TL;DR:
- Bulk ordering provides faster shipping and lower per-item costs, ideal for products with steady demand.
- Choose print-on-demand for variety, low risk, or testing new designs.
- Choose bulk ordering for best-selling items, quick shipping, and cost savings.
- Coggins Promo simplifies both print-on-demand and bulk ordering, offering online store platforms and access to manufacturer catalogs.
The digital marketplace has transformed how businesses operate, particularly in the realm of customized merchandise. With the ability to launch an online store and offer unique products, entrepreneurs face a crucial decision: should they opt for the flexibility of print on-demand or the efficiency of bulk ordering?
Understanding the nuances of each approach is key to making an informed choice that aligns with your business goals.
What is Print On-Demand?
Print-on-demand (POD) is a game-changing business model that lets creators sell custom products without worrying about inventory. Each item is made only when a customer places an order, giving you maximum flexibility and a wide range of product options. This setup removes the risk of unsold stock and lets you experiment freely with new designs.
At Coggins Promo, we make the print on demand process simple and hassle-free:
- Curate Your Collection: Choose the products and designs you want to feature in your store.
- Automated Fulfillment: We take care of the logistics. Our system integrates with suppliers, and our shopping cart is directly connected to production facilities. This automation keeps things running smoothly, so you don’t have to handle orders manually. Our typical print-on-demand turnaround time is 7-10 business days.
With this streamlined approach, you can offer a variety of print-on-demand products without the headaches of traditional inventory management.
Why Print On Demand Stands Out
Print-on-demand makes it easy to launch and scale a business without the usual upfront costs or inventory hassles. Here’s why it’s a smart choice:
- Low Startup Costs: One of the biggest perks of print-on-demand is how easy it is to get started. Since there’s no need to buy inventory upfront, businesses of all sizes can jump in without a big investment.
- Less Risk, More Reward: You only print what’s ordered, so there’s no risk of sitting on unsold stock or losing money on extra inventory.
- More Variety, More Options: You can sell a wide range of products and designs. This flexibility lets you cater to different customer tastes and try out new ideas.
- Stress-Free Logistics: At Coggins Promo, we handle everything from order processing to shipping, so you can focus on growing your business instead of dealing with fulfillment headaches.
The Strategic Efficiency of Bulk Ordering
Bulk ordering means purchasing a large quantity of products upfront, which can be a smart strategy for businesses with steady demand for certain items. By keeping inventory on hand, you can fulfill orders immediately, reducing wait times and improving customer satisfaction.
For businesses with top-selling products, bulk ordering makes same-day shipping a reality. Faster delivery can be a major advantage, giving you a competitive edge and keeping customers coming back.
Why Bulk Ordering is a Smart Move
Bulk ordering offers several advantages that can make it a compelling choice for the right business model:
- Faster Shipping: Keeping inventory on hand means you can ship orders out quickly, which improves customer satisfaction and keeps them coming back.
- Lower Costs: Buying in bulk often means paying less per item, which can help increase your profit margins over time.
Determining the Best Approach for Your Business
Choosing between print-on-demand and bulk ordering depends on your business needs and goals. Each approach has its advantages, and many businesses use a mix of both to stay flexible.
Predictable Demand
If you have a steady demand for certain products, bulk ordering can be a great option. It ensures you always have stock ready to go. But if you’re looking to offer a broader range of products or aren’t sure what will sell, print-on-demand is a safer bet since you don’t have to commit to inventory upfront. Many businesses use a combination of both to maximize their offerings.
Upfront Costs
POD keeps startup costs low since there’s no need to buy inventory ahead of time.
On the other hand, bulk ordering requires a bigger investment upfront to purchase and store products, which can be worth it for high-demand items.
Product Variety
With print-on-demand, you can easily offer a wide selection of products.
Bulk ordering, however, typically works best for a smaller selection of best-sellers that have consistent demand.
Shipping Speed
Bulk orders allow for same-day shipping on in-stock items, which can be a big advantage for customer satisfaction.
With POD, fulfillment times are typically 7-10 business days. Keeping the estimated print-on-demand times in mind when setting customer expectations can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a positive shopping experience.
By weighing these factors, you can determine which approach or combination works best for your business.
In essence:
- Opt for print-on-demand if you want to offer a diverse product range with minimal upfront investment and risk.
- Choose bulk ordering if you have a consistent demand for specific items and prioritize rapid delivery for those products.
Simplify Your Branded Merchandise Process
Coggins Promo makes it easy to manage your branded merchandise, promo items, and sales materials with our advanced online company store platform.
Plus, you’ll get access to our network of top apparel manufacturers—just click their logos on our website to explore their catalogs.
With expert support and customized solutions, we’re here to help you boost your brand’s impact.
Request a demo today and see how we can simplify your merchandise operations.
