A web-to-print portal (web-to-print system) is the ideal tool for managing print and maintaining brand values.
We have known for years that purchasing products in large quantities is cheaper than buying them in smaller quantities. This can still work for some companies. However, rushing to place bulk orders without considering all possible risks can lead to a huge waste of time and money.
A company with many franchisees across the country did this to us. They placed a bulk order of stationery for their entire franchise business.
The franchise didn’t plan where the print would be stored when it arrived. The problem was also with distributing the stock individually to other locations.
The company was strained by this single order, which put an enormous strain on its time, resources, and sometimes even tempers. The company’s stockpile of printed papers sat unutilized in its head office. It was then immediately obsolete when it rebranded. The redistribution and storage process also misplaced or damaged many of the stock.
Large printing orders may not be the best.
Digital printing presses allow for smaller print runs and lower costs. A well-designed online purchasing portal makes it possible to purchase the print in bulk without needing a head office. Combining the two creates a powerful business tool that saves time and cuts costs.
By investing in an online purchasing portal, your company can order print whenever needed and deliver it wherever it needs.
Franchisees, for example, can create their artwork and not need to hire a designer. The print will be printed with the correct branding and approved offers so that the head office can rest assured. The Head office can approve artwork submitted by new franchisees, provided they follow the branding guidelines.
Marketing improvements
The central marketing team can focus on their core role rather than chasing down quotes, approving proofs, and ensuring logs aren’t distorted. They can instead spend their time creating the next marketing concepts more efficiently.
The supplier of your web-to-print portal will often upload new artwork to you, usually for a small fee. In some cases, your new web-to-print portal supplier will even facilitate the design and marketing process for clients, allowing you to focus on business growth. You can rest assured that your franchisees will order the most current products with the right branding, print on approved materials, and use the best marketing strategies.
Reduce frustration
Sometimes, franchisees decide to stop ordering print marketing because it is too complicated. This can lead to franchisees not being marketed sufficiently, which may result in the franchise failing to reach the desired target and possibly even losing their money.
Rogue buying is another problem that franchise companies face. Franchise companies who choose not to use any form of print automation in their business can find this problematic. The majority of franchisees will decide to use a local printing company, and they will attempt to manage their print purchases better.
Their lack of experience in marketing and printing will result in the values of the parent company being diluted or even lost. Marketing messages can be misinterpreted. Printing brand messages may use incorrect colour values, or logos and designs might be distorted. These poorly designed and poorly printed items can give the wrong impression about the franchise or send the wrong message.
Save big on your costs.
It’s not the only way to save money. Franchises can purchase all their print from one supplier and receive volume discounts. Be careful when choosing your supplier. Print prices will often be significantly lower than the print prices that are available through individual franchisees. Central print suppliers can consolidate orders. Additional savings can be made if multiple orders need to be produced simultaneously.
Time savings of a major magnitude
It cannot be easy to purchase a print for large businesses.
Many technical terms are still used in the print industry that most people don’t understand. How can you ensure that marketing departments are buying the correct item? The entire process can be simplified using an online ordering portal to generate print orders.
At the beginning of the contract, pre-approved print specs (and fixed cost) will be discussed with the print supplier. Franchisees can choose the marketing item they need and the quantity. The system generates a purchase request and forwards it along with the artwork to print suppliers. Once the order has been fulfilled, the system sends the order back.
There are no lengthy conversations with printers, and there are no samples to approve. They need the extra time to grow their business.
Print management systems are affordable and can be used anywhere in the world.
An experienced supplier will handle the initial setup of an online shopping portal. The supplier will provide support and assistance when necessary. It should be easier and faster to purchase goods every day.
