Businesses of all sizes are constantly seeking new and creative ways to increase their sales and attract more customers. One popular approach gaining traction is collaborating with print-on-demand companies. These companies provide advantages that can help retailers boost their sales and overall business performance. In this article, we will discuss how partnering with print-on-demand companies can transform the sector and offer solutions for businesses aiming to broaden their market reach. But before that let us understand what a print-on-demand business is.
What is a Print-on-Demand Business?
You have probably heard that a print-on-demand business can enhance your retail sales but still have doubts regarding what print-on-demand (POD) exactly is. In simple words, a print-on-demand business is a fulfillment method where you design a product, and your POD partner prints and ships your products to your customers on behalf of your retail business.
However, this doesn’t mean that the POD partner/company takes all the credit from you. In this agreement, although the POD partner has a major role to play, the product is delivered with your name and product packing. So basically, you do the designing work, and the rest is taken care of by your POD partner, helping you save time that would otherwise be wasted in the hassle of printing, packaging, and shipping your products all by yourself.
The Role of a Print-on-Demand Company in Enhancing Retail Sales:
1. Expansion of Product Range
Once you understand what print-on-demand (POD) is, you have to consider that these companies allow retailers to diversify their product offerings without incurring inventory costs. By utilizing these services, businesses can easily broaden their range of products to meet customer preferences and market requirements. Whether it’s personalized t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, or canvas prints, retailers have access to a selection of products to appeal to an audience.
2. Personalization Choices
In today’s era, where customization holds significance for consumers, print-on-demand companies provide limitless options for personalization that can differentiate businesses from competitors. Retailers can utilize these services to create merchandise tailored to their brand identity and target customer segment. From incorporating names and logos to integrating designs and patterns, the customization possibilities are endless.
3. Low Risk Investment
One of the benefits of collaborating with print-on-demand companies is the avoidance of initial investments associated with traditional manufacturing methods. Instead of buying large quantities of inventory upfront, retailers only pay for items as they are ordered by customers. This approach significantly reduces risk and ensures that resources are wisely directed toward fulfilling actual orders rather than being tied up in unsold merchandise.
4. Efficient Order Processing
Print-on-demand companies take care of all aspects of order processing, including printing, packaging, and delivering products directly to customers’ homes on behalf of businesses. This eliminates the need for retailers to invest in equipment or allocate space for storing inventory. With a supply chain in place, retailers can concentrate on areas of their operations, such as marketing and engaging with customers.
5. Focus on Sustainability and Environmental Impact
Print-on-demand companies contribute to sustainability efforts by minimizing waste and reducing carbon footprints. By producing goods when there is a demand for them, these companies eliminate the production and storage that often result in unsold inventory being discarded. As retailers move towards eco practices, partnering with print-on-demand companies becomes a crucial step toward achieving sustainability objectives.
6. Improved Customer Experience
The smooth connection between print-on-demand services and online shopping platforms empowers retailers to deliver a top-notch shopping journey for customers. By providing real-time previews of products and quick order processing, customers can trust that their purchases are more personalized and unique than mass-produced items. This enhanced customer experience results in satisfaction levels, repeat business, and positive recommendations from customers.
7. Affordable Marketing Opportunities
Aside from the advantages mentioned earlier, teaming up with print-on-demand services also presents cost-effective marketing possibilities for retailers. With these services handling the printing aspect, businesses can effortlessly create custom items like apparel or accessories to offer as giveaways or sell to their clientele.
By offering these items as freebies or limited-time deals, retailers not only attract customers but also nurture loyalty among existing ones. Branded merchandise serves as a marketing tool that expands a retailer’s brand presence beyond its physical or online stores. When customers wear or use these products, they essentially become walking advertisements, generating awareness and exposure for the business.
How Do You Choose a Print-on-Demand Company?
There are numerous print-on-demand providers in the market. Hence, it is your task to choose the right one. Since their products and services directly represent your business, you must be extra cautious when choosing a business partner. Here are some factors to consider when you are selecting a POD provider for your retail business:
1. Fulfillment Method
Print-on-demand service providers use numerous fulfillment methods to meet your demand. When you are choosing a POD company, check what methods they are using and whether they align with what you are looking for.
