Checklist: Outgrowing Printify or Printful
If your print-on-demand provider is slowing your business growth, it might be time to upgrade. Here’s how to know:
- Order Volume: Struggling to handle increasing orders? Advanced platforms can manage 5,000+ daily prints.
- Customization: Need branded packaging, private labels, or better design tools? Look for more control.
- Costs: Rising production and shipping costs cutting profits? Compare bulk discounts and flexible plans.
- Tech Integration: Facing sync issues or limited automation? Seek better store platform connections and APIs.
- Product Quality: Inconsistent colors, poor durability, or slow support? Quality and service matter for scaling.
Quick Comparison of Key Needs
| Criteria | Current Provider | Advanced Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Order Capacity | Limited | 5,000+ daily prints |
| Customization Options | Basic | Advanced branding |
| Cost Management | High fees | Volume discounts |
| Tech Integration | Basic tools | APIs, automation |
| Product Quality | Inconsistent | High-quality standards |
If these challenges sound familiar, consider upgrading to a provider like Wallflower Merch for better scalability, global reach, and advanced features.
Printify vs Printiful | My Thoughts after $5MM
1. Check Your Business Size and Requirements
Evaluate your business metrics to see if your current print-on-demand (POD) system can keep up with your growth and goals.
1.1 Monthly Order Numbers
If your monthly order volume is pushing your system to its limits, it may be time for an upgrade. High-capacity POD platforms, like Wallflower Merch, handle over 5,000 unique prints daily. Beyond order numbers, think about how your brand’s identity might require more customization options.
1.2 Brand Control Needs
Growing brands often need greater control over key aspects like:
- Custom packaging: Branded inserts or custom boxes
- Product labels: Options for private labeling and detailed care instructions
- Color consistency: Uniform color matching across all products
- Production standards: Ensuring quality remains consistent
Also, consider whether your product offerings need more than just basic customization.
1.3 Product Range Needs
Take a closer look at your product catalog and see if your current provider aligns with your vision:
-
Current Limitations:
- Few product categories
- Minimal customization options
- Basic design tools
- Standard printing techniques only
-
Advanced Requirements:
- A broader range of product categories
- Access to professional graphic design services
- Advanced digital printing technology
- Bulk order options without minimum order requirements
-
Integration Needs:
- Seamless Shopify integration
If your current provider limits your product options, customization, or lacks advanced services like bulk orders and professional design, it’s time to consider an upgrade.
2. Review Your Costs
As your business expands, it’s important to make sure your print-on-demand expenses align with your revenue goals and profit margins.
2.1 Check Profit Numbers
Take a close look at production, shipping, and handling fees to ensure you're maintaining healthy profit margins.
Key areas to review:
- Production costs: Compare per-unit costs across different product categories.
- Shipping expenses: Assess whether shipping fees are cutting into your profits.
- Handling fees: Identify any additional charges that might be affecting your margins.
Using multiple fulfillment centers can help reduce shipping costs for both domestic and international orders. Also, review how your subscription costs relate to your order volumes.
2.2 Monthly Plan Costs
Match your subscription plan to your order volume for the best value:
| Order Volume | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| 100–500/month | Basic plan fees vs. per-order costs. |
| 500–2,000/month | Mid-tier pricing vs. savings on production. |
| 2,000+/month | Enterprise plans offering volume discounts. |
2.3 Bulk Order Options
As your business grows, having flexible ordering options can make a big difference. Consider these factors:
- Bulk printing: Choose between printing single items or larger quantities without being tied to minimum order limits.
- Mixed fulfillment: Decide whether to ship directly to customers or in bulk to your location.
- Storage solutions: Look into warehousing options for items you frequently sell.
- Volume discounts: Take advantage of special pricing for larger orders.
Some advanced print-on-demand providers offer discounts for bulk orders while still giving you flexible fulfillment options.
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3. Check Tech and System Needs
After evaluating your business scale and costs, it's time to focus on the tech side. A solid system is key for smooth operations and growth. Here's what to look for:
3.1 Store Platform Connection
Ask yourself these questions:
- Order synchronization: Are orders syncing fast enough to avoid overselling?
- Inventory management: Does the system update stock levels automatically?
- Product variants: Can it handle multiple product variations and SKUs efficiently?
Your print-on-demand (POD) solution should provide real-time inventory updates and automated order processing. These features ensure smooth integration with your store platform.
