How to select the best print-on-demand service for your online store?
It is important for online sellers to choose the best print on demand service to produce and fulfill customized products without having to produce them themselves.
This article shows factors to consider for the business owners of e-commerce stores to select top print on demand service in India in 2024 through parameters like product availability, print quality, delivery rates, price, commission, etc.
What is Print on Demand?
Print on demand (POD) is a business model in which printing and completing only happens when the supplier receives an order from the seller. Ready inventory is the traditional method, but products are made after the order comes in for customization.
Selling product design files without physical products is described as the On-demand approach, where the manufacturer or supplier submits the product design only to a platform like Printchester. When an online customer places an order, the print provider receives the order details, prints the product, packs it, and sends it directly to the customer.
This print on demand service allows sellers to print products on order after the buyer determines their design. Instead of managing inventory and logistics internally, sellers can offer print products to buyers with just-in-time printing. This consequently means that there will be no high expected returns to the seller with low marketing exposure.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Print on Demand Service
Print on demand (POD) is a business model in which printing and completing only happens when the supplier receives an order from the seller. Ready inventory is the traditional method, but products are made after the order comes in for customization.
Selling product design files without physical products is described as the Print On demand service, where the manufacturer or supplier submits the product design only to a platform like Printchester. When an online customer places an order, the print provider receives the order details, prints the product, packs it, and sends it directly to the customer.
This print-on-demand technology allows sellers to print products on order after the buyer determines their design. Instead of managing inventory and logistics internally, sellers can offer print products to buyers with just-in-time printing. This consequently means that there will be no high expected returns to the seller with low marketing exposure.
1. Products Offered By The Print On Demand Service Provider
Evaluate the product catalog for breadth and depth across categories like apparel. For instance, Printchester offers over 20+ product types to choose from. Having more options allows the creation of a diverse catalog to attract customers.
2 . Print Quality of the Chosen Print on Demand Service
Assess printing technology, color accuracy, image resolutions, etc., to ensure quality. For example, Printchester promises gallery quality prints and incorporates color profile checks. High print quality builds credibility and brand image.
3 . Order Fulfillment Rates
Faster order execution enables quicker delivery to end customers. For instance, Printchester’s average fulfillment duration is 2-3 days. Analyze supply chain agility, facilities’ proximity, production partners, etc., to determine the fastest order turnaround.
4 . Integrations with E-commerce Platforms
Seamless POD integrations allow selling products instantly from online stores. For instance, Printchester has direct integrations with Shopify, WooCommerce, etc. The breadth and depth of integrations impact platform selection.
5 . Pricing and Commissions
POD costs include production charges and commissions on sale. Comparing overall costs is crucial for maintaining profit margins. Domestic providers mostly offer very cost-competitive rates.
6 . Domestic Shipping and Delivery
Assessing warehousing locations and logistics partnerships for domestic fulfillment ensures quick delivery and easy returns.
7 . Customer Support
Evaluate support channels like email, chat, and call support, response times, and resolution levels. For instance, Printchester provides multi-channel customer support via email, chat, and phone. After-sales support is vital for order issues.
8 . Product Customization Options
Check the POD platform offering advanced design tools, templates, and the ability to upload personal artwork. Such flexibility leads to the creation of unique and personalized items.
9 . Branding and White Labelling
Analyze whether the Print on demand service can offer custom brand labeling options, such as branded packaging, labels, and marketing materials. This will build your brand identity.
10 . Inventory Management
Examine the POD platform’s inventory tracking, stock level notifications, and reordering functions. These functions support the creation of a perfect product catalog and prevent shortages.
11 . Analytics And Reporting
Robust sales, performance, and order analytics give rise to data-driven management. It is the comprehensive reporting dashboard of POD providers, which is in demand.
12 . Intellectual Property Protection
Take measures to protect your designs and artwork from unauthorized use or copying.
