Are you looking to boost your revenue stream while bringing more convenience to your customers? Setting up an online store for your customers to easily order print products like business cards, postcards – and a bunch of other stuff – is simpler than you might think.

Old-school sales and ordering

This scenario has been played out in the wholesale printing game for decades. You have your list of repeat buyers. You reach out to them periodically to see if they need to order anything. They request a quote, you have some numbers run, you share a proposal, they review the pricing, they decide to order, they reach back out to you…whew, I’m getting tired and we’re not even to the order yet! Not to mention all the next steps, including the approval process. 

It’s a new day for ordering print

Digital rules. Selling goods online just makes ordering easier, and more than ever, people simply want the convenience of it. Ordering online eliminates many of the hassles associated with ordering print, and it’s an efficient way to save time and streamline processes. Not only does a Company eStore provide a user-friendly and seamless ordering experience for your customers, but it also brings in a steady flow of repeat web-to-print orders for you, ensuring a reliable and predictable source of income for your business.

Picture this

Your ideal customer has lots of locations, lots of employees, lots of products…. like a company with, say, 100 employees, and they are ordering things like custom business cards and custom postcards all year long. They’re doing around 20-30 orders per year. What if your customer could just order all their stuff from a site that houses it all? They click whenever they need anything, and you, well, you can spend more time prospecting. Or golfing. You choose.

Customers order a huge variety of product on these sites and here are the top three most popular: Custom Business Cards, Custom Brochures, and Custom Postcards.

Consider all of the advantages Company eStores offer

Easy ordering, seamless proofing. Sound good? But the benefits don’t stop there. A Company eStore streamlines the ordering process, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing the chance of errors. This means you can fulfill orders more efficiently, which allows you to take on more business and grow your customer base.

When your customers can order print quickly and easily from a custom site, you get more business. More business means more revenue…you get the picture. Here are some of the benefits Company eStore can bring to you:

• Automation of the order process
• Consistent revenue streams
• Increased order accuracy
• Repeat business
• Easier and more economical print management
• Increased revenue through a broad product offering
• Increased customer retention and annuity sales over time
• Savings on administrative expenses

But you’re not the only one benefiting. Your customers get in on the advantages too.

Why an online eStore is the way to go for your customers

A corporate or employee store carries your customer’s brand and makes ordering print products a snap for them. The advancement of online print ordering provides limitless on-demand options for your customers’ printing needs, and it benefits businesses and enterprises by providing them with: 

• Brand control
• Centralized procurement
• Resource conservation
• Flexibility
• Faster order turn-time
• Easy one-stop shopping

Larger companies with multiple locations, as well as franchises can utilize a custom store to save a great deal of time coordinating the distribution of new marketing materials. An online store makes it super easy for them to order, ensuring more brand consistency. All this saves them time and hassle, which in turn builds loyalty and trust in your business.

Let’s deep dive into a few of the benefits:

1. Easy customization: With web-to-print ordering, your customer can easily customize their print materials with their company’s logo, colors, and other branding elements. They can choose from pre-designed templates or create unique designs, covering all the creative bases.
2. Time-saving: With traditional ordering methods, there’s a lot of communication and waiting for proofs and revisions. With web-to-print ordering, changes can be made in real time and finished products are received much faster.
3. Consistency: When ordering through a Company eStore, you can be assured that all of the print materials are consistent in design and quality, which is essential for building a strong brand (and keeping your customers happy).
4. Cost-effective: Web-to-print ordering can be much more cost-effective than traditional methods, as it allows for bulk ordering and eliminates the need for intermediaries.
5. Convenient: Web-to-print ordering is simply more convenient for busy professionals. They can order print materials whenever and wherever they have an internet connection, and can easily track their orders and receive notifications as things progress.

Real estate and travel industries

For businesses in the real estate and travel industries, having professional print materials like business cards and postcards is essential for promoting their brand and services. But the traditional process of ordering print materials can be time-consuming and frustrating for them, with back-and-forth communication taking up their staff’s valuable time. Web-to-print ordering through an online eStore allows them to easily customize and order their print materials from the comfort of their computer, without any of the bother of traditional ordering methods.

If you have customers in the real estate or travel industry that are in need of professional print materials, web-to-print ordering through a Company eStore is the way to go. It’s fast, easy, cost-effective, and convenient, allowing them to focus on growing their business rather than worrying about ordering print materials.

The profitable weight of customer retention

Retention Science shares that 80 percent of your future profits will come from just 20 percent of your existing customers, and repeat customers spend 33% more than existing ones. So you can see how increasing customer retention increases profits and the value of your company, and how the “stickiness” of a site fuels repeat buying. In fact, web-to-print technologies increase retention by up to 95%.

Where do you go from here?

In a flash, we can set up an employee or corporate online store tailored to your customer’s unique requirements. These are dedicated sites for each of your largest clients, branded to them, accessible 24/7, allowing effortless management of all their marketing materials in one place. So why wait?  Start exploring your options for web-to-print ordering today.Top of Form Bottom of Form

If you’d like to make your customers’ lives easier and grow your business, let’s have a quick chat. You’ll get an account review and a demo of our technology platform, built to bring you more sales. Take advantage of this revenue-boosting opportunity and set up a 15-minute flash appraisal. We’d love to show you (in just a few minutes) how to grow business quickly.