But what do you do if you are new to the business and aren’t sure which method will be the best even after you have researched each one of them? Well, in this case, you can ask them for some samples. When you see the products in real life, you will get a better idea about which method will be the best for you.
2. Location of the Facility
The location of the facility is very important because you might be catering to domestic customers now, but sooner or later, you would like to expand your business and provide your products to international markets as well. Ideally, the POD provider must have multiple locations across the globe to ensure there is a chance for scalability in the future. However, if you are just starting and thinking about the business on a smaller scale, a reliable partner with a domestic location is also good.
3. Time Required to Fulfill Your Orders
The quicker your deliveries are, the more reliable your business will be. Hence, look for a POD partner with a quick turnaround time because nobody wants to wait months for their t-shirt to be delivered.
4. Consider the Product Quality
You will find numerous print-on-demand service providers, but not all of them will be delivering the best quality products. Without a good quality product, it is impossible for your business to succeed. Therefore, asking for some samples to understand the quality of the products they deliver and whether they are at par with your standards and budget is the golden rule.
What Are the Different Products That You Can Choose From?
There are a lot of products you can choose from for a print-on-demand business. However, focusing on too many products will only lead to confusion. Just because POD products are popular, it doesn’t mean you need to print your designs on every product available. Here are some of the most popular products you can use for your POD business.
1. T-shirts
No matter how many fashion trends come and go, a nice printed t-shirt will never go out of style. So, as a retail business, you can opt for t-shirts as one of your print-on-demand products. POD shirts are a perfect canvas to express your creativity and create pieces that truly represent your business. If you are targeting a young audience, you can opt for bolder graphics that are popular, and if your target audience is mid-aged, you can go for subtle design. No matter what you choose, you can always put your touch on the designs, making sure they represent what your business stands for.
2. Stationary
Now, who doesn’t like stationary pieces with cute designs and graphics? Stationary can include self-help journals and diaries for schools, offices, and doodling notebooks. POD stationery also acts as a great giveaway to your potential clients, ensuring you are always at the top of their minds without spending a lot of time and money on marketing or retargeting them.
3. Drinkaware
Drinkware, especially mugs, is a great product for your print-on-demand business. A coffee mug or any other drinkware, such as a water bottle with an interesting print on it, sometimes also acts as a great collectible. Additionally, not only are they attractive, but they also encourage oneself to drink more water. So, it is a win-win for both you and your customers.
4. Hoodies
Hoodies are essential in every wardrobe. Everyone loves a hoodie that feels comfortable while looking stylish. So, if you are looking for a POD product for your retail store, you can consider custom-made hoodies with prints specific only to your brand. You can use these prints as USPs, print them on other POD products as well, and make them your trademark.
What Is EcomBalance?
EcomBalance is a monthly bookkeeping service specialized for eCommerce companies selling on Amazon, Shopify, Ebay, Etsy, WooCommerce, & other eCommerce channels.
We take monthly bookkeeping off your plate and deliver you your financial statements by the 15th or 20th of each month.
You’ll have your Profit and Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement ready for analysis each month so you and your business partners can make better business decisions.
Interested in learning more? Schedule a call with our CEO, Nathan Hirsch.
And here’s some free resources:
- Monthly Finance Meeting Agenda
- 9 Steps to Master Your Ecommerce Bookkeeping Checklist
- The Ultimate Guide on Finding an Ecommerce Virtual Bookkeeping Service
- What Is a Profit and Loss Statement?
- How to Read & Interpret a Cash Flow Statement
- How to Read a Balance Sheet & Truly Understand It
Summary
The introduction of print-on-demand companies has transformed the retail landscape by offering several advantages. By making use of these services, businesses can access markets, streamline their operations, and ultimately enhance their sales performance. With the retail sector evolving in the era of online shopping dominance, collaborating with print-on-demand firms is increasingly seen as a strategy for both established retailers seeking expansion opportunities and emerging enterprises aiming to establish themselves in the market.
