This article originally appeared on Printing Impressions.
As a second-generation printer with over 50 years of experience, I have witnessed the evolution of the printing industry from being focused purely on ink on paper to becoming a critical component of brand management and marketing. Today’s printing companies serve as much more than traditional printers—they are comprehensive marketing partners, offering solutions that range from operational print and large-format projects to promo items and apparel.
One of the biggest shifts I’ve observed is the increasing need for franchise support, especially in managing brand consistency across various locations. Franchises often face challenges when relying on multiple vendors, leading to inconsistent branding, production inefficiencies, and higher costs. The ability to control these variables becomes especially critical as businesses continue to expand through franchising.
In the past, only large franchise organizations could support the implementation of an online ordering system for print and promotional needs. These platforms provided a streamlined way to ensure brand integrity, centralize orders, and maintain uniformity across locations. However, advances in technology have opened the doors for smaller franchise networks with fewer locations to also reap the benefits of an online portal.
With these systems, franchisees—regardless of size—can control their brand from a central hub, while enjoying the cost savings that come with centralized purchasing. These portals offer franchisees a one-stop solution for ordering everything from marketing collateral to apparel, ensuring that every piece, large or small, aligns with the corporate brand standards.
By utilizing an online ordering system, franchisees are no longer bogged down by managing numerous vendors. Instead, they can focus on growing their business, knowing that their brand consistency is securely maintained across all print and promotional materials. These systems not only ensure operational efficiency but also empower smaller franchisees to compete on a larger scale by providing access to the same technological advantages that once were exclusive to larger players.
In my experience, integrating an online portal not only saves time and resources but creates a strategic advantage for franchisees of all sizes, enabling them to streamline processes and maintain the integrity of their brand across every touchpoint.
Benefits
Efficiency: Reduces the manual workload involved in managing orders, enabling clients to easily place orders 24/7 without needing to go through a representative.
Standardization: Ensures that all print and promotional materials adhere to brand guidelines, which is critical for franchises and multi-location businesses.
Reduced Admin Time: Saves staff time on repetitive tasks like processing orders or managing approvals.
Self-service: Customers can log in, choose products, upload artwork, review past orders, and track new orders—offering a faster, more convenient experience