Print’s Role in the Digital Age

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.

Print on Demand: Meeting the Needs of Modern Businesses

For businesses today, maintaining brand consistency across multiple locations and marketing channels is a constant challenge. The traditional print process – designing, sourcing files, reviewing artwork, requesting quotes, placing orders, and approving proofs – can be time-consuming and inefficient. That’s why more companies are turning to Print on Demand (POD) solutions. And for resellers, that shift presents a massive opportunity.

Print on Demand: More Than a Trend

POD isn’t just a passing fad – it’s a staple now and in the future of print. As brands look for ways to work faster, smarter, and with less waste, the demand for streamlined, customizable, and flexible print solutions is skyrocketing. The ability to order what’s needed, when it’s needed – without stocking inventory – is no longer a luxury; it’s an expectation.

What Businesses Need (And What You Can Offer)

Your customers aren’t just looking for print products; they’re looking for a seamless, efficient experience that supports their brand across all touchpoints. They need:

  • Brand consistency – materials follow brand guidelines no matter who places the order.
  • Speed – Fast, automated ordering without delays.
  • Personalization – Tailored print materials that resonate with individual recipients.
  • Customization – Options for different sizes, finishes, and messaging that reflect their unique brand.
  • Flexibility – The ability to scale up or down based on demand.

Businesses are prioritizing reducing obsolescence – no more warehouses full of outdated marketing materials. Instead, they’re opting for digital-first solutions that allow them to print only what they need, when they need it.

Seamless Print Solutions with Navitor

For resellers, the opportunity has never been greater. With Navitor, The Connected Printer, you can provide your customers with:

  • Online storefronts where customers can order their branded materials in seconds.
  • Custom small and large format printing, from business cards to signage and direct mail.
  • Unique finishing options for high-quality, standout pieces.
  • Technology-driven automation to simplify complex print projects.
  • Low minimum quantities – some products like badges, signs, and stamps can be ordered in quantities as few as one.

By offering turnkey solutions that eliminate the manual hassles of print marketing you give your customers the efficiency and speed they expect.

The Power of Repeat Business for Resellers

One of the biggest advantages of offering POD solutions is repeat business. When customers have access to a dedicated online storefront, they can quickly reorder essential print materials without needing to start from scratch each time. This convenience keeps them coming back to you for all their print needs, strengthening long-term relationships and increasing customer loyalty. By setting up an online storefront for your customers, you:

  • Lock in repeat orders with a seamless, always-available ordering experience.
  • Reduce friction in the buying process, making it easier for businesses to reorder with confidence.
  • Keep your customers loyal by providing an indispensable tool that simplifies their workflow.
  • Increase revenue by ensuring your customers consistently purchase their branded materials from you rather than seeking alternatives.

Your One-Stop Print on Demand Partner

Navitor streamlines POD with seamless integration, nationwide production, and a vast product catalog – all backed by a flexible fulfillment network and real partnership. Our vast production network ensures efficient routing and scalability, while our easy-to-integrate API connects you to thousands of customizable SKUs. Whether you’re launching or growing, we adapt to your needs, making fulfillment effortless and reliable.

With Navitor’s connected solutions, you can position yourself as the go-to print on demand provider, offering an easy, automated way for your customers to have quick access to essential branded materials.

Ready to Get Started?

It’s never been easier to sell custom, on-demand print solutions. See how Navitor’s connected solutions can grow your business. Want a quick assessment? Request a Flash Appraisal today.

5 Vertical Markets on the Rise

Where Resellers Can Win Big

When it comes to selling print, the landscape is always shifting. Some industries are slowing down, while others are charging full speed ahead – and where there’s growth, there’s opportunity. Today, several key vertical markets are booming, creating fresh demand for print products that help businesses stand out, connect with customers, and keep operations running smoothly.

While digital marketing grabs the headlines, print remains a powerhouse for brand presence, customer trust, and real-world engagement. The best part? These growing industries need the kind of high-impact print you sell – labels, packaging, signage, branded materials, and more.

