Bringing on wide-format printing technology can significantly benefit promotional product suppliers by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and expanding product offerings. One of the primary advantages is cost savings. Outsourcing wide-format printing often comes with high costs per job, but handling it in-house eliminates markups and reduces per-unit costs, especially for short to medium print runs. Additionally, it offers faster turnaround times since you have full control over production timelines, enabling you to meet tight deadlines more effectively than relying on third-party vendors.
Another major benefit is enhanced customization. You can offer unique and tailored solutions to clients, such as rapid prototyping or highly specific designs without delays. This also leads to increased profit margins, as you retain a larger portion of the earnings while maintaining competitive pricing. Wide-format printing is particularly advantageous for short-run production, allowing you to cater to small orders or niche markets flexibly and cost-effectively. Furthermore, direct control over the printing process ensures high-quality output, minimizing errors and waste.
To bring wide-format printing in-house, start by assessing your needs. Identify the types of products you want to produce and estimate your printing volume to determine the equipment and materials required. Invest in a suitable wide-format printer based on factors like printing speed, resolution, and material compatibility — common options include eco-solvent, UV, and dye-sublimation printers.
Prepare a dedicated, well-ventilated workspace with enough room for the printer, media rolls, and finishing equipment like laminators and cutters. It’s also essential to train your team on operating the equipment, handling media, and troubleshooting common issues. Building relationships with reliable suppliers for printing media, inks, and accessories will ensure a steady supply and favorable pricing. Once your setup is complete, market your new in-house printing capabilities to your existing client base and potential distributor customers.
What Can You Produce?
Wide-format printing opens up a wide range of product possibilities. For instance, you can produce promotional banners for trade shows, events, and outdoor advertising, as well as custom posters, point-of-sale displays, and other signage. Stickers and decals, especially vinyl decals for vehicles, packaging, or promotional campaigns, are another versatile product option. With dye-sublimation printing, you can create branded apparel and textiles such as T-shirts, jerseys, or promotional flags. Additionally, wide-format printing allows for producing wall graphics, murals, floor graphics, and even vehicle wraps for mobile advertising. Other possibilities include custom packaging, backlit displays for illuminated signs, and various trade show materials like booth backdrops, pop-up displays, and roll-up banners.
When considering in-house printing, it’s important to calculate the return on investment (ROI) by comparing your current outsourcing costs with projected expenses. Regular maintenance of equipment will ensure consistent quality and extend its lifespan. As demand grows, you can scale your operations by adding new equipment or expanding into specialized printing services. Ultimately, in-house wide-format printing not only streamlines operations and reduces costs but also positions you as a more competitive player in the promotional products market.