Branding Together: Exploring the World of Print-on-Demand
In a special onsite episode, Josh Ellsworth of Stahls’ discusses the growing importance of on-demand decoration.
Branding Together Hosts Theresa Hegel and Cassie Green met up in Arizona last month for the inaugural Print on Demand Conference organized by Stahls’ (asi/88984) Fulfill Engine. Before the event officially started, the pair was able to sit down with Josh Ellsworth, Stahls’ chief revenue officer, to discuss the growth of print-on-demand.
The Print on Demand Conference brought together an array of movers and shakers in the industry, from apparel suppliers and Counselor Top 40 promo distributors to equipment manufacturers, contract decorators and fulfillment platforms. “We firmly believe as a company that collaboration propels value,” Ellsworth said. “We think there’s going to be consolidation in the space, but it doesn’t just have to be a path of consolidation for everybody. Our goal was to connect all the right people so they can build meaningful partnerships.” (Note: Please excuse the less-than-perfect audio quality in the episode, as we were recording on location and experienced some technical difficulties.)
If you have questions, suggestions or comments – or ideas about topics and guests to feature in the future – please email Hegel and Green at thegel@asicentral.com and cgreen@napco.com.
Key Takeaways
Shift to Print-on-Demand: Stahls’ (asi/88984) Print on Demand Conference highlighted the growing trend of moving from bulk production to smaller, on-demand printing. This shift is driven by the need for customization, sustainability and the rise of e-commerce, allowing businesses to produce only what is needed, reducing waste and increasing efficiency.
Sustainability Focus: A significant theme was sustainability, emphasizing the importance of producing only what is necessary to minimize waste. The discussion included innovative printing techniques and the concept of “willingness to wear and wear out,” which extends the product’s life and reduces environmental impact.
Working Together: The event stressed the importance of collaboration across the entire value chain, from sellers to decorators to consumers. Effective communication and partnerships among all stakeholders can enhance the overall product experience and drive more sales.
Customization & Personalization: Customization was highlighted as a key factor in increasing product utilization and customer satisfaction. Offering personalized options makes products more appealing and likely to be used, which is crucial for both sustainability and business success.
Challenges in Adoption: The podcast discussed the challenges businesses face in adopting print-on-demand technology, such as the perception of higher costs and the entrenched bulk production processes. Overcoming these challenges involves demonstrating the profitability and value of on-demand printing.
Future of the Industry: Looking ahead, the conference aims to continue fostering education and conversations around these topics. The goal is to bring together different industry players to share perspectives and drive innovation, ensuring the industry evolves to meet new demands and opportunities.