So, which markets should you focus on to boost your sales this year? Keep reading to discover five industries on the rise – and how to position your print solutions to win big.

1. Manufacturing: A Powerhouse for Print

Manufacturing is experiencing a resurgence, driven by reshoring efforts, increased automation, and supply chain diversification. As companies scale production, their need for branding, compliance, and operational print materials is growing. Manufacturers rely on print more than you might think – from branded labels and packaging to safety signage and marketing collateral. In addition to labeling and packaging for finished goods, the logistics part of the business is an opportunity for printed products.

Opportunities:

  • Packaging & Labels: Branded product labels, compliance labels, and eco-friendlier packaging solutions.
  • Signage: OSHA-compliant safety signs, directional signage, and promotional banners.
  • Marketing & Stationery: Product brochures, business cards, custom forms, and branded folders.

Pro Tip: Offer bulk discounts for high-volume label and packaging orders. Manufacturers value consistency – so emphasize repeat ordering and brand consistency. Our Marketing Field Guide to Manufacturing & Packaging is a great place to start.

2. Events & Experiences: The Print-Heavy Power Player 

Live events are in full swing, with demand surging for in-person trade shows, festivals, and corporate gatherings. Brands are investing heavily in immersive experiences, making high-impact print materials essential for engagement and visibility. From trade shows to music festivals, live experiences rely on print for brand visibility and attendee engagement.

Opportunities:

  • Event Signage: Posters, retractable banner stands, foam board, expanded PVC, yard signs, and A-frames.
  • Branded Swag: Custom-printed tote bags, water bottles, and apparel.
  • Tickets & Programs: VIP passes, event tickets, lanyards, and event guides.

Profit-Driving Idea: Bundle event signage with promotional items to create complete event marketing packages. For more ideas, check out our Tradeshows & Events flyer.

3. Education: A Steady Demand for Print

The education sector continues to expand, fueled by increased enrollment and hybrid learning models. Schools and universities rely on print for branding, communication, and student engagement for both Admissions and Alumni Relations, making it a consistent revenue stream for resellers.

Opportunities:

  • Student & Staff Materials: Name and ID badges, letterhead and envelopes, branded folders, and notebooks.
  • Wayfinding & Safety Signage: Classroom door signs, campus maps, and emergency signs.
  • Recruitment & Fundraising: Brochures, postcards, alumni event mailers, and mailing envelopes.

Pro Tip: Position yourself as a go-to print provider for seasonal needs like back-to-school campaigns, graduations, and fundraising events and mailings. Our K-12 and Higher Education industry flyers help you navigate the education sector with confidence.

4. Healthcare: Essential, Regulated, and Print-Dependent

Healthcare remains a high-growth industry, with expanding medical facilities and regulatory changes driving demand for printed materials. From compliance documentation to patient education, print plays a critical role in keeping operations smooth and professional. Hospitals, clinics, and medical offices require compliant and professional print materials daily. For print solutions that keep healthcare on track, rely on this brandable Healthcare industry flyer.

Opportunities:

  • Patient & Office Materials: Prescription pads, appointment reminders, and branded business stationery.
  • Informational Print: Rack cards, brochures, and labor law posters.
  • Wayfinding Signage: Pedestal signs, A-frame boards, and decals.

Profit-Driving Idea: Schedule recurring monthly or quarterly meetings for healthcare offices that require frequent reorders.

5. E-Commerce & Online Marketplaces: The Boom Continues

E-commerce continues its rapid expansion, with small businesses and major brands alike seeking ways to differentiate themselves. Custom packaging, branded inserts, and print-on-demand solutions are crucial for creating a memorable unboxing experience and building customer loyalty. With e-commerce sales surging, brands need standout print solutions for packaging and customer engagement.

Opportunities:

  • Branded Packaging: Flexible pouches, folded cartons, water-activated packaging tape, and shipping labels.
  • Print-on-Demand: Stickers, hang tags, and product inserts.
  • Marketing & Loyalty Materials: Thank-you cards, coupon inserts, promo and apparel, and mailers.

