part of the Census data collection process because it is not part of the rationale behind their host businesses. Seriously, if this category declines, then that is essential statistical information that is used by the Census and people who use Census data (like yours truly). There are NAICS categories that have fewer establishments in other industries, so it does meet the various statistical tests to determine whether or not a viable category exists on that basis. Sure, 'quick printing' is a viable category.

What do YOU think? Is Quick Printing still a viable category? Should one or more industry associations step up to the plate and help the Census Bureau more accurately define our industry? We do a great deal with that data, but if the assumptions are wrong, what does that say about the data? I'm just sayin'.

The next time classifications can be changed is for 2016 data. This also raises the larger issue of the entire classification of our industry, which has not been updated by the Census Bureau in any meaningful way for decades.

In surveys and research I have conducted, smaller printers have often told me that they do not like the term, and prefer to be considered small commercial printers. Most have both digital and offset presses and offer a wide range of high quality services that align with the rest of the commercial printing market. We joke amongst ourselves in the consulting community, wondering what a Quick Printer is compared to, a slow printer? (no disrespect intended) These days, most 'Quick Printing' firms might better be categorized as small commercial printers. The Quick Printing segment of our marketplace has been around for some time, but I often wonder if the term is now obsolete.

The quick print company sold a printer