3.2 Technical Features and Their Impact
Look beyond basic integration - advanced tools can automate and simplify operations. Here's a breakdown:
| Technical Feature | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| API Integration | Enables custom workflows and automation |
| Design Tools | Helps create mockups and customize designs |
| Bulk Upload | Simplifies managing large product catalogs |
| Analytics Dashboard | Provides insights for better decision-making |
Make sure your solution supports custom integrations. These tools are essential for scaling your operations globally.
3.3 Global Reach
Planning to go international? Check your provider's shipping capabilities:
- Fulfillment locations: Multiple sites for faster delivery
- Tracking: Reliable systems for international orders
- Payments: Localized payment options and multi-currency support
- Compliance: Adherence to country-specific shipping rules
A strong fulfillment network can reach over 100 countries with dependable tracking and delivery systems. Your provider should handle both bulk shipments to central hubs and individual orders, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery worldwide.
4. Review Product Quality and Service
Evaluating quality and service is just as important as assessing size, cost, and technology integration. Here’s how to determine if your current solution can keep up with growing demands:
4.1 Product Quality Checks
The quality of your product directly impacts customer satisfaction. Keep an eye on these factors:
- Look for consistent colors across batches.
- Check fabric durability and monitor for shrinkage.
- Ensure prints stay vibrant and intact over time.
- Verify that print alignment and sharpness meet expectations.
Digital printing technology today can handle over 5,000 unique prints daily while maintaining consistent quality. Once you’ve confirmed the product quality, make sure the support system is just as reliable.
4.2 Support Efficiency
Timely and effective support is essential. Your provider should address issues like shipping delays, print quality concerns, and integration problems promptly. Focus on these metrics:
- Response time for urgent inquiries.
- Time taken to resolve shipping-related issues.
- Availability of technical support during peak periods.
- Access to a dedicated account manager for personalized assistance.
4.3 Production Standards
Reliable production capabilities are key to scaling your business. Ensure your production partner can meet these standards:
- Handle large volumes - over 1 million orders annually.
- Maintain quality control with advanced digital printing processes.
- Align production timelines with your shipping requirements.
When assessing production standards, think about both your current demands and future growth. A partner with proven high-volume capabilities can support your business as it expands.
5. Advanced POD Features
Scaling your business requires more than just basic print-on-demand (POD) services. Advanced features take production and service capabilities to the next level, giving your business the tools it needs to grow effectively.
5.1 Business Growth Services
Scaling becomes easier with access to specialized growth services. Advanced digital printing technology evolves alongside your business needs.
Some key services include:
- Technical Infrastructure: Scalable digital printing systems to handle increasing demand.
- Design Support: Access to professional graphic design services for polished, high-quality products.
- Store Development: E-commerce platform enhancements to boost online sales.
These services work hand-in-hand with integrated order management systems, creating a smooth, efficient process.
5.2 Complete Order Management
A unified order management system simplifies your operations by offering:
- Centralized Dashboard: Manage all orders from a single platform.
- Flexible Inventory: No need for upfront inventory investments.
- Volume Processing: Easily handle both small and large-scale orders.
"Wallflower's advanced digital printing technology allows our clients to print one t-shirt or thousands. Orders can be shipped in bulk to one location or to individual customers all over the world."
– Wallflower Merch
5.3 Shipping Network
A dependable global shipping network ensures efficient delivery:
- Operates in over 100 countries.
- Strategically located warehouses to minimize costs.
- Options for both bulk and individual shipping.
With well-placed warehouses, businesses can cut postage expenses while maintaining quick delivery times.
Next Steps for Your Business
If your checklist highlights areas for improvement, here’s how you can take your business to the next level.
Key Areas to Reassess
- Monthly order volumes and how they align with growth goals
- Level of brand control you require
- Current profit margins and associated costs
- Compatibility with existing technical systems
- Standards for product quality
Metrics to Measure Growth Potential
- Capacity for high-volume production: Over 5,000 unique prints daily
- Access to a global shipping network covering more than 100 countries
- Proven reliability with over 1 million orders shipped annually
These figures can help you determine whether upgrading your operations is the right move.
Steps to Move Forward
-
Outline Your Needs
Identify specifics like:- Monthly order volumes
- Product variety
- Design support requirements
- Integration with your current systems
-
Set Growth Goals and Timelines
Define clear objectives and a realistic timeline for scaling your business. -
Reach Out to Wallflower Merch
Explore their offerings, which include:- Print-on-demand solutions
- E-commerce fulfillment services
- Shopify development
- Graphic design assistance
- Tailored pricing options
- End-to-end fulfillment services
Taking these steps can help you position your business for long-term success.