13 . Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Brands
Consumers pay more attention to the ecological footprint of the brands they buy. Print on demand service organizations with sustainable, biodegradable, or recycled products can be beneficial.
14 . Global Distribution And Shipping Capabilities
If you’re ready to go international, seek print on demand service providers with a global distribution network and shipping network. This simplifies cross-border logistics.
15 . Financial Stability and Consistency
The company’s financial standing, the sustainability of services, or the company’s dependability should be considered. These factors guarantee the survival of businesses for a long time.
Top Print on Demand Service Companies in India for Online Sellers
Printchester is a print on demand service platform that offers a wide range of customizable products, including apparel, joggers, sweatshirts, and more. It focuses on providing high-quality printing, a user-friendly design interface, and efficient order fulfillment to cater to designers and customers.
Key Features:
- Merchant panel to manage orders
- Variety of products to sell
- Integrated design tools with a robust mockup generator
- Automated order processing and fulfillment
- Seamless integrations with Shopify, and WooCommerce
- Detailed sales analytics and reporting
- Excellent and reliable customer support
Pros:
- Wide selection of high-quality, customizable products
- Intuitive and feature-rich design tools
- Fast turnaround times for order fulfillment
- Competitive pricing structure
- Excellent integration capabilities with popular e-commerce platforms
Cons:
- A limited number of print options
Printful is among the market leaders in POD products such as apparel, accessories, and home décor. Its user-friendly platform allows users to sell custom designs.
Pros:
- Wide product selection
- High-quality printing and materials
- Fast shipping
- User-friendly platform
- Compatible with e-commerce platforms.
Cons:
- Higher prices than some competitors.
- Few products have no customization options.
- Takes time to set up the integration with your shop.
Printify is a print on demand service platform that connects merchants with a network of print providers. It offers a diverse range of customizable products and efficient order fulfillment.
Pros:
- Multiple products and print providers
- Competitive pricing
- integration with e-commerce platforms
- Flexible shipping options
- Detailed order tracking and fulfillment
Cons:
- Quality varies depending on the print provider
- Limited control over the production process
- Slow customer support
A step-by-step process for seller onboarding on Printchester
Signing up on Printchester to integrate with your online store involves three simple steps:
Step 1: Create an account: Sign up for an account with Printchester
Step 2: Connect Your Online Store: Printchester offers direct integrations with eCommerce platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, eBay, etc. You can connect your existing store or set up a new one.
Step 3: Add & Customize Products: Use the Printchester product designer to create customized products or choose from existing templates. Configure pricing, variants, etc.
That’s it! Once your store is connected, Printchester will automatically pull all print-on-demand orders for fulfillment. Their online support is also available for any assistance.
How to Add Print on Demand Products to Your Online Store?
Integrating Printchester with your Shopify or WooCommerce store streamlines the processes of order routing and product syncing.
Shopify
Visit the Shopify App Store and search for the Printchester app using the store’s search function. Click install and connect your Shopify account. Approve access to your store, products, etc.
WooCommerce
Get the Printchester plugin from the WooCommerce Marketplace. Install and activate it. Insert your API keys to link your WooCommerce website.
Uploading Designs
Use the built-in design tool to customize the products or upload ready designs/files.
Printchester is compatible with formats like PNG and JPG. Consider a minimum 300 dpi resolution to ensure the best print quality.
Syncing Product Listings
While adding the products with customization Printchester automatically posts to your connected Shopify/WooCommerce store listings.
The latest changes in variants, prices, etc, are also synchronized. Thanks to Printchester’s Shopify and WooCommerce integrations, adding print-on-demand products is now very fast and simple.
Tips on Promoting Your Print on Demand Products
Here are some effective tips for promoting your print on demand products:
- Focus on social media marketing, including Facebook and Instagram, to increase user engagement. Run contests and giveaways.
2. Use influencers and micro-influencers to advertise products to their audiences. Provide considerable commissions or free goods.
