The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way supplement companies and brands approach direct-to-consumer sales. According to market research, the global eCommerce market will grow at a CAGR of 14.7 percent through 2027 as consumers’ preference for online shopping grows. Approximately 36% of all consumers shop online, a 12% increase from the pre-pandemic era. As a result of the eCommerce boom, many supplement brands and businesses rely more than ever on print on demand companies to get their supplements to their customers quickly and affordably.
WHAT IS PRINT ON DEMAND?
With the print on demand (POD) model, your designs are only printed on products as orders come in and only in quantity requested by the order. In addition, POD means that you don’t have to buy large quantities of products to get started because each order is printed as it arrives. It is ideal for new businesses, and for expanding your business and testing new products. Moreover, it allows you to experiment with new ideas with ease. However, keep in mind that the POD model means that order fulfillment takes longer – something you won’t have to worry about if you have a stock of pre-printed products on hand.
BENEFITS OF PRINT ON DEMAND TO YOUR SUPPLEMENT BUSINESS
1. There is no need to print anything in bulk.
As the name “POD” means – the printer will only print the product once ordered. Moreover, it means you won’t have to gamble with your money and end up with a large stock of supplements with a design that doesn’t sell as well as you’d hoped.
2. You are not required to purchase printers.
Your POD partner handles all of the technical aspects of the printing process; you don’t need to purchase any printing machines, which can be costly. In addition, you don’t need to learn how to print a product.
3. You can easily experiment with different designs.
POD also allows you to take more risks with the designs you offer – you can create something unusual and see if your customers like it. However, because products are printed on demand, you don’t have to make a significant investment in something that might not sell in the end. As a result, if a design isn’t as popular as you’d like, it’s simple to remove it from your store.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRINT ON DEMAND PROVIDER
1. Begin by conducting research.
Begin simply by contacting any industry contacts you have through social and professional networks. In addition, obtaining recommendations from your network increases the level of trust and certainty with each endorsement. Furthermore, by sourcing within your network, you will learn about their print on demand provider experiences. It is an excellent idea to outsource your search after you have insourced. Moreover, use search engines like Google or LinkedIn to find print on demand companies in your area.
2. Start contacting and engaging in conversation with them.
Begin a conversation with two or three potentials after you’ve narrowed your list down to them. Introduce yourself and your company. Tell them what you require and what you expect from their services. In addition, it is also an excellent time to ask them questions to see if they fit your company. Check to see if they are FDA cGMP compliant if they can integrate seamlessly with your systems, and if they offer a variety of shipping options. It is an essential part, so make sure to ask them everything you want to know. As a result, it will help you to choose the perfect print on demand provider for your business.
3. Try out their products and services.
Check to see if your prospective print on demand partner provides trial periods. During these trial periods, you will evaluate their print on demand services, like the delivery times, packaging, and overall quality of the products they offer. You will see firsthand how consumers will react to your product if you participate in a trial period. As a result, it will help determine whether it is worthwhile to make an effort to establish a working relationship with them.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Supplement brands and businesses that want to stay relevant and ahead of the competition must consider their print on demand provider options. Finding the right eCommerce fulfillment company can help your supplement brand not only meet customer expectations but also establish and capture more market share in a rapidly growing industry.
Fulfillplex creates eCommerce solutions to help your online business grow. Our software works in tandem with your shopping cart. Orders are automatically imported from your online store, and tracking numbers are sent to your customers once they have been fulfilled. Check out our print on demand products in our catalog. We handle all logistics, from shipping to fulfillment, so you can focus on marketing your business. Do you want to learn more? Contact us right away.