The team at First Copy are still working and here to support you. Like everybody else, we’re operating under totally different circumstances to anything we’ve dealt with before. However, we’re proud of the way that the team has pulled together and adapted as the business landscape has changed day by day and want to reassure you that we’re available if you need us.
Life looks different now. Nothing feels normal (and nor should it). One thing is clear, though. We need to work hard to help all of our customers through to the ‘other side’ of the COVID-19 crisis, even though we, again like everybody else, don’t know exactly how that ‘other side’ will look.
For some, this period offers a never-before-known time to think strategically about the direction in which they take their business. For others, we know that this is not the time to be making lofty plans as you are busy managing remote staff as well as home-schooling children. We get it, because within First Copy we have similar balances to strike. Relationships are at the heart of our business so we’d like to help you if we can, whatever the circumstances on the ground at your print room.
While every print room will be feeling the impacts of the pandemic (and doubtless will have had many discussions about it!), the precise effect on each one will be different. We can see from our service monitoring that some presses are currently silent. We can also see that other engines are working hard to print information and that direct mail houses are busy.
We’d like to use this blog to address a few questions our customers, and future customers, might have.
Can I still talk to my account manager?
Yes, and it’s a great time to do so, because you can do this by video call without needing to offer them a coffee, and you can hang up on them at any time… Yes, this is tongue in cheek, but our team is working as close to usual as possible. They would love to see another face from their home bases, so please reach out to them by video (or phone or email if you prefer!).
Technology is what we supply, and it is what is keeping us going now and will continue to do so through the weeks and months ahead.
Can I access samples during this time?
Xerox is working hard to deep clean its Innovation Centre showroom so that staff can receive files, print them, and post them out to you. We won’t hand them to you personally but are trying hard once again to keep things as close to normal as possible under the circumstances.
Are engineers still working?
Yes, although we and Xerox are prioritising responses. We – and many of our customers – are supporting key workers who need things created, printed, and delivered.
Will supplies still be delivered?
Yes, although please bear in mind that couriers are under immense pressure at the moment. There may be a slight delay in orders arriving, but if you have any concerns, please call us and our service desk will investigate.
Can I use this time to plan my next business steps, ready for post-COVID-19?
Absolutely. If you are able to spend some time planning for the future at this time, then please explore our website and the options available to you, whether that be automation, metallics, or an investment in a new engine like the mono PrimeLink or perhaps the Iridesse or Baltoro.
Key staff are here to help you work out which investment could be the best one for you. Xerox has weathered many storms over its 113 years. We’ve been here thirty and have confidence in our business continuity planning; we believe you can still invest with confidence.
What if now is not a good time to be spending money?
We completely understand. These are, as has oft been said, unprecedented times. We are working hard to ensure that customers can still invest and can discuss ways in which you could limit immediate outgoings.
Working with partners, we may be able to help to defer payments for a little while to help with your cash flow and ensure that you are ready and waiting to make the most of new opportunities when we reach the ‘other side’. We are not necessarily tied to your sales cycle as our job right now is to help everybody come through this as best as possible.
Please do talk to your account manager to discuss options.
Can you help us with our remote workers?
Yes, the office side of the business offers several solutions that can help your home workers be more efficient and productive. We’re also able to provide no-obligation trials of Foldr – a way to access files from all of your on-site and cloud storage in one interface without the need for VPN – until the end of July.
Where can we contact you?
We’d like to use this opportunity to send our very best wishes to all of our customers, partners and suppliers at this challenging time. Please keep in touch.
