Managing your product inventory, marketing, and logistics on your own is not an excellent way to expand your business. Moreover, you need a partner to help you manage and fulfill all of your customers’ orders. Using a print on demand provider to help your business grow can be a wise decision, but choosing the wrong partner can be costly. On the other hand, choosing the suitable print on demand partner to match your growth is a difficult task. Here are some pointers that might be useful to you.
BEST TIPS ON CHOOSING A PRINT ON DEMAND PROVIDER TO MATCH YOUR GROWTH
1. Evaluate Their Scalability
You probably started your business to grow it. And, if you outsource logistics, you should look for a provider who can provide business scalability.
Check if they:
- Install systems that allow for the easy integration of real-time data.
- Provide an established distribution infrastructure with multiple locations.
- Communicate efficiently and quickly to make necessary changes.
- Provide vital support services to assist you in determining your best next steps.
While there are many factors to consider when selecting a print on demand provider, the factors listed above can tell you if they will be able to keep up if you suddenly have a surge in sales or demand for a specific product. In addition, make sure that your print on demand provider does not simply tell you that they can scale up. Ask them to prove it to you. Furthermore, requesting examples or case studies of how the provider successfully scaled with one of their previous clients is a great way to assess their ability.
2. Observe how they are using Technology
Using integrated fulfillment technology is a critical component of any distribution system. This way, you can get real-time data as well as accurate forecasting. In addition, the right combination of fulfillment technology will help you better plan, increase performance, and reduce risks. Moreover, when it comes to warehouse operations, the technique is essential because this is the heart of your business. Furthermore, your provider can better manage stock, prioritize eCommerce order fulfillment, improve employee performance, and find ways to reduce excess costs by utilizing a high-quality warehouse management system. As a result, a more efficient and well-managed distribution program for you.
3. Examine Their Flexibility
It’s critical to pivot if your sales suddenly take off quickly. And, in the age of e-commerce, your business must move quickly because that is what customers expect. As a result, another factor to consider when selecting a print on demand provider is flexibility. First, examine your interactions and the nature of your relationship with your potential print on demand provider. How they communicate with you can give you an idea of how well they’ll handle changes or unexpected requests. Second, take note of how quickly they work. You must ensure that your provider can work with quick approvals and changes.
4. Make Sure They Provide Reverse Logistics
If you’re doing things to expand your business, don’t forget about what comes with it: increased returns. When a product arrives at the customer’s door, it is always possible to be damaged or does not meet their expectations. It is where reverse logistics come into play. If your provider can manage stock after the sale, your supply chain will benefit from increased efficiency and a lower risk of waste. Furthermore, it is yet another way to successfully help you increase your company’s bottom line and scale up in size.
KEY TAKE AWAY
A print on demand provider can help your business save money, increase efficiency, and provide excellent customer service. Most print on demand companies have expertise in all aspects of supply chain management and can handle everything for you to focus on running your business.
At Fulfillplex, we understand how difficult it can be to select a print on demand provider and then delegate your logistics operations to them. Our team members have years of experience in dedicated print on demand services and print on demand products like print on demand nutraceuticals and gadgets. We also specialize in eCommerce fulfillment and distribution services and carefully curated carrier relationships to provide you with some of the best services in the industry—and we are eager to form a long-term partnership with you. Email us today to find out more about how we can help you.