Back in the promotional dark ages, when Mark Siegel, founder of Identity–Links started his career, things moved a little bit slower than a fast moving snail. Siegel likes to relate to the new sales associates, how orders were processed when he began in 1971.

The clients’ logo would actually be printed on letterhead, or if he was really hi-tech, he would have an ad slick with the logo. Because there was no FedEx, or even US Priority Mail, the logo, along with the order would be mailed to the factory. If the factory was in California, and the client was in Chicago, well that just meant it would take 2-4 days to get to the factory.

The factory would then prepare a proof. However, since there were no faxes, they would actually send the proof back through the mail, another 2-4 days. After reviewing the proof, Siegel would send it, or hand deliver it the customer. If all went well, and the proof was approved, the order would be put into production for delivery within the 10-14 days.

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