It's a typical day in the shop. The pandemic has taken it's toll on your business, but you've got jobs and you're thankfully staying afloat. You can do even better, though. Here's how.
Think for a moment: What more can you do with your printer that you haven't done before? If you’re thinking about printing labels, well, this article isn’t for you, you’ve got it already.
But if you weren’t thinking about printing labels, how about pause for a moment and let yourself go: “Hey! Why didn’t I think of that?!”
Well, we can’t tell you why you didn’t think of that, but that's not important. We thought of it, but you can take the credit if you'd like, we won't mind.
You see, expanding into labels is perfect, because there are practically zero upfront costs. All it takes is your phone and your existing printer/cutter. Your phone is for getting leads and your printer/cutter is for, well, printing and cutting.
But how can your tiny wide format printer compete with the massive offset printers?
It's simple: promotional or prototyping labels.
Granted, businesses and manufacturers normally use offset-printed labels for their products, but short promotional or prototyping runs don't justify the setup costs of offset printing and die cutting.
Short runs are where you are perfectly positioned to compete.
Consider the following situations:
- Indoor dining is resuming in New York City on September 30. A burger restaurant contacts you and wants to run a "welcome back" promotion. They want a "welcome back" banner, distancing signs and floor vinyl, a-frames, and window posters.
While you're discussing their signage, you can cross-sell them on a unique branded burger-shaped sticker for their drink cups or takeaway bags, as another way of promoting their indoor dining space. - Nobody knows when the pandemic will end, but as infection rates drop, people are beginning to host small events.
You get a call. Alice is turning 16 in two weeks, and her dad wants to order banners and t-shirts for her "sweet 16" party. Tell her dad that while they're at it, you can print personalized water bottle labels or even heart-shaped stickers with her picture on it. - An entrepreneur calls you and explains that their business is launching a new product. They want promotional banner stands and easels. During the conversation, they mention that their business has another product in the pipeline.
You can offer prototype labels for their next product, so they can get a better idea of how the final product will look - A micro-brewery is promoting their limited edition IPA. They want the usual: banner stands, easels, posters, etc. You can inquire if they would be interested in custom labels for small product lines.
Sure, these customers can order stickers online, but you already have their business and attention. Because these are small volume jobs, you can compete with the large sticker makers on uniqueness, price, and convenience, becoming their one-stop source for all their printing needs. They'll end up walking away a more satisfied customer, and you'll get more profit and their repeat business.
Although jobs like the above are rarer during the pandemic, they do exist, and it is vital to take advantage of every opportunity you can get, especially now.
Besides, the pandemic will eventually end, and printing custom stickers and labels for events like parties and conventions could become a significant revenue stream in the future. Because all it takes to print these stickers and labels is equipment that you already have, it's a win-win for you and your customers.
Want to optimize your business for label and sticker printing? Check out our premium PSA paper:
- DIGIJET 701 PSA Gloss Instant Dry Paper
A premium glossy paper, with a high-tech microporous coating, ensuring amazing photo-realistic production and exceptionally fast drying times.
When ordering, mention SKU DIJ701PSA50100 or DIJ701PSA60100. - DIGIJET 702 PSA Satin Instant Dry Paper
A high quality paper, similar to DigiJet 701, with the same microporous coating, photo-realistic production, and blazing-fast drying times, with a premium satin finish.
When ordering, mention SKU DIJ702PSA50100 or DIJ702PSA60100.
Both papers are available in 50" and 60" by 100 foot rolls.
Contact your sales rep to order.
Wondering which paper or vinyl would be best for your needs? That's why our sales reps are here! Just give them a call, they'll be glad to assist you with your decision.
Paper stickers are great, but what about bumper stickers? Check out our selection of vinyl for political campaign stickers here.
With the fastest delivery in the industry and amazing customer service, you can feel confident ordering your paper or anything else you need from S&F Supplies.
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