Start your Flash Appraisal

But wait! There’s more.

We also have a webinar coming up where we will dive deep into everything eStore. Our upcoming webinar, “LIKE A BOSS: How to Dominate the Print Game through Company eStores” on March 22 will show you how easy it is to set them up and answer any questions you may have. 

In conclusion

Ready to find out how easy it is to get a site set up so any one of your customers (or all of them…hey, go big or go home) can order business cards, stationery, marketing collateral and more? Set up your Company eStore today and start reaping the benefits of a streamlined, efficient, and profitable web-to-print ordering process. Your customers will thank you, and your bottom line will too!

Let’s Get Started!

Going out to eat is back in full swing. And more than 660,000 restaurants across the country are cooking up tasty fare for hungry foodies. That’s a lot of cafés, bistros, grills and diners. The landscape is a competitive one – patrons can only eat so much in a day. Restaurants have to balance keeping customers satisfied while dealing with skyrocketing prices on products and fuel. The bottom line: they need to have the highest return possible for every dollar spent. There’s no question how impactful the role of print communications is for restaurants to gain new patrons, engage their guests, encourage repeat dining and keep their eateries top of mind…and very visible.

Restaurant marketing objectives include promoting specials and events, upselling menu items, and generating a buzz, just to name a few. Print remains the go-to medium when it comes to conveying personality, telling a story, welcoming visitors and developing an ambiance. Here are five big ways that print tastefully markets restaurants of all sizes:

1. Signage

There’s no better way to turn foot traffic into sales, and transform spaces into showcases than with indoor and outdoor signage. Getting customers in the door takes bold and innovative options. Durable Banners can be hung from buildings to attract attention from a distance and Sail Signs can be positioned near a building or along a busy boulevard. Using interchangeable sign inserts to update messages on the fly, list specials and advise of open/closed seating areas or special parking areas takes full advantage of the versatility of signs. Erasable signage used as a Menu Board in a central location can work together with individual menus at tables, and Communication Boards can be used for assigning tables to wait staff or posting work schedules.

2. Labels, stickers and decals

Restaurants can shape the atmosphere, clearly direct traffic flow, and show off specials and new items with bright, full-color imagery on Window, Table and Floor Decals. Using QR Codes on decals serves up quick reference and easy online ordering. Wall Decals feature seasonal specials and easily transform the décor. Branded Labels and Stickers create a marketing message on the go. Available in a wide variety of sizes, they are perfect to have on hand to dress up various restaurant provisions like take-out boxes, paper bags, coffee cups and giveaways.

3. Print to hold on to

Brochures, postcards, flyers and door hangers are just a few examples of tangible pieces that inspire action. Take-Out Menus and Rack Cards can be placed at nearby businesses and hotels to promote patronage. Whether boosting repeat business through direct mail Postcards, canvassing entire areas with Door Hangers, or offering loyalty program perks like Fridge Magnets, the tactile nature of print keeps brands front and center while prompting response.

4. Tableside marketing

Table Tents are one of the best ways to promote special deals, recommend food combinations and show off food photography. Table tents are so prolific because they WORK! The most powerful complement to any menu, tableside marketing elements bridge the gap between print and digital, and help maximize market share. Convenient, self-standing promotional powerhouses, table tents are an exceptional way for restaurants to encourage upsells, promote new items and special deals, attract repeat business, and market products and events.

5. Branded apparel

Sometimes used to show employee appreciation and create a team environment, sometimes used to generate additional revenue streams, branded aprons, shirts, uniforms and other Apparel always creates roving marketing opportunities. Cohesiveness in dress code can improve customer experience and enhance the setting. Selling branded restaurant merchandise is a fantastic way for eateries to strengthen their connection with customers and increase sales. Sweatshirts, jackets and hats decorated with a restaurant’s logo not only make great gifts, they also help the business stay top of mind whenever a customer puts them on.

The takeaway

Even though the restaurant industry appears pretty overcrowded, promoting a brand doesn’t have to be overwhelming. There are plenty of cost-effective techniques to help restaurants get people through their doors (and coming back) so they can better stay afloat in inflationary times. Being creative and employing some of the methods above are fast tracks to satisfaction. Help restaurants meet all their marketing objectives with the product ideas and strategic solutions that we cover in our latest flyer. Download and share with your customers and prospects today!

Did you know there are 1.54 million nonprofits registered with the IRS? And since December is the most popular month for charitable giving, now is a perfect time to seek out and have some conversations with the nonprofits in and around your community.

