10 Things to Consider When Buying Custom Printing Solutions

How Has Customization Affected the Printing Industry?

A few days ago, I was awestruck to see my friend wearing a T-shirt with the quote "I Am Dead Inside" from the popular sitcom "The Office." I asked him how he managed to find this gem. He answered, "It's customized." A few years ago, this was not possible. We were all at the mercy of T-shirt designers whose designs we liked or disliked. Customers never had a complete say over the product—be it T-shirts, cards, photos, shoes, etc.

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But now, customization has completely changed the way we buy products. It has empowered customers to bring their creativity to life through personalized products.

The printing industry is well aware of this phenomenon. That’s why it is happy to offer customers the ability to customize their products according to their wishes. The effect of customization on the printing industry has been immense. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 ways customization has affected the printing industry. But before that, let’s take a look at some market stats.

Customization Boosting Growth in Print Industry

In the last four years, the on-demand printing industry has grown by almost 12%. Customization is a significant driving factor. This is evident from the massive demand for customization from customers. Around 36% of customers now expect the personalization option.

In 2020, the market size valuation of custom T-shirt printing was $3.64 billion. It’s estimated that by 2028, the market size for custom T-shirts will reach $7.57 billion. The success of custom T-shirt printing shows the impact of customization on the printing industry.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the custom printing industry positively. There was a spike in the interest in print-on-demand. People were able to set up printing stores from their homes and take orders. We also saw the rise of specific custom printing products like personalized masks and gifts.

Top 5 Ways Customization Affected Printing

Increased Sales

Custom printing products have helped businesses drive sales. According to a study by Deloitte, 36% of customers would consider buying customized products or services. Moreover, one out of five customers is willing to pay 20% more for customized products.

Additionally, 48% of customers are willing to wait longer for their customized products. These stats show a shift in customers’ mentality, moving from focusing on monetary cost to valuing the product more.

Word-of-mouth marketing is another significant way customization drives sales. Customers with customized products are more likely to share their experiences with friends or on social media.

For example, if someone is a massive Game of Thrones fan and designs a custom T-shirt with the famous catchphrase "Winter is Coming," they are likely to showcase it to their friends. This word-of-mouth marketing effectively promotes customized printing products.

Powered Online Printing Business

The advent of online stores has gained traction in recent years. The printing business is no exception. Online businesses offer a convenient buying experience and have cheaper overhead compared to traditional stores.

Customized printing has further boosted online printing. According to Invesp Consulting, 59% of customers prefer online stores for buying customized products. Moreover, 53% of customers state that online stores offering customized products provide better services.

Online printing businesses can offer unique experiences with customized products. They can also drive sales by adapting online printing stores to each customer's interests. Investing in an online product designer tool is essential for enabling customers to customize their printings.

Increased Profit Margin

Before online printing, businesses stored products in bulk, hoping to sell them all. With online printing, businesses no longer need to store bulk items. Advanced digital printing machines and design software allow for quick creation of customized products without extra costs.

Offered Better Customer Insights

Businesses globally use customer data to improve their offerings, and the printing business is no exception. However, businesses that don’t offer product customization only collect basic data like sales numbers and stock levels.

With customization, businesses can gain valuable insights. Advanced data analytics and CRM technology allow businesses to collect and save data for each customer. This enables them to offer customized products and services catering to the customer's preferences and interests. AI may further enhance the ability to predict sales trends based on customer customization habits.

Improved Customer Loyalty

Enabling customization transforms customers from passive buyers to active participants in the creation process. This drives customer satisfaction to new heights. Personalization helps print businesses establish deeper relationships with customers, improving loyalty and retention.

Conclusion

Customization has been a win-win for both printing businesses and customers. Customers can customize products the way they want, adding more value. Printing businesses can offer customization to:

• Drive sales
• Improve customer loyalty
• Increase profit margin
• Gain better customer insights

Customization is here to stay. You can also reap these benefits by offering customization through tools like T-shirt Design Software and online product designers.

