Cutting-Edge Opportunities for Print Resellers in a Digital Age
In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, print remains an essential, tactile experience that drives brand engagement, credibility, and connection. Trends in short-run packaging, luxury finishes, traditional craftsmanship, sustainability, and premium corporate gifting are ushering in print opportunities for you that drive real value for your customers.
Staying ahead of the curve means embracing new trends and innovations while leveraging traditional techniques that stand the test of time. Here’s what’s shaping the future of print and how you can capitalize on what’s hot.
Short-Run Packaging: On-Demand Branding
As e-commerce continues to thrive, short-run packaging has become the go-to for small businesses and boutique brands. Companies need flexible, low-quantity custom packaging solutions that:
- Allow for seasonal or limited-edition releases.
- Provide an affordable way to test new branding or product lines.
- Offer personalization that resonates with niche audiences.
Offering your customers highly customized, short-run packaging with unmatched efficiency and flexibility significantly differentiates you from your competitors. From folded cartons to shipping envelopes and beyond, this capability allows you to support projects with smaller quantities while maintaining competitive turnaround times and exceptional quality. Just a few examples of the products you can sell include:
- Custom packaging tape
- Folded cartons
- Hang tags
- Prime labels
- Shipping envelopes
Coming soon to Navitor.com:
- Gusseted mailers
- Padded shipping envelopes
- Paper bags
- Reusable pouches
Key Benefits of Short-Run Packaging Solutions
- Endless Customization: Full customization on a wide range of packaging options is perfect for businesses that need tailored packaging that aligns with their brand.
- Responsible Packaging Solutions: Short-run packaging can use materials like paper and paperboard – materials that are recyclable and widely available – offering practical choices to help meet growing customer preferences for more environmentally conscious packaging.
- Faster Time-to-Market: Short-run printing capabilities mean faster production times and quicker delivery, ideal for seasonal packaging, special promotions, or limited-edition products.
- Variable Data Printing: Including variable data printing enables the personalization of each package with unique details. This feature is ideal for creating customized experiences and enhancing customer engagement.
From custom-printed labels and flexible pouches to water-activated packaging tape, short-run packaging meets the demand for cost-effective, scalable branding solutions.
Pro Tip: Consider the customers and prospects in your pipeline that would benefit from a wide range of short-run packaging solutions tailored to meet a variety of their needs.
Premium Customization: Luxury that Sells
In a marketplace flooded with generic digital advertising, brands are turning to print for a premium, high-touch experience. Luxury finishes and custom enhancements upgrade printed products and create lasting impressions. Trending add-ons include:
- Foil stamping, metallic inks, and spot UV for a high-end, tactile feel.
- Textured stocks and soft-touch coatings that transform ordinary materials into unforgettable experiences.
- Premium upgrades like Extra Thick, Color Core, and Pearlized options to reinforce a brand’s prestige.
- Unique alternatives for customized packaging such as pillow packs, or foil stamped presentation folders
Pro Tip: When promoting these premium features, highlight how they enhance perceived value and create unique, memorable interactions with customers.
The Resurgence of Traditional Craftsmanship
While technology is evolving, classic print techniques are making a strong comeback, valued for their artistry and prestige. Processes such as engraving, embossing, and debossing exude sophistication, making them perfect for:
- High-end invitations and event collateral.
- Luxury stationery and letterhead.
- Premium corporate gifting and recognition programs.
Pro Tip: Resellers who offer these timeless techniques can tap into the market for businesses looking to differentiate their brand with authenticity and craftsmanship.
Rethinking Business Cards: Beyond the Basics
The role of business cards is expanding beyond traditional networking. Forward-thinking brands are using them creatively as:
- Product inserts to provide key messaging, QR codes, or discount offers.
- Product tags that showcase sustainability credentials or brand storytelling.
- Interactive experiences with scannable augmented reality (AR) elements.
Pro Tip: By repositioning business cards as multifunctional branding tools, resellers can drive new demand and encourage customers to see them as essential marketing assets.
Sustainability: The Must-Have Selling Point
Consumers and businesses alike are prioritizing sustainability, and print is no exception. Eco-friendlier materials and more sustainable alternatives are gaining momentum, with options like:
- Recyclable products that help brands meet their sustainability goals without compromising quality.
- Reusable polypropylene solutions, such as Epoly’s PolyWeave®, offer durability and a second life for promotional materials.
- Biodegradable and FSC®-certified paper stocks, which support environmentally responsible sourcing.
Pro Tip: As a reseller, offering more sustainable print options positions you as a forward-thinking partner, helping your customers align with today’s eco-conscious expectations.
Corporate Gifting: Elevating Brand Loyalty
In an era of digital fatigue, premium corporate gifts hold significant power in fostering relationships and reinforcing brand loyalty. Trending products include:
- Personalized executive gifts, such as engraved journals or custom wood stamps.
- Premium drinkware and apparel brands – premium brands of giftables that have a higher perceived value.
- Branded luxury packaging for high-end promotional items.
- Eco-conscious gifts that align with corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Pro Tip: Positioning corporate gifting as an opportunity to build brand affinity and long-term engagement can open up new revenue streams for you.
Final Thoughts: Capitalizing on the Future of Print
The digital age hasn’t diminished the impact of print – it’s redefined it. By embracing trends in sustainability, luxury finishes, short-run packaging, traditional craftsmanship, and premium corporate gifting, you can stay ahead of industry shifts and offer innovative solutions that can really make a difference for your customers.
Now is the time to rethink what print can do and how you can help your customers create meaningful, memorable connections through the power of print.