Nonprofits by the numbers

Over 80% of all donations to charities and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. come from individuals. According to The Philanthropy Roundtable, six out of ten American households participate in some sort of charitable giving. Giving is on the rise and the tally shows total giving grew 4% year over year, revealing that Americans continued giving more generously than before the pandemic. In 2021, donors returned to their favored causes, with many of the sectors that struggled in 2020 making a recovery in 2021. The $466.23 billion contributed in 2020 was outpaced as U.S. charities received an estimated $484.85 billion in 2021. Significant increases were found in the following areas: giving to public-society benefit organizations, giving to arts, culture and humanities, and donations to environmental and animal organizations. Here are some additional stats that are good to know before consulting your customers:

• Younger donors prefer recurring donations – almost 48% of 18- to 29-year-old donors and more than 33% of 30- to 44-year-old donors give monthly
• Nonprofit Source reports that donors who set up some sort of recurring monthly donation give 42% more than one-time givers
• Gen Z and Millennials want to receive updates from nonprofits at least monthly
• Boomers are the most likely to donate to religious organizations
• Average age of the U.S. donor is 64
• Boomers far prefer to donate by mail than other channels
• Boomers want to know where their money is being used – of the Boomers that stopped donating to a cause, more than 40% said it was due to feeling their money was not being used strategically

People are generally more philanthropic toward the end of their lives, when they tend to have more savings, time and motivation to help others. Giving peaks at ages 61-75, when 77% of households donate, compared to just over 60% among households headed by someone 26-45 years old. The top contributions by organization type are:

• Religion – 27%
• Education – 14%
• Human Services – 13%

How you can be of service

When it comes to nonprofit organizations – whether fundraising, notifying of upcoming events, attracting sponsors or thanking donors – print continues to further worthy causes, even in a world driven by digital communications. Print materials feel more personalized; they allow nonprofits to reach precise audiences, they inform donors and volunteers, and they help bring in fundraising revenue. Segmentation and personalized campaigns will become even more targeted by marketers as we head into 2023.

Whether your nonprofit customer is preparing for an upcoming event, announcing new sponsorship opportunities, or striving to keep the general public and local communities involved in what they do, keeping the organization top-of-mind is key to getting the support it needs.

How can your customer set themselves apart and continue to grow? Below are some proven print marketing tips that will help your nonprofit customers more effectively attract supporters, engage with their donors as well as local community members and sponsors, and thank their constituents.

Tips and trends

Inflation and economic conditions have increased need and decreased buying power. Fundraising efforts must ramp up to close the gap. Attracting attention, communicating the mission, identifying staff and engaging with volunteers, donors and sponsors require an integrated approach and a versatile vendor partner. Using personalized, targeted campaigns will increase donation dollars. Bright and bold graphics on windows, floors, banners and signs will command attention, and print marketing materials like calendars, notebooks and sticky notes make ideal gifts – branded with the cause near and dear to the recipient’s heart. Plus, the practicality of them guarantees they’ll be used and appreciated.

Attraction

Attract and promote sponsors with indoor and outdoor signage prior to and during charitable events. Spread the word about a campaign or event through postcards and door hangers. Let the support base know about new opportunities to give and/or volunteer with flyers, letters and brochures. Reach as many supporters and prospects as possible with yard signs, vinyl banners and A-frame signs. Digital print is perfect for creating materials and resources with multiple language versions.

Engagement

Engage the community year-round, grow the donor base and update supporters with calendars, direct mail and invitations. Share facts about meeting mission goals and milestones with annual reports. Get more personal with donors, raise more revenue and retain donors by articulating what your donors care most about through segmentation and personalization. Bring in fundraising revenue and further the cause with fundraising letters or water bottle labels that include a link or QR code to the online donation form or social media accounts. This is an ideal way to bridge the gap between tactile and digital channels.

Giving Thanks

Show donors how much they are appreciated with branded promotional products or labels and stickers. Thanking and identifying donors, supporters and volunteers with branded apparel gives them an opportunity to spread the word with pride each time they wear it. Let major donors see the work they are funding with appreciation gifts in tuck boxes. Add a personal touch to thank-you notes, making donors feel more valued.

Moving forward

The strategies covered above represent some of the ways nonprofits rely on print materials to further their mission. Choosing the right partner will help your nonprofit customers find the best print marketing strategies for their messaging to ensure they get results. Together, we can help your nonprofit customers reach, raise and retain. Rely on us to help solve some of the challenges they face. Discover more detailed information on top product ideas and industry stats in our latest flyer for nonprofits.

Never stagnant, the alcoholic beverage industry has proven itself to also be one of the most crisis-proof consumer goods categories. When COVID restrictions shut the doors of bars and restaurants, off-premise sales of alcohol soared. Conversely, non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages are growing in popularity, prevalent among Millennials and Gen Zers – who are drinking less than other generations did at their age – as well as the “sober curious.” Significant supply chain issues, climate change and even a pandemic has not slowed the growth of this resilient industry.

A market on fire

Although more and more people are becoming health-conscious, pulling back on their alcohol consumption, or stopping altogether, as well as a steady rise in the use of cannabis products, the industry remains unscathed by folks opting for drinking less. Industry experts anticipate the growth rate to be as much as or greater than four percent each year for at least the next five years. According to prnewswire.com, the craft spirits market share is expected to increase by more than $36 billion from 2020 to 2025, and that segment’s growth momentum will accelerate at a CAGR of more than 22%

From 2001 to 2020, the winery industry gained nearly 4,000 new establishments, which represented a 371% increase. The brewery industry opened almost 4.7K new establishments (1,185%), and the distillery industry netted more than 1.1K new establishments (1,789%).

