The paper is now available nationwide, with a minimum order of 5,000 pounds. Paper buyers should start with the sales representative from a local paper distributor. You may also want to talk to the distributor's merchandiser. As the one who buys paper for the distributor, the merchandiser has a good understanding of different mills' capabilities and programs. The spec rep, too, knows the papers and their potentials in-depth.
Some mills welcome customer calls, but others protect their relationships with distributors.
Text and cover and commercial papers such as offset and copy are most often sold through distributors. But other types, such as specialty papers, groundwood or paperboard, may be sold direct from the mill. The marketing department will be able to put you in touch with the right person. If you're looking for a customized converted paper, such as a computer paper or envelopes, talk to the converter's sales representative. He or she should pitch your request to the mills that make their paper for conversion to value-added products and find out whether any are willing to make paper to your request.