3. Increase online shop traffic through optimization of content for search engines by using relevant keywords, meta descriptions, and high-quality images. This boosts site visibility.
4. Send out emails and SMS to retarget the previous site visitors and buyers. Offer special discounts or preview new designs.
5. We use paid advertising within Google and Facebook to target the likely buyer categories. Start small testing budgets.
6. Request satisfied customers to write up positive reviews that serve as social proof.
It’s crucial to be consistent and to test different channels to find ones that are profitable for the growth of your print on demand shop.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the growing demand for print on demand in India. A study by the Confederation of Indian Industry discovered that 68% of Indian businesses were reoriented to e-commerce and online sales during the pandemic. It means there is an increasing demand from Indian consumers for customized and print-on-demand items.
Why Is Print on Demand Service Popular in India?
1 . Growing Demand for Customized Products: Print on demand service allows businesses and individuals to create custom products without maintaining inventory. This is an attractive feature in the Indian market, where demand for individualized items across categories is on the rise.
2 . Expansion of E-commerce and Digital Platforms: With India’s digital sales channel and e-commerce rapidly increasing, print on demand service has been widely adopted. Platforms such as Shopify and WooCommerce ease the creation and handling of an online store with print on demand integration for small business owners and entrepreneurs.
3. Increasing Printer Shipments and Accessibility: According to IDC statistics, printer shipments in India increased 20.5% year-on-year during the June quarter, indicating that printers are being preferred more. These elevated printing technologies contribute to the boom of print on demand services.
4. Shift in Consumer Preferences: Trends like increasing demand for 3BHK accommodation in Bengaluru and fuel-efficient SUVs show that Indian consumers expect customized and personalized products to match their growing needs and lifestyles.
5. Advancements in Printing Technology: According to Acumen Research and Consulting’s report, India’s print-on-demand market will experience sizable growth and is projected to reach $59.3 billion by 2032. This indicates that technological improvements and the cost-effectiveness of print on demand services are causing their adoption in the nation.
6. Entrepreneurial Opportunities: Print on demand platforms, with their flexible and low-barrier entry, have attracted Indian entrepreneurs and small businesses to start and grow customized product ventures without requiring huge initial investments.
According to FICCI’s report, the print on demand service market in India will be valued at $350 billion by 2030 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 18% between 2020 and 2024.
An important factor contributing to this development is an increasing incidence of e-commerce in India. India’s e-commerce market is expected to reach USD 120 billion by 2025, up from USD 46 billion in 2020, according to a report by Bain & Company. Thus, there has been a rise in demand for custom-made, on-demand printed products readily available for e-commerce.
Developed printing systems, prompt delivery, low cost, and so on are responsible for the rise of print on demand service in India. To illustrate, the average cost of printing a t-shirt has dropped by 30-40% in the past 5 years, according to statistics from the industry.
Are you ready to start your print on demand dropshipping journey with Printchester? Sign up today and scale your business to new heights with our products and services.
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1. What is Print on Demand?
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2. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Print-on-Demand Company
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3. Top Print-on-Demand Companies in India for Online Sellers
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4. A step-by-step process for seller onboarding on Printchester
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5. How to Add Print-on-Demand Products to Your Online Store?
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6. Tips on Promoting Your Print-on-Demand Products
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7. Why Is Print on Demand Popular in India?
Frequently Asked Questions
Some popular printable items are t-shirts, sweatshirts, phone cases, towels, home decor products, canvas prints, journals, laptop sleeves, clocks, etc.
No, most print-on-demand platforms provide easy-to-use design programs. Furthermore, you can hire designs or use templates to kick-start.
The major platforms provide the plugins and integrations for Shopify, WooCommerce, Squarespace, and Etsy, permitting automated order routing.
Print providers have direct control over printing, packing, and delivering orders directly to customers. Shipping rates are also calculated at the time of checkout.
Platforms perform clients’ payments at checkout and after paying sellers their share, production charges and commissions are deducted.