Mike, there are over 45 different pen kits listed on the CSU site... I keep maybe 10 different styles of pens in stock... of those only 4 are CSU kits and none are PSI... this also does not include perfume applicators, keychains, etc. How do I show my customers those kits in the catalog you are talking about.
I doubt that I would add anywhere near 40 additional styles of pens to my inventory or offer them for custom work (unless the customer was willing to pay a real premium price). So you can see where I am going in my thinking about the catalog system that PSI has and CSU is proposing.
Even telling a customer that you don't recommend a certain style may not stop them... when something catches the customer's eye, that is what they are going to want...
Also look into the cost per catalog vs. the return per catalog... Do you really think the average customer that picks up the catalog at your craft booth is going to rush home, show their significant other and immediately call you for an order... the return rate on catalog sales is LOW... More than likely the catalog will sit around the house until it gets tossed.. happens all over the place..
I doubt that our customers will be any different....
Taking the time to take all the pictures and then using up all the expensive ink in the printer plus the cost of binding
You only need to take the pictures once... if you also have a website, you use the same ones.. and once 'your' catalog is electronically created, any of the better office supply stores can do them for you cheaper than you can print and bind them personally..