Amplifon USA and GLS...Sounds Like a Plan!

Listen carefully. What’s that sound? Is it the hum of direct mail flying through the presses? Maybe it’s mouse clicks coming from the premedia studio. Perhaps it’s the beep of forklifts as they load pallets of brochures into the warehouse.

These are some of the sounds you’ll hear at GLS when a mailing for Amplifon USA is in the works. GLS and Amplifon USA have a relationship that is built around hard work, careful planning and a service-driven approach to business.

Amplifon USA is the parent company to three of North America’s most respected providers of hearing instruments and services: Miracle-Ear, National Hearing Centers and Sonus. Amplifon USA coordinates the marketing efforts of all three brands—a huge task.

For example, Miracle-Ear alone generates more than 800,000 direct mail pieces each month. Miracle-Ear also produces posters for over 1,000 retail locations; invitations to seminars and free hearing tests; monthly newspaper inserts; order forms; stationery products; trade show banners; promotional trinkets and more.

What’s more, each subsidiary of Amplifon USA has its own advertising firm!

“GLS has been great with turn times,” Hansen said. “I do not always give them a lot of time to do a job, but they always get it done.” She continued, “They have caught errors in the past that have saved us money. GLS employees are very customer service focused and talented.” — Caryn Hansen, Production Manager, — Amplifon USA

So…how does GLS keep tabs on all of these projects? Leave it to account executive Don Walstrom. Staying in regular contact with Amplifon USA production manager Caryn Hansen, Walstrom also leads a team of four GLS employees who share his dedication to excellence.

“Don is a great sales rep and is very supportive, and he cares about doing the job right and on time,” Hansen said.

Walstrom’s relationship with Amplifon USA began several years ago when he worked for a direct marketing company. In 2002, he came to GLS because he was impressed by its “one-stop-shop” capabilities, including offset printing, mailing services and creative services, in addition to marketing fulfillment services.

“GLS can get it all done, sometimes on very short deadlines,” Walstrom explained. This is especially true of mailing services. “We can handle high quantities of pieces in a short time,” he said.

GLS also excels in its ability to combine the creative and practical aspects of design. As a direct mail specialist, GLS has a working knowledge of postal codes and other regulations. Often, GLS can suggest changes that reduce costs by taking advantage of printing or mailing efficiencies.

Sometimes, GLS alters the design so it’s easier for the consumer to understand. For example, an invitation with several inserts might be cut and nested together for a more cohesive effect.

By fully understanding its processes and programs, GLS can more effectively meet Amplifon’s needs and marketing objectives. For example, Walstrom regularly provides detailed price estimates, often on short notice, so Amplifon franchise owners can decide if they want to participate in a given mailing. But everyone knows that quantity affects printing costs—so how can GLS determine a price without knowing how many stores will participate?

It’s tricky…but Walstrom, along with the GLS estimators who work on Amplifon USA projects, have developed a good system. He pools his past experience, trending data and business instincts to calculate prices for each project.

“GLS has been great with turn times,” Hansen said. “I do not always give them a lot of time to do a job, but they always get it done.” She continued, “They have caught errors in the past that have saved us money. GLS employees are very customer service focused and talented.” Listen…what do you hear? When GLS and Amplifon team up, it sounds like a plan.