Tip-on
A tip-on is a marketing feature in magazine publishing where an additional piece, like a card, sample, or small booklet, is attached to a page in a magazine or catalog. Think of it as a removable "bonus item" that's glued or stuck onto the page. This technique is popular in advertising because it grabs readers' attention and lets them interact with the product. It's also sometimes called a "bind-in card," "blow-in card," or "attachment advertising." Publishers and advertisers use tip-ons to include things like subscription cards, product samples, or promotional materials that readers can easily remove and keep.
Examples in Resumes
Managed advertising campaigns featuring Tip-on and Tip-in insertions for major beauty brands
Increased reader response rates by 45% through strategic placement of Tip-on cards
Coordinated with print vendors to execute complex Tip-on sampling programs for fragrance advertisers
Typical job title: "Publishing Production Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Publishing Production Managers
Professional Associations
Job Boards
Industry Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you manage a complex tip-on campaign across multiple magazine issues with different regional versions?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should discuss project timeline planning, vendor coordination, quality control processes, and how to handle different versions while maintaining budget and schedules.
Q: What factors do you consider when pricing a tip-on advertising program?
Expected Answer: Should mention considerations like material costs, additional production time, weight impact on shipping, placement options, quantity, and how these affect both pricing and production schedules.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the main challenges in coordinating a tip-on insertion project?
Expected Answer: Should discuss coordination with printers, material specifications, timing of deliveries, quality control, and ensuring proper attachment methods.
Q: How do you ensure quality control for tip-on applications?
Expected Answer: Should explain sampling procedures, working with vendors on placement accuracy, adhesive testing, and managing client expectations.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a tip-on and what are its common uses in magazine publishing?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that tip-ons are attachments to magazine pages and describe common applications like subscription cards and product samples.
Q: What basic specifications do you need to collect for a tip-on project?
Expected Answer: Should mention dimensions, weight, placement location, attachment method, and quantity needed.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of print production processes
- Coordinating with vendors
- Following production schedules
- Basic quality control checks
Mid (2-5 years)
- Managing multiple tip-on projects
- Vendor relationship management
- Budget tracking
- Problem-solving production issues
Senior (5+ years)
- Strategic campaign planning
- Complex project management
- Budget optimization
- Team leadership and training
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic print production processes
- Lack of experience with vendor management
- Poor attention to detail
- No knowledge of postal regulations affecting tip-ons
- Unable to explain basic quality control procedures
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