In the ever-evolving world of small businesses, particularly for artisans, calligraphers, graphic artists, influencers, and creative entrepreneurs, the utilization of print-on-demand (POD) and drop shipping services has revolutionized the way they operate and expand their product offerings. This blog delves into the many benefits of POD for small businesses and how they can leverage it's inherent flexibility and customization potential. We will also look at a real-life example of how a small business can benefit from using Print on Demand and Drop shipping services to expand and grow their business.
The Flexibility and Scalability of Print on Demand:
Say goodbye to the complexities of inventory management, production hurdles, hefty upfront costs, and the challenges of order fulfillment. The true magic of print on demand lies in its unparalleled scalability. As the demand for products grows, small businesses can effortlessly expand their operations without the need for extensive capital or storage space.
Consider an artist, specializing in digital prints, who decides they want to start offering personalized wooden bookmarks. It's their first time offering a physical product, and the challenges seem daunting – finding the right suppliers, getting the design just right on the bookmarks, selecting the ideal materials, and more. With print on demand, this part becomes remarkably easy – all achieved without the logistical challenges associated with managing a large inventory or launching a new product.
This inherent flexibility allows small businesses to adapt and scale in response to market trends seamlessly. For creative entrepreneurs seeking to explore new avenues and cater to evolving customer preferences, print on demand becomes a game-changer. It enables them to introduce and scale new products without the need for substantial changes to their business model, providing a streamlined and efficient path to innovation and growth.
Beyond Generic Products: Redefining Drop shipping:
Breaking free from the stereotype that associates drop shipping with mundane products, creative businesses are tapping into the vast potential of this model. Beyond standard items like t-shirts and tumblers, a calligrapher can now turned their own custom fonts into name signs and other home decor products. The ability to offer diverse, customized products opens new avenues for small businesses to connect with their audience on a personal level.
The Niche Advantage: Choosing a Specialized Print on Demand Company:
While mainstream POD and dropshipping services have their merits, there's a compelling case for forging partnerships with smaller, niche print-on-demand companies. These specialized providers offer a level of customization and personalization that goes beyond the ordinary. An influencer, for example, can collaborate with a niche POD company to not only customize their merchandise but also design unique packaging that aligns with their brand aesthetic. This personalized touch creates a memorable and immersive experience for customers, setting the influencer's merchandise apart in a competitive market.
Working with a smaller drop shipping company also means much more attentive customer service. You will be just as important to them as they are to you so you aren't just a number to them.
Realizing Success: How Mae Bicklein Designs More Than Doubled Her Holiday Season Revenue in 2023:
The impact of print-on-demand services is vividly illustrated through the real-life success story of our client, Megan Bicklein, the Founder of Mae Bicklein Designs. Megan, a seasoned professional in event planning and design, launched her business in January 2022, specializing in creating stunning custom botanical silhouette cameos of children, pets, bouquets, and more, meticulously crafted from paper. The enchanting artistry she brings to her creations has not only captured the hearts of her audience but has also cultivated a substantial waitlist that eagerly anticipates each monthly release.
Megan's success is a testament not only to her beautiful art but also to her strategic approach to building an extensive influencer network. This network played a pivotal role in marketing her brand to a broader audience. Moreover, Megan achieved remarkable success through 'product drops,' a strategy involving the limited-time release of products, mainly designer paper mats for picture frames and other things. This not only created a sense of urgency but also added exclusivity to her products and designs.
Despite her achievements, Megan faced a common challenge among small businesses – the desire to expand her product line while navigating the complexities of managing increased demand. Over the years, Megan had received numerous requests for Christmas ornaments but wasn't sure the best way to execute on them. Eager to meet this demand, she was confronted with the task of handling additional inventory, production time, and order fulfillment, all while managing her busy schedule as a mom too. The upfront costs associated with this expansion added another layer of complexity.
Enter Everlaser, a family-run print-on-demand and dropshipping provider that played a pivotal role in Megan's journey in 2023 and beyond. Everlaser offered a seamless solution, enabling Megan to not only grow her revenue but also save valuable time. With Everlaser's support, Megan successfully introduced stunning new glass ornaments to her product line in 2023, receiving rave reviews from her customers which more than doubled her typical holiday sales.
By partnering with our services, Megan was able to amplify her strengths as an artist and marketer without the need for substantial changes to her business model or disrupting her busy schedule. The beauty of this collaboration lies in its ability to provide Megan with the flexibility to cater to her customer's wishes without the burden of inventory management or the risks associated with large-scale production.
This success story underscores the mutually beneficial relationship between innovative marketing strategies and the efficiency of print on demand. It goes beyond simplifying operations – it becomes a catalyst for growth, allowing small businesses like Mae Bicklein Design to navigate challenges, expand product offerings, and delight customers with new and unique creations. In partnering with Everlaser, Megan found a reliable ally in her entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the collaborative potential between creative businesses and print-on-demand providers.
You can see more of Megan’s work on her website and instagram!
Expanding Horizons: Unleashing the Potential of Print on Demand in 2024:
The landscape for small businesses continues to evolve. Print on demand is not just a service; it's a dynamic force that propels creative entrepreneurs towards new horizons. In 2024, the capabilities of print-on-demand services are set to redefine how small businesses conceptualize, create, and distribute their products and Everlaser stands at the forefront of that innovation.
Contact us directly to learn more about out print on demand services at orders@everlaser.com