Market trends

Some very interesting developments are taking shape with beer, wine and spirits, and now more than ever, alcohol brands are being forced to re-examine their target audience, the products they offer, their image and how they are showing up in the marketplace in order to effectively compete.

Smaller portions and moderation

With the rise in cannabis consumption and the competition it brings, the alcoholic beverage industry needs to reconsider how products are packaged, and apply more thoughtful features that will appeal to customers. Cannabis is touted as a healthier alternative to alcohol, and for the beverage industry to compete, they’ll need to use strategic measures like introducing smaller packaging sizes and serving options. The industry also faces a moderation movement. By offering smaller serving options, brands can balance the consumer moderation desire in both new and mature drinkers.

Consumers are looking for ethical brands

Solidarity with local brands and businesses was a key trend during the pandemic, and is one that is closely associated with consumers’ preferences around sustainable product packaging and ethical practices. IWSR’s consumer research shows that 48% of U.S. alcohol drinkers say their purchase decisions are positively influenced by a company’s sustainability and/or their environmental initiatives. Sustainable packaging solutions have been at the top of corporate and social responsibility agendas in the drinks industry for many years. Consumers are increasingly looking for alcoholic beverage companies to show a clear commitment to sustainable practices. Local brands can reinforce their status for the long term by emphasizing sustainability, quality and community values on their packaging.

Plenty are ready for ready-to-drink

You may have noticed pre-mixed cocktails are taking over store shelves and commercial ad space. A burgeoning fourth category of alcoholic beverages, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, have seen sales increases from seven percent in 2019 to 11 percent for the first half of last year, with several sources indicating that the market will continue to grow. Checking out the latest goings-on inside the beer, wine and spirits industry you’ll definitely stumble across the increasing popularity of RTD selections. Interestingly, these options have been around for a long time, but they are really gaining popularity right now. To give you a better idea of just how popular alcoholic RTD beverages have become, Nielsen notes that the sales of malt-based cocktail variants have grown by 597 percent compared to last year. Also on the rise, hard seltzer RTD sales are at 193 percent growth, while canned wine sales increased by 77 percent.

Driving shelf disruption and creating a stir

In order for beverage alcohol brands to compete in an overly competitive market, deliver exceptional experiences and differentiate their brand, they must pull out all the stops at every avenue possible. Starting with labels and packaging, moving through points-of-purchase at retail stores all the way to designing the right atmosphere at on-site tasting rooms and events, print materials set the tone, build excitement, tell a story and make that vital impression with retail customers. Additionally, many alcohol brands find incredibly receptive customers at music festivals, sporting events and large seasonal gatherings. By enhancing an attendee’s enjoyment, these brands know how to secure their place in the memories of consumers. Use of their product during festive and meaningful events makes an impression that lasts.

According to Forbes, presenting a brand consistently across all platforms can increase revenue

by up to 23%. Ensuring that a brand’s products, packaging, online presence, POP advertising and marketing materials all send a uniform message about the brand’s identity and its core values is essential.

Top print products

Opportunities for print are really brewing in this market. The top print products listed below merely scratch the surface of what’s needed for the alcoholic beverage brands to show up front and center.

• Packaging – single-serve packaging, branded cans, pouches and folded cartons for products and mix-ins
• Labels – hang tags, bottle-neckers and stickers for branding, displaying nutritional information, QR codes and special promotions, as well as tracking ROI
• Marketing Materials – folders, brochures, booklets, rack cards and flyers are effective tools for on-site marketing
• Signage – interior and exterior signage to attract attention, and mass-merchandise displays to highlight specific products
• Graphics – floor and wall graphics to market new products and for seasonal promotions, and window clings to inform consumers and advertise brands
• Promotional Products – branded apparel, drinkware, writing instruments and bags make lasting brand impressions
• Wraps – can wraps as an alternative to printed cans, and vehicle wraps to advertise brands while transporting

Conversational tips

To open doors and have relevant conversations with your beer, wine and spirits customers and prospects, there are a few topics you can cover with them to get a solid dialogue rolling:

• Mention the rise in competition within the industry and externally.
• Explain that the top buying segment is consumers aged 45-64 – which is an age group who prefers shopping in-store and physical advertisements.
• Emphasize the increase in consumer demand for sustainable products and the need for the brands to react.
• Learn about trending beverages in the market such as non-alcoholic, ready-to-drink and high-end spirits.

The takeaway

As we enter a new year, the trends we covered above should help you better understand the opportunities within the market and some of the challenges the alcohol industry is facing. To propel your sales within this growing market, there are a couple of next steps you can take:

• Gather background industry information
  Research the industry and top players. Keep up with new and emerging trends. Reports like the ones on IBISWorld contain industry background info, revenue, outlook and jargon necessary to be mindful of when entering this industry for the first time.

