The world of online shopping has changed a lot thanks to print-on-demand (POD) services. These services let business owners start and grow their online stores without having to keep a lot of products in stock or spend a lot of money upfront. With POD, products are only made and shipped when a customer places an order. This makes it easier and less risky to run an online store. Not to mention the freedom it gives to offer a variety of unique products.
However, the key to running a successful print-on-demand store is choosing the right POD provider. There are many possibilities. Each has its pros and cons, which can make the choice overwhelming. The right supplier can help your business grow by providing high-quality products quickly and reliably. On the other hand, a bad supplier can lead to unhappy customers and lost sales.
To help you choose the best on-demand service provider for your online store, we'll share 8 useful tips. Let's dive in!
Tip 1: Define Your Product Needs
Before you start looking for a print on demand service provider, it is important to know exactly what products you want to offer. Think about the types of products that fit your brand. Be it fashionable clothes, fashionable accessories, or unique interior design. Knowing what you want to sell will help you narrow down your choices and find a seller that suits your needs.
At Printseekers, we are leaders in wall art (canvases and posters) print on demand. In the wall art niche, we offer quality, size variety, quick shipping, and a diverse medium selection for your artistic vision.
We also have long-term experience in creating print on demand wallpaper – traditional and peel and stick. And we are expanding our product range every year, and we are now offering apparel like t-shirts, hoodies, and sweatshirts, as well as the popular tote bags. Check out all of our products here!
Second, think about the quality of products you aim to sell. High-quality products will delight your customers and keep them coming back again and again. Thus, don't settle for less than the best you can afford. Additionally, consider customization options. Do you want to offer products in different colors, sizes, or styles? Make sure the provider you choose can provide the specific level of customization you require.
Finally, clearly define your niche and target audience. Are your target audience gamers, animal lovers, or fitness enthusiasts? This will help you choose specific products that will appeal to your customers. Create a detailed list of products that should be in your store.
Tip 2: Research Potential Suppliers
Once you know the products you want to offer, it's time to research print on demand companies.
User reviews are valuable resources. Look for feedback from other sellers about their experiences with the suppliers. Are the products high-quality? Is shipping reliable and fast? How responsive is customer service? Honest reviews can give you a good sense of what to expect.
Here’s what some of our customers say about Printseekers:
‘’Printseekers for apparel is pure profit. They have the fastest fulfillment system I have ever used.’ I also love their branding materials – my order now stands out and leaves a lasting impression.’’
Lucy, Feel Print
’If you're all about canvas, posters, and framed posters, this is your game-changer. Top-tier wall art quality plus unmatched fulfillment and shipping speed. Best print-on-demand company for wall art, hands down.’’
Malinovsky, Success City
Tip 3: Assess Print Quality
Choosing a print-on-demand supplier without seeing their products firsthand is like buying a car without test-driving it. To ensure you're offering high-quality items to your customers, it's crucial to assess the print quality and product range yourself.
Start by ordering samples from the suppliers you’re considering. POD suppliers like Printseekers offer a free sample order option. This allows you to evaluate the print quality, fabric, and overall craftsmanship.
It's noteworthy that 95% of free sample recipients choose to partner with Printseekers!
It is also important that you understand the difference between different printing techniques since different products may require different approaches. By ordering samples of the same design using different printing methods, you can compare the results and choose the best technique for your products.
Tip 4: Evaluate Fulfillment and Shipping Times
Efficient fulfillment and shipping are crucial for customer satisfaction. Yet how do you make sure that a supplier can deliver quickly and reliably?
You can place test orders to gauge shipping times accurately. This firsthand experience will give you a realistic idea of how long customers will have to wait. It’s also an opportunity to see how well the supplier handles the packaging and shipping process.
Here at Printseekers we offer 2–7 day shipping depending on where in the World you need to send your orders.
Tip 5: Cost Structure and Profit Margins
Understanding the cost structure is key to setting profitable prices. You probably already know that different suppliers offer varying pricing tiers based on order volume. Your task is to compare these tiers and determine the most cost-effective supplier for your expected order quantities. Bulk discounts are a significant factor that can impact profit margins – especially when your business grows.
Some suppliers may have low initial costs but high shipping costs. Others may offer discounts for bulk orders. Understanding this information will help you calculate your potential profit.
Tip 6: Integration with E-commerce Platforms
Smooth integration with your e-commerce platform can save you time and reduce errors. Follow these tips to ensure seamless integration.
Test the supplier’s integration features with a dummy product to ensure smooth syncing
Before committing, test the supplier’s integration by adding a dummy product to your store. This allows you to check how well the supplier’s system syncs with your e-commerce platform. Additionally, you will ensure that there are no hiccups in inventory management, order processing, and updates.
Look for suppliers that offer automated order processing to save time
Automated order processing can streamline your operations, reducing the time and effort required to manage orders manually. Look for suppliers that offer features like auto-fulfillment, real-time tracking updates, and automated inventory sync.
Integration with popular sites
Here at Printseekers, we offer integration with popular sites like Shopify and Etsy. Integrations like these make the dropshipping process much more smoother and easier. You just set up the products and work on marketing, while we take care of the rest – processing orders and shipping them out.
Tip 7: Customer Service and Support
Responsive and fast customer service is crucial for resolving issues quickly. If your POD supplier doesn't offer top-notch customer service, how can you offer that to your own customers? Here's how you evaluate the support provided by suppliers.
Contact customer support with a question and assess response time and helpfulness
Reach out to the supplier’s customer support with a specific question and note how quickly and effectively they respond. This will give you a sense of their responsiveness and willingness to help. Good support can make a big difference in resolving issues promptly.
Here at Printseekers we are dedicated to helping our clients or potential clients as fast as possible. Our customer support team is knowledgeable and responsive. Contact us and learn more!
Tip 8: Long-term Scalability and Partnership
Choosing a reliable supplier that is able to grow as your business grows is essential for long-term success. Here are a few ideas on how to assess their scalability and partnership potential.
Check if the supplier offers volume discounts for large orders as your business grows
As your business scales, you’ll likely place larger orders. Ensure your supplier offers volume discounts for bulk purchases, which can significantly lower your costs and increase profit margins.
Look for suppliers with features like custom branding options (e.g., Labels, Packaging)
Suppliers that offer custom branding options, such as branded labels, packaging, and inserts, can help you build a stronger brand identity. This added touch can enhance the customer experience and set your store apart from competitors.
Here at Printseekers, we offer different branding services from custom labels to certificates and thank-you notes. Check out our branding services here!
Personal manager
At Printseekers, we highly value communication and a personal approach. That’s why all of our clients get a dedicated personal manager for their account. A personal manager can provide personalized assistance, help you navigate any issues, and offer tailored advice to optimize your store’s performance. Having a dedicated contact can streamline communication and ensure that your needs are prioritized, leading to a more efficient and supportive partnership. Click here to book a meeting with a personal manager!
In conclusion
To conclude, choosing the right POD supplier is much like finding the perfect partner for a dance. When you are in sync, everything flows smoothly. This is how your e-commerce store can truly shine. We hope you will consider us, Printseekers.com, as your print on demand supplier! We cannot wait to start working with you on fulfilling your dreams!