Pro Tip: Be the one-stop resource for a wide range of solutions that help startups and small business owners, including setting up a corporate store with branded products.

Seizing the Growth Opportunities

These are just a few of the vertical markets that are expanding, and custom print resellers have an opportunity to thrive by targeting industries that rely on tangible, high-quality print. Whether it’s manufacturing’s need for durable labels, healthcare’s compliance-driven print, or e-commerce’s demand for premium packaging, there’s significant profit potential in every sector. By positioning yourself as their go-to print expert and offering tailored solutions, you can ensure your business grows alongside these booming industries.

Ready to take advantage? Start reaching out to key decision-makers in these industries today and show them how print is still a powerful part of their success story.

Top 5 Reasons YOU Should Use Custom Presentation Folders

Differentiating your organization in a crowded marketplace is essential. Custom presentation folders provide a polished, professional look and make a big impression. Elevate your brand with folders that protect and amplify the value of the documents they hold. Custom presentation folders are a way for recipients to easily refer back to important information, and they also complement other branded collateral. Choose from a variety of sizes and styles in a wide range of stocks, with print and finishing options that make your brand shine.

Using presentation folders can significantly enhance the professionalism and effectiveness of your presentations. Here are the top five reasons to consider using them:

  1. Professional Appearance:
    • Presentation folders help to create a polished and professional impression. They organize your materials neatly, making it easier for your audience to follow along and take you seriously.
  2. Branding Opportunities:
    • Customizable presentation folders offer an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand. You can include your company logo, colors, and other branding elements, which helps reinforce your brand identity and make a lasting impression.
  3. Organization and Accessibility:
    • Presentation folders keep all your documents, brochures, business cards, and other materials in one place. This not only keeps you organized but also makes it easier for your audience to access and review the information you provide.
  4. Enhanced Information Delivery:
    • By using sections, pockets, and inserts, presentation folders allow you to present information in a structured and logical manner. This can help your audience understand and retain the information better.
  5. Versatility and Reusability:
    • Presentation folders are versatile tools that can be used in various settings, such as meetings, conferences, and sales pitches. They can be reused multiple times, making them a cost-effective investment for ongoing professional use.

Elevate the quality of your presentations and leave a strong, positive impression on your audience.

Here’s a great custom presentation folders flyer to view!Custom Presentation Folders Flyer

NEW Custom Print Stationery Sales Tool!

Unveiling Our Game-Changing Sales Tool: Elevate Your Distribution Game!

We’re thrilled to introduce a revolutionary sales tool crafted to make your job easier and more efficient. Designed with meticulous attention to detail, this custom print stationery sales tool is set to transform how you manage and present your products. Let’s dive into the incredible features that make this tool a must-have for any distributor:

🔹 Easy-to-Use Shape and Ring Holder Our innovative shape and ring holder ensures your samples are always organized and accessible. No more fumbling around or losing track of your most important pieces. It’s designed for ease of use, so you can focus on what you do best—selling!

🔹 Prioritized Placement of Recommended House Stocks Stay ahead of the game with our prioritized placement feature. This allows you to highlight the most recommended house stocks, ensuring they get the attention they deserve. It’s a smart way to boost visibility and sales of your key products.

🔹 User-Friendly Pagination Navigate through your inventory seamlessly with our user-friendly pagination. It’s all about efficiency—quickly find what you’re looking for without getting bogged down by endless scrolling.

🔹 Streamlined Design A sleek, streamlined design that not only looks good but also enhances functionality. This tool is crafted to provide a smooth and hassle-free experience, making your sales process more efficient than ever.

Elevate your distribution game with this powerful new sales tool! Ready to experience it firsthand? Comment ‘swatchbook’ below and we will send you one for FREE!

Join the movement and take advantage of this incredible opportunity. Your sales process will never be the same!

 

Trends Guide Webinar Wrap-Up

Ready to distinguish yourself from your competition with forward-thinking ideas? Watch the Trends Guide Webinar 

Looking forward and anticipating what your customers will need and want next is vital. Awareness of trends keeps you competitive, in the moment and identified as the expert. See what’s exciting and in the now so you can uncover new business opportunities and demands. 

