As a business owner, one of the most challenging tasks is to take investment decisions. Before implementing any new strategy or technology, one must look to the entire plan and ensure if it renders minimum return on investment. Otherwise, you know the result very well - business losses!
With the emergence of web to print software in the market, the web to print solutions providers might approach you. Many of them adopt the principle of “Confuse your customer, if you cannot convince them.” This way they get successful in selling you the print solutions that you actually don’t need. Now, before some W2P vendor approaches you, just know the ways in which they may make you ready to pay for their software:
Comparison Chart:
The W2P e-vendors often approach the online printing business owners with a comparison chart. It is usually in tabular form. And shows first column wherein the you find the name of service providers and the service rankings in the second column. You just view this chart and believe their web to print software to be fantabulous as shown in the first row. But let me tell you. Most often it is these vendors who make the chart themselves.
Now, it is obvious that they will place their product on the first place removing their competitors from the picture. Therefore, it is better to surf online. It does not take long. Just type - “best web to print solutions provider” and you will get a whole lot of information. Before you decide to buy from a particular e-vendor, do this and pay for the right software.
Long List of Features
Most online printing business owners make this mistake! They go by the list of bulky features that the web to print solutions provider shows them. And often ignore the factors like the technical feasibility and it’s need for their printing business.
This extraneous long list of features just shows the testimonial numbers without actual website address and server specification. And you get an interest in buying web to print software even when it shows every detail except the solution you are looking for. Therefore, you should pay to that web to print solutions provider who offers limited and relevant, easy to use features. Thereby saving considerable amount of your time and money.
Service Support
No matter how easy it is to use software, there is unlimited number of issues that need the web to print solutions providers needs to address. If you cannot understand the proper use of the product, its of no benefit for you. There are some companies that provide certain guidelines for the software use.
However, you must choose to pay to such provider who sets up templates, add new plugins to it, responds to your service queries, trouble shoots UI/UX, handles refunds and returns and more. The reason behind a service support is to update it and make it responsive with the changing times.
Flexibility and Scalability
There are 2 different web to print solutions provider. One, the software companies and the other, printing and marketing companies. Software companies provide technological solutions with higher fees and the adoption rates are often lower. That is because, these companies usually work with third party providers and allow printing and fulfillment options. But, the downside about these solutions is, they lack comprehensiveness and do not provide service support. And they come with more middle men making it even worse.
Coming to the print and marketing companies’ solutions. The main advantage is they focus on the end result of the software. and they charge lesser fees too. However, you may not prefer to stick to one as you aren’t sure if they are the best for your job. So, try looking for a printer who provides both who fulfills themselves and works with a network of partners. Moreover, choose one who can provide API access as you may be able to choose your own print partner.
Winding Up
Remain vigilant and have a methodical approach when deciding to implement a web to print solution. As every web to print software might not serve as an effective tool for your business. Choose and pay for the best one that has features relevant to your business and beware that nobody cheats you with an extraneous list of features and big fake promises. All the Best!
Summary
With the evolving web to print industry, online businesses do understand the importance of implementing the web to print solutions. But, at the same time, there are many who provide these solutions. So, while choosing the web to print provider, you need to look at the features that are beneficial for your business.
Mr. Pratik Shah is Creative Head of Brush Your Ideas, a Web-to-Print technology solution offering custom product design software and Web-to-Print Storefront Solutions. He is a tech enthusiast and an avid blogger and writes about ecommerce and web-to-print software industry.