• Learn about innovations and trends for alcoholic beverage packaging
  With sustainability and brand image being a growing priority, offering new ways to combine aesthetics and sustainability without sacrificing quality is key. Here is an example of a website that offers a ton of good information about packaging trends.

Together, we can help your beverage alcohol industry customers get noticed and we can solve some of the challenges they face. Discover more detailed information on top product ideas and industry stats in our latest flyer for the Beer, Wine & Spirits industry.

Did you know that almost 50% of our country’s total workforce is employed by small businesses? How about the fact that even though in the last decade it is typical for approximately 600k new businesses to be registered each year, American entrepreneurs started over 5.4 million new businesses in 2021? This is the highest total on record. Startups and small businesses present ample opportunities for print sales. Before we get into what they are buying, let’s take a look at what differentiates the two.

Startups and small businesses

Startups are young companies founded by entrepreneurs who have developed a unique product or service for which there is likely demand. Rooted in innovation, startups are ventures that are focused on a single something that aims to remedy deficiencies or to create entirely new categories of goods and services. Regular companies, for the most part, duplicate what’s been done before. A startup aims to create an entirely new template. Another key factor that distinguishes startups from other companies: speed and growth. Startups aim to build on ideas very quickly. Generally, the intent of the startup founder is to disrupt the market with an impactful business model, and then take over the market.

A small business, on the other hand, is a self-sustaining organization that has a business model that isn’t something that simply will work down the line, instead generates revenue from day one. To operate a small business, you don’t need a big market to grow into. You just need a market and you need to be able to reach and serve all of those within that market in an efficient way. Examples of a small business are a local deli, coffee shop, plumber or electrician. None of these are disrupting an industry, instead they are attempting to be profitable within it.

The differences and similarities

A startup wants to scale up quickly. Startups are often fresh, innovative, collaborative and focused on growth, while small businesses typically fall into an already proven and established model, and are focused on cost efficiencies and productivity. The commonalities that small businesses and startups do share are the requirements to introduce their brand, build their brand and make their brand stand out.

Top industries for startups

Researching the best startup industries can not only help you identify some sectors you can connect with, it points you in the direction of emerging industries that will provide you with more opportunities for success. To follow is a snapshot of the industries that are getting underway.

The top ten startups of 2022:

1. Health Care & Virtual Med
2. Accommodation & Food Service
3. Art, entertainment and craft
4. Personal Trainers (online)
5. Site Building & Web Design
6. Local Auto Repairs
7. Second Hand (online) stores
8. Pet services
9. Dropshipping
10. Real estate

Marketing essentials and branding products are crucial for introducing a small business or a startup to the market, helping to build the brand and make that brand stand out.

Introducing brands

Exhibiting originality with branded business identity products helps tell a brand’s story. Business Cards legitimize a business in very fun and unique ways, ranging from high-end features like emboss, foil and geometric shapes, to budget and DIY options like painting, dipping and watercolor splotches. With variable print, they no longer need to all be the same, brands can try different colors or patterns that continue across the run to create a sort of puzzle of business cards.

Thoughtfully designed Packaging can deepen a brand’s impact. From Folding Cartons to Pouches, the container itself is a valuable part of the customer experience. Adding a branded Sticker to internal wrapping or a cute Stamp seals it all together.

Including a branded Notecard Insert, Postcard or Post-it® can help build an immediate connection with customers. Tactile finishes such as raised gloss and raised foil will add an elegant and memorable touch.

Building brands

Product Labels also tell a story. Research shows that well-designed labels have the power to build brands, create preference and drive impulse purchases.

High-quality branded Apparel and Merchandise can turn employees and customers into walking, talking endorsements of a business or product line. Brands can build loyalty and engagement through promotional giveaways, including Branded Gifts for events and sponsorships.

Yard Signs, Banners, and A-frame Signs are instrumental in attracting passersby. Interior signage like Window and Floor Decals help expand the retail square footage without increasing the rent. Table Tents and Pedestal Signs provide necessary contactless payment options like Venmo, ApplePay and more.

Setting up an Online Corporate Store with branded products like Business Identity Products for both marketing and operations, and Badges for new employees, Apparel and Promotional Products for big events and much more, helps establish a brand’s foundation. Products can be ordered from inventory or printed on demand.

Making brands stand out

A brand can diversify their strategy to make it as visible as possible with Variable Print or they can defy norms by trying different colors or patterns on customer-facing materials. Show the boldness of a brand’s personality by changing up Envelopes and Letterhead with options that help brands stand out from the crowd. Brands can increase visibility for grand openings or for operating business as usual with signage products like Feather Flags, and Window and Door Decals that showcase the value they are bringing to the community.

The takeaway

There’s no question the proliferation of startups and small businesses presents tremendous opportunities for print sales for you and we’d like to help. Are you ready to cultivate new business in this exciting market? Whether introducing the brand, growing brand visibility or exhibiting the brand’s originality, this sector is a hot market ripe for print sales. Find out more about your opportunities for sustainable revenue by checking out our Startups and Small Businesses flyer, loaded with information to help you jump start selling to this worthwhile industry.