The Q1 Trends Guide covers four hot topics for distributors 

You’ll find must-know trends and details within each topic and links to helpful resources. Here’s a quick review of what you’ll learn: 

Print Trends  

The Navitor Team discusses who is buying what this time of year. You’ll hear about popular products you should be offering to clients as well as design trends to look for and incorporate into promotional materials, packaging, business flyers, and more! 

Artificial Intelligence 

The quintessential trend set to shape marketing in 2024 and beyond! The Navitor Team breaks down how AI is impacting sales for resellers and recommends their favorite AI sales tools you can start using today (if you aren’t already). 

Healthcare 

The Healthcare industry is experiencing a tremendous amount of change. Our print experts are sharing must-have print solutions for communicating these changes. You’ll also learn about the top 5 healthcare trends driving this change.   

Labels and Packaging 

Brand strategy is top priority for businesses, and labels and packaging are must-have print solutions for creating an optimal customer experience. Our team will discuss top prospects for label sales, and they’ll reveal popular labels and packaging trends so far this year.  

Navitor Tools Featured in the Webinar: 

The Power of Print in Higher Education Marketing

The higher education market has become increasingly competitive as schools vie for a shrinking pool of prospective students. Print plays a big role in today’s higher education marketing campaigns because it works. It remains the foundation upon which multi-generational marketing is built.

The audience is larger than you think

Prospective and enrolled students aren’t the only audience that higher ed institutions must reach. Community members, businesses, parents, alumni, donors, faculty and staff comprise a school’s broader support network. Colleges and universities have a unique challenge when it comes to developing a brand that appeals to a wide-ranging network of audiences and generations: to reach many and to resonate deeply. Whether it is promoting online education programs, increasing application and enrollment rates, engaging non-traditional learners, informing accepted students, promoting campus events, motivating current students, or engaging with alumni, strategic and integrated solutions are the right answer.

Cross-channel marketing

Not only is print a tactile and personal experience, but its message to a specific audience also can be amplified through digital media. And in higher education marketing, it’s more powerful than ever. Colleges and universities have been harnessing this power of print in reaching new students, their parents and other audiences for as long as they’ve been around. Utilizing tactics like personalized direct mail, marketing materials, fundraising campaigns and signage, higher ed institutions are well-versed at connecting and engaging with their extensive network. And with “digital fatigue” becoming a major concern, audiences appreciate the lasting tactile experience that a quality print piece delivers.

Anyone doing it on their own?

While some colleges and universities have on-site print shops, they’re often not the best fit for large-scale print campaigns. The vast array of print products used in higher education marketing makes it difficult for in-house shops to handle both the volume and the varied/complex processes required. Some of the more complex or long-run products that need an experienced partner often include:

  • Variable Data Postcards
  • Envelopes
  • Folders
  • Booklets
  • Calendars
  • Badges
  • Architectural Signage
  • Window, Wall and Floor Decals
  • Large Format Signage
  • Awards and Gifts
  • Promotional Products
  • Labels and Packaging

Having a trusted resource that helps plan, execute and deliver multiple elements within the marketing program saves the day. From prepress through digital and offset printing, finishing, kitting and shipping, a trusted partner helps take the complexity out of the print experience and delivers quality results.

The bottom line

Higher education marketing influences audiences at every level, from attracting prospective students to enhancing the enrolled student’s experience while on campus and encouraging alumni engagement. It can also be instrumental in drawing top-tier staff and donors. Print marketing is vital in order to make the greatest impact. Education institutions need marketing support from vendor partners that not only offer expansive print marketing capabilities but also provide personalized service, integrated solutions, and quick turns, all competitively priced.

To learn more about how Navitor can help you, we’ve compiled support materials like our Education Sale SheetProduct Images, and Education Social Toolkit content that you can use to go to market today. Check out all the material on Education and more on our Content Calendar page here.