10 Questions For Your Commercial Printing Company

Choosing a commercial printing company shouldn’t be a last-minute decision. As the go-to partner for your printing and graphic design needs, you need a company that can guide you through the process and deliver high-quality work on time. To help you make an informed decision, we will cover 10 of the top questions to ask a printing company before partnering with them.

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Partnering With A Commercial Printing Company

Before starting any major endeavor, a little introspection is helpful. This will better prepare you for what you need and what you want to accomplish before finding a commercial printing partner. Here are two questions to ask yourself:

#1 What Type Of Print And Print-Related Services Do I Need?

Determining your needs will help you find the right commercial printing partner. List the types of commercial printing jobs you may need—annual reports, custom booklets, brochures, direct mail campaigns, etc.

Be as extensive and descriptive as possible. Some questions to help you get started could include:

• Do I need a company that offers design, printing, and mailing services?
• Do I need a company that provides digital, print-on-demand services for annual reports?
• Do I need a company that can handle large commercial printing projects like outdoor signs and banners?

Include project specifications, such as quantity, color or black & white, personalization needs, and fulfillment requirements.

#2 Do I Want A Long-Term Business Partnership?

Determine whether you need a commercial printing company for a one-time project or a long-term partnership. If you seek a long-term partner, ensure the company can meet both your current and projected needs.

10 Questions To Ask A Commercial Printing Company

Now that we've covered questions to ask yourself, let’s look at 10 essential questions for your potential commercial printing partner:

#1 What Commercial Printing Services Do You Offer?

This fundamental question ensures the print and design company has the capabilities your projects demand. For instance, does the company offer the following services:

• Offset printing (sheetfed or web) for larger quantity projects
• Digital printing for smaller quantity and quick delivery projects
• Print-on-demand
• Custom brochure printing services
• Brand identity design, proofreading, & printing services

Ensure the commercial printing company has the resources for your projects, big or small.

#2 What Are Your Backend Capabilities?

Find out if the company has the equipment to fold, glue, saddle-stitch, bind, or die cut. Make sure they can complete the project as designed, within budget, and on schedule. Avoid quick print/copy stores for high-end, large-quantity projects requiring specialized tools.

#3 How Long Have You Been In Business?

Understanding a company’s history—operation duration, customer base, testimonials, and examples—provides valuable insights.

#4 What Type Of Printing Method Is Best For My Project?

Ensure the printer has a wide range of capabilities, from digital to offset sheetfed and web printing, to complete your project efficiently. This question also gauges the helpfulness and knowledge of the company's sales representatives and account managers.

#5 Are Proofs Provided?

Proofs are necessary to ensure printed items are accurate. A lack of proofing in a commercial printing company’s standard processes is a red flag.

#6 What’s The Turnaround Time For My Printing Services?

Turnaround times vary based on order size and required printing methods. Ensure the company can meet your timeline needs.

#7 What Long-Term Value Does The Print Company Provide?

Look for a company that can help with strategic marketing campaigns, offer marketing solutions, and provide demographic information, reporting, or analytics to measure campaign success.

#8 Will I Have An Account Manager To Help Me Through The Process?

Ensure the company provides a dedicated account manager to guide you through the commercial printing process and understand your business needs.

#9 What Is The Printing Company’s Primary Access To Paper?

Inquire about the company’s paper supply sources, handling of supply chain disruptions, and contingency plans for paper shortages.

#10 What Makes The Printing Company Different From The Competition?

Understand what sets the company apart, their motivations, and how they will support your goals. Ask about their quality control procedures, as it reveals a lot about their operation.

Qualities To Look for In A Commercial Printing Company

Beyond asking questions, consider these qualities in a printing partner:

A company that can make suggestions and provide guidance. Industry professionals who offer advice and support foster long-term success.

A company that is candid. Honest communication about turnaround times, supply chain issues, and suitability for your needs saves money and headaches.

A company with up-to-date printing technology. Ensure the company has modern capabilities and performs regular quality control checks, such as color consistency and accurate personalization.

Finding the right commercial printing partner can seem daunting. However, by using this information, you have the roadmap to get started. Don’t hesitate to ask questions; experienced printing companies will gladly explain their process and capabilities. For more details, Custom Printing Solutions.