In life and in business there are no guarantees, and 2020 was a great example of that. But just because you can’t prevent the unexpected from happening doesn’t mean you can’t prepare for it. Sure, there’s no guarantee that everything will work out the way you want it to, but with the right foresight and planning you can at least make the most of whatever life throws your way.
Today, let's look at some of the ways the right printing partner can help any retail store stay as ready as they can be in the face of quick and dramatic change.
When you can’t realistically plan ahead for a specific scenario, you then have to pivot and look at how quickly you can respond to something like Covid-19. A print partner that can offer on-demand solutions like direct mail pieces, store signage, and other printed collateral will allow you to skip the inventory and get the product straight to customers as quickly as possible. The faster you're able to get your unique message out, the more important it is to make sure you're working with a print provider that has the efficiency and ability to meet those needs.
If printing on demand isn’t what you’re looking for, but the ability to print at large scales is, then you have to look at the ability your printing partner has to handle bulk orders. When material costs are low or budgets need to be spent, the right print provider will be able to work with your situation to plan ahead for the unexpected while facilitating great deals on something you'll eventually buy anyway. They'll also have the warehouse, shipping, and online ordering capabilities that allow you to order (or reorder) from an inventory as needed.
Every client is different, and no single situation seems to fall into a strictly "on-demand" or "bulk order" mindset. These solutions are two ends of a spectrum, and the best printing strategies tend to use a little bit of both. The right printing partner is going to be able to work with you to find the sweet spot between quick-turn printed pieces and larger bulk orders. An example of a strategy like this would be a store that chooses to support ongoing branded pieces with inventory while focusing on seasonal (or unexpected) campaigns using the on-demand approach. In short: the best of both worlds.
We’ve mentioned the “right printing partner” more than once. Who that is will depend on your particular needs, wants, industry, and budget. Get in touch with us today to learn more about the customizable concept, design, and printing services The Vomela Companies have to offer to retail businesses nationwide.