The green movement has been around for decades, yet today it is less about merely conservation and more about an emphasis on science and research – defined and galvanized by issues like global warming and climate change, wetlands preservation, species extinction and other important environmental concerns.

Adopting and implementing socially responsible practices can actually drive growth and profitability in business while promoting a better tomorrow. And the printing industry is no exception. Making the decision to go green in printed materials can positively affect a company in numerous ways including reducing environmental impact, promoting a brand as environmentally friendly and increasing business reputation.

Businesses across all industries are looking for ways to be more sustainable. Not just in their own business practices, but in the companies they source products from and the vendors they work with. It’s not just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. According to a recent study by Forbes, nearly 90% of Gen X consumers said they would be willing to spend an extra ten percent or more for sustainable products, compared to only 34% of them just two years ago. Customers are asking for it – and it is important to them to have a vendor with these options.

Green printing is an environmentally conscious way of producing printed materials while reducing the carbon footprint that it leaves. Printed products like marketing materials, signage and packaging are a natural place to look for eco-friendlier options. But what makes one printed product “greener” than another? Products printed on recycled paper are usually the first to come to mind; however, there are several other factors to consider when trying to reduce environmental impact. Below, we share five solid and sometimes surprising ways to print greener.

1. Sustainably Sourced
   

   Using sustainably-sourced materials in the manufacturing process means the materials are grown and manufactured in ways that use fewer natural resources, respect nature and people, and ensure the welfare of those resources throughout the supply chain. They provide an opportunity to lessen the environmental impact of daily operations without the added costs of post-consumer materials.

2. Recycled Content
   

   Printing on recycled paper is the most visible and commonly-recognized method used to reduce the environmental impact in printing. Recycled paper can contain pre-consumer (manufacturing) or post-consumer waste (PCW). The paper is typically identified by the percentage of recycled content, and is available in a wide range of weights, colors and finishes.

3. Eco-friendly Manufacturing
   

   The production, conversion and finishing processes used to create printed products provide plenty of opportunities to reduce environmental impact. Print methods in the past used solvent-based cleaners, petroleum-based inks and produced massive amounts of waste. Today, greener production methods have significantly reduced the environmental impact of printing – from eco-friendlier inks and coatings, to reduced energy consumption and waste disposal.

4. Reusable Items
   

   Printed products that are used multiple times can be environmentally friendlier than single-use products. Although some durable products may require more energy or resources to produce initially, each re-use reduces the impact of the single-use product going through the manufacturing process and entering the waste stream. Many of these products can be used hundreds of times before needing replacement.

5. Recyclable & Degradable Materials
   

   The overfilling of landfills has become a major concern for many areas of our country and world, as the amount of trash continues to grow faster than it can decompose. Recycling products printed on substrates such as cardboard, paper, and plastic can cut the size of our landfills in half. Use printable statements to encourage recycling and show your commitment to the environment.

We provide recommendations and links to our top five products in each of the above categories on our Greener Landing Page.

“We don’t have to engage in grand, heroic actions to participate in change. Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” Howard Zinn

In Summary

It is up to each and every one of us to start with the small acts in order to really make a difference. To learn more about Printing Greener, please follow the links to informative and engaging content including the recording from our most recent webinar “Going Greener – Printing Cleaner”, the webinar deck, and our Going Greener – Printing Cleaner booklet that you can easily share with your customers.

How Print Helps Retailers Attract Consumers and the Staff to Take Care of Them

The retail industry has had its share of ups and downs the past couple of years – from product shortages and increased costs, to an unprecedented labor shortage. Retailers have been forced to re-examine their systems and strategies that have been in place for years. Promoting repeat buyers and attracting new customers remains vital, yet retaining employees and bringing on new talent is more challenging than ever before. Today’s landscape is ushering in the need for more stable and more profitable paradigms in order for retail businesses to reset and re-emerge. Despite all the attention given to e-commerce, Forrester forecasts that 72% of retail sales in the U.S. will still take place in brick and mortar stores within the next two years. This presents tremendous amounts of opportunities for print sales in the areas of customer engagement and loyalty, talent recruitment and employee retention, as well as preparing for the holiday shopping seasons.

What are the major priorities?

The industry’s main concerns lead to a plethora of print solutions including how the labor shortage has forced many stores, especially smaller retailers, to close their doors or adjust the hours they’re open. Window decals and postcards are just a couple of ways to update and inform customers, and help manage expectations.

Consumers are expecting some of the newfound conveniences that emerged during the pandemic to remain — such as buying online and picking up in store (BOPUS), curbside pickup, and same day delivery — and retailers are determined to meet those expectations. Directional signage, direct mail campaigns and sandwich boards convey pertinent details consumers are looking for.

Boosting customer loyalty is more important than ever, especially as retailers deal with supply chain issues and product shortages. Amplifying brand awareness and communicating boldly with wall signs, table tents and floor decals draws consumer attention, and promotional giveaways like magnets keep brands top of mind.