4 Major Benefits of Ordering Online

There was a time when getting wholesale printing services meant going to a brick-and-mortar facility, speaking with a staff member, and placing a manual order for whatever you needed. Seems like ancient history, doesn’t it? It’s no question that the digital age has changed the world completely, especially when it comes to our reliance on e-commerce for obtaining goods and services. Additionally, in today’s fast-paced business world, time is a valuable commodity. Ordering print products such as custom folders, custom business cards, envelopes, and brochures is a necessary task, but it can be time-consuming. Fortunately, distributors have a convenient and cost-effective option to order print products online at Navitor.com. In case you haven’t noticed yet, we aim to make your life easier, and your business more profitable. Here are some of the benefits of ordering wholesale printing online versus calling in or emailing your orders.

Speed and Efficiency

One of the primary benefits of ordering print products online is the speed and efficiency with which you can complete the transaction. With just a few clicks, you can quickly and easily order the products you need. This process can be completed from anywhere, at any time, which is especially suitable for those who work remotely or have a busy schedule. Additionally, you can complete the entire process of looking through the options, picking what you want, paying for the order and selecting your delivery options – all online.

Convenience

Ordering print products online is much more convenient than traditional ordering methods. When ordering by phone or email, you may have to wait for someone to answer the phone or respond to an email. This can take up valuable time that could be better spent on other important tasks. With online ordering, there is no waiting or delays in the ordering process. You can simply log in to Navitor.com and place your order whenever it is convenient for you.

Customization

Customization doesn’t have to be complex. Simplify your ordering and get the print materials you’re looking for with complete customization – while maintaining uniformity and consistency. Get the best options to suit your needs when you couple high-quality product options with a series of design tools to accompany any skill level, and you’ll quickly discover just how easy it is to customize the materials to perfectly fit the brand and message.

Cost Savings

Another significant benefit of ordering print products online is the cost savings that can be achieved. Did you know that when you call in or email a product order that can also be ordered online it’s a little more expensive? Yep, typically around $15 more. Yes that fee will ensure your artwork is correct and specs align, BUT we have online ordering through at Navitor.com that saves you time and eliminates the manual fee. Instead of the additional labor cost for manually processing your order, online automation saves an expense, which increases your profits.

And We’re Still There for You

Rest assured, just because you choose to save time and money with our convenient and cost-saving online ordering, that doesn’t mean that you have to say goodbye to our good old fashioned one-on-one personal service. Let’s face it, some printing projects can end up being a bit complicated, and no one wants to run into problems during the production process, but sometimes issues come up and you will find yourself in need of help. Fortunately, we give you both the ease of using online ordering, plus the personal service you deserve.

Top Products Ordered Online

Recently, we’ve made Navitor.com even more user friendly, and a place where you can easily find all the products we supply. Our goal has always been to provide printing excellence at superb prices, and our website has been newly renovated, helping to make pricing print, uploading artwork and ordering even more quick and simple. Our wide selection of print products covers the gamut of wholesale printing needs, and some of the top products ordered online include custom business cards, envelopes, custom folders and brochures. These products are essential for any business, and ordering them online now saves you time, money, and effort.

The Takeaways

Ordering print products online at Navitor.com offers many benefits to our valued distributor members. These benefits include speed and efficiency, convenience, and cost savings. By taking advantage of online ordering, you can streamline your print product ordering process and focus on other important tasks for your business. When you order your print online you don’t have to spend valuable time on the phone or waiting for quotes and news on your job. You can do everything online – from getting instant prices to uploading your artwork and arranging delivery, all from your desktop or even your phone.

For a crash course on all that our online space offers, watch the Ultimate Guide to Navitor.com.

And don’t stop there – watch our webinar from July, Mastering Navitor.com: Tips, Tricks, and Hacksand learn how this platform can help you save time and money while also ensuring fast, reliable delivery for your customers. Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing professional, Navitor.com is your one-stop shop for personalized products that get results.

LIKE A BOSS: How to Dominate the Print Game through Company eStores

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.

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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!

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How print drives traffic for the restaurant industry

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!