One of the biggest wastes of money and resources is printing large volumes of marketing materials and then discarding these materials when they need to be updated and become obsolete. There is an interesting statistic that over 70% of commercially printed marketing materials are never used. The reason for this phenomena is quite simple; Commercial printing outlets offer lower pricing for each printed piece the larger the number of pieces that is ordered. Due to this large order discount philosophy, many companies are motivated to order a larger volume than needed because the “per piece” rate is lower. The reality is that the overall price is higher and the potential for obsolete materials is exponentially higher leading to outdated marketing pieces that only see the inside of a waste container.
So what is the answer?
Print on Demand is just what it implies; a system that allows companies to print marketing materials on demand when the materials are needed and only in the quantity that is needed during any given time.
So how does this work?
Many small business copiers and printers offer the ability to store printed marketing pieces on the hard drive of the copier or printer so that they can be recalled and printed “on demand” in any volume needed whether 1 or 1,000 pieces. Many of these copiers and printers offer a very low, fixed cost for each printed page and this cost doesn’t vary based on the number of marketing pieces printed. Therefore there is no motivation to print a larger quantity than what is needed for any given period of time. Because of this print on demand dynamic, companies don’t have a stockpile of marketing materials that become obsolete over time. This shift to print on demand not only eliminates waste thus lowering costs, it also allows companies to update their marketing materials as often as they desire increasing the effectiveness of the marketing departments.
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FAQ Section: Understanding Print on Demand Marketing
What is Print on Demand (POD) marketing?
Print on Demand (POD) marketing is a system that allows companies to print marketing materials as needed, rather than in bulk quantities. This approach eliminates the waste and cost associated with printing large volumes of materials that may become obsolete.
How does Print on Demand work for marketing materials?
Print on Demand works by utilizing small business copiers and printers that offer the capability to store marketing materials on their hard drives. When needed, these materials can be recalled and printed in any quantity, from one to thousands, at a fixed cost per page.
What are the benefits of using Print on Demand for marketing?
One of the main benefits of Print on Demand is cost-effectiveness. Since the cost per printed page remains fixed regardless of the quantity printed, there’s no incentive to order more than necessary. This reduces waste and ensures that marketing materials are always up-to-date.
Why is Print on Demand considered a solution to waste in marketing?
Print on Demand eliminates the need to print large volumes of materials upfront, which often end up unused or discarded. By printing only what is needed, companies can significantly reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of their marketing efforts.
How does Print on Demand help in keeping marketing materials current?
With Print on Demand, companies can update their marketing materials as frequently as needed without worrying about excess inventory. This agility allows for timely updates and ensures that marketing messages are always relevant and effective.
Are there specific features of copiers/printers that support Print on Demand?
Yes, many small business copiers and printers offer features such as hard drive storage and on-demand printing capabilities, making them ideal for Print on Demand marketing. These features allow for easy access to stored materials and efficient printing as needed.
Can Print on Demand be cost-effective for small businesses?
Absolutely! Print on Demand can be highly cost-effective for small businesses, as it eliminates the need for large upfront investments in printing materials. With fixed costs per page and the ability to print only what is needed, small businesses can save money and reduce waste.
Are there any potential drawbacks to using Print on Demand for marketing?
While Print on Demand offers many benefits, it’s essential to ensure that the copiers/printers used have adequate storage capacity and printing capabilities. Additionally, companies should have reliable processes in place for managing and updating marketing materials as needed.
How can companies transition to Print on Demand for their marketing needs?
Transitioning to Print on Demand involves evaluating current printing practices, selecting suitable copiers/printers with the necessary features, and establishing protocols for managing marketing materials effectively. Seeking guidance from industry experts can also facilitate a smooth transition.
Where can businesses find more information about implementing Print on Demand marketing?
For more insights on how Print on Demand can revolutionize your marketing efforts and increase cost-effectiveness, stay updated with our blog. We regularly share tips and strategies for optimizing Print on Demand and other in-house marketing solutions.