Retaining valuable employees and recruiting new talent takes gestures of appreciation through branded gifts including apparel, drinkware, bags and totes. Retailers can drive efficiency with in-store essentials like pens, pre-inked stamps or daters, and full color or engraved name or ID badges that stylishly identify staff while reinforcing the brand.

What are the best sellers?

Some of the top products retailers are relying on this year include:

• Signage – interior and exterior signage draws attention, attracts customers, provides information and reinforces brand.
• Direct Mail – postcards are used heavily for retail promotions as well as for recruiting employees.
• Promotional Products – branded items are popular for promoting a brand and showing appreciation to hard-working employees.
• Marketing Materials – rack cards, sales sheets and booklets make great bag-stuffers.
• Brand Identity – business cards can do double-duty as loyalty cards, punch cards, coupons and thank-you cards.
• Packaging – shelf disrupting designs and functional packages support the intended brand message and attract attention while keeping products safe and improving customer experience.

Ho-ho-holiday promotions

Insider Intelligence and emarketer.com report that 2022 holiday retail sales are expected to increase 3.3% this year to $1.262 trillion dollars. We can also expect an earlier holiday shopping season this year as savvy customers scope out the best prices and get first dibs on the largest range of selections. Holiday catalogs, booklets and mini-catalogs are making a big comeback as retailers make every effort to get their products and promotions in front of consumers that are battling digital fatigue. You can also help retailers decorate and prepare for the holidays with examples and ideas to get shoppers in the holiday spirit with items like retractable banner stands and synthetic posters, as well as help them navigate the crowds with seasonal floor and wall decals. Gift cards and gift card holders are perfect for gift giving, and themed gift wrap, stickers and hang tags add value and put the finishing touch on holiday purchases.

Resources to help you grow your sales

Retail has long been an industry that buys a lot of print products, and the current landscape continues to produce ample opportunities for sales. We are here to help you grow your sales in this prolific market. Our retail industry dollop and retail flyer are loaded with information to help you formulate ideas and catapult your sales.

One of the world’s largest industries in terms of spending, the construction industry is valued at $1.36 trillion and contributes 4.2% to the country’s GDP. The construction industry is set for a boost in demand and has posted growth despite fragile supply chains and rising material costs. Forecast to grow by another 8.8% this year, and because construction businesses spend on average 13% of their budget on marketing, it is worth considering how branded print plays a role in this prosperous industry’s growth.

Print supports a stronger bottom line

Construction is a competitive industry. With the price of goods increasing, construction companies need to consider brand building strategies, rise above the competition, and look long and hard at areas that can be optimized to drive a better bottom line. Communicating early and often with both suppliers and customers will give them an edge as they face these competitive challenges. Because construction is a high-touch customer service business, the industry presents great opportunities for sales for distributors.

Print does more than just build brand identity

Not only are print materials required in order to build brand identity and communicate effectively with customers, they are also instrumental in meeting safety regulations, optimizing operations, creating awareness and generating leads. No other medium has as far-reaching an impact as print in informing and instructing. When opportunities arise to communicate specific developments or promote niche capabilities, print rises to the occasion. For example, the increased demand for green construction, smart building, structure rehabilitation and advanced building materials is influencing the industry and expected to continue shaping it in the years to come. Changing perception in the marketplace takes effective brand messaging and print is the work horse that solid marketing strategies are built upon.

Be more strategic with the right print partner

There are ways to get the most out of print whether meeting safety signage requirements or achieving cohesiveness in branding amongst a range of products and applications. Utilizing the medium to accomplish a uniform look while creating a professional aesthetic requires a print partner that understands safety signage requirements, has a wide breadth of solutions and is fully integrated to support the full range of product needs.

Who’s buying?

Construction businesses that order print include:

• Small construction contractors
• Larger project management companies
• Residential construction companies
• Remodelers
• General contractors

What are they buying?

Signage built to turn heads and build awareness, labels, decals and posters that capture attention, and brand-building communication tools like folders, direct mail and promotional products provide the exposure construction companies rely on. Employee incentives boost loyalty and help remedy a declining workforce. Business forms, regulation materials such as compliance, safety and warning labels and branded leave behinds like flyers, door hangers and rack cards are crucial for safe operations and getting information in front of the masses.

In a nutshell

Like many industries today, construction companies want and need to maximize their marketing dollars. They consider print essential to their marketing efforts and see the value of putting physical materials into the hands of their customers and prospects. Because it is the most tactile way to communicate what their brand represents, taking the time to devise a smart strategy pays off in better use of resources and stronger results. Quality print helps construction companies compete, influence their brand’s perception in the marketplace, and meet safety regulations and compliance in communications.

For a more detailed look at products the construction industry is buying and how they impact business operations and branding, check out our construction flyer designed for your reference as well as for you to share with your customers and prospects in the industry.

Farming for new sales opportunities? Ag is your answer. Here are five reasons why:

1. IT’S A GROWING (AND OFTEN OVERLOOKED) MARKET

Forecasted to bump spend and continue to grow, agribusiness companies are worthy of a spot in your pipeline. However, selling to a new vertical market is no easy feat. It takes time, resources and some dedication. This investment pays off as you go from zero to sales in a new segment. There are certain steps to take in order to penetrate a new industry. The first step is to understand the market. This is why we’re sharing some seeds with you about an industry worth a look. The following predominant circumstances are setting the pace for today’s ag landscape:

• Consumers continue to show a growing preference for adopting healthier lifestyles
• The world continues to face the challenge of feeding an ever-increasing population while battling the climate crisis
• Labor shortages and supply chain disruption put pressure on increasing demand

2. IT’S GETTING A SEXY MAKEOVER

Ag has evolved beyond dirty, back-breaking physical work. There is a real and exciting story of agriculture (and agritech) that is developing that includes automation, computers, drones, good salaries and lifestyles, and ample opportunities. From robotics to waste reduction and from driverless tractors to sustainability, agribusiness is evolving into one pretty sexy industry.

The role that robotics will play in agricultural supply chains has risen to center stage and is one to keep an eye on as a developing agribusiness trend. In the same vein as robotics, the use of IoT technology promises to help make agriculture and agriculture supply chains more efficient and, in turn, more sustainable.

3. THE FUTURE LOOKS BRIGHT (AND SUPER TECHY)

Self-driving vehicles are coming to the farm as John Deere^® plans to roll out driverless tractors. The world’s largest farm equipment manufacturer marks a milestone for automation by using the advancements in driverless tech and outpacing the consumer driving options.

Innovations like See & Spray™ technology use high-resolution cameras to capture 20 images per second, and with the aid of artificial intelligence, the system uses those images to recognize the difference between cultivated plants and weeds. This agritech advancement allows individual plants to be specifically treated. With this new generation of weed control, the use of pesticides can be greatly reduced.

The future vision of a farm implement’s cab reveals new possibilities for further use of artificial intelligence in ag. With its joystick control, touchscreen display and networking of all machine components, it’s a completely new operating concept. By integrating real-time weather data, individual pre-settings and job management procedures, the cab becomes the command center for agricultural operations.

4. THIS MARKET BRINGS MORE SALES FOR YOU

Now that we have shared a few of the reasons why agribusiness is not only forecasting growth, but shaping up to be an attractive career path, you can see why it deserves a spot in your pipeline. Let’s take a closer look at some of the industry’s top priorities and how print plays a critical role in the sector’s success:

Priority: Enhancing Operations
Regardless of which sector an agriculture business falls — whether growing the commodities or benefiting from the growers through purchase, distribution or sales — navigating labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and fluctuations in demand requires re-examining priorities, establishing clear channels of communication, capitalizing on brand exposure opportunities and maximizing efficiencies in operations. It takes a plethora of print products to achieve industry compliance, educate and inform, and simplify communications.

Priority: Talent Acquisition and Retention
The lack of available talent and resources dares businesses in the agriculture vertical market to go bold in their recruitment efforts. Attractive job prospects are abundant and this profusion is making the industry start to appeal to the next generation. At the same time, one of the top issues threatening an ag business’ ability to grow is talent shortage. Businesses are turning to savvy direct marketing tactics and print to recruit and retain talent, execute education programs and offer workforce training courses.

Priority: Growing Brand Visibility
Today’s consumers want information, choices and convenience, and businesses across the ag industry consistently strive to meet those needs. Additionally, the industry is moving toward more ‘coalition building’ across companies and nonprofits to promote food and ag in general. Campaigns and messaging that convey differing perspectives and practices, like traditional versus organic farming, first-time farmers versus older generations, and growing crops for fuel take concise and targeted communications.

There are so many sectors in this vertical, including seed or chemical suppliers, businesses that sell to retailers and grocers, and businesses in consumer packaging and sales. Direct mail is essential for ad campaigns. Signage is needed for anything employee-facing through consumer-facing. Packaging and label solutions showcase and help sell the products. Promotional products cover giveaways, incentives, awards, loyalty programs and more. Apparel is also key for brand-promoting on wearables for all sectors from family farms to consumer packaging brands. We share details on the print product solutions for all of the priorities listed above in our Marketing Field Guide to Agribusiness.

5. WE HAVE AG RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW YOUR SALES

When considering industries that buy a lot of print products, how often has the agriculture vertical market hit your radar? Who knew the market had as many far-reaching sectors as it has and that they need so much stuff? We did. If you’re not working with ag, you’re missing a truckload of business.

Are you ready to cultivate new business in this often overlooked market? Whether enhancing operations, recruiting talent or growing brand visibility, agribusiness is a hot market ripe for print sales. Find out more about growing sustainable revenue in an industry that is one of print’s hidden nuggets. Our Marketing Field Guide to Agribusiness is loaded with information to help you jump start selling to this worthwhile industry. Additionally, our free training webinars are another great opportunity to discover new markets to sell to. In our latest workshop, “Agribusiness – Cultivating New Business in an Overlooked Market” on June 22 at 10 a.m. CST, OR: replayable here, we show you how to grow sustainable revenue in one of print’s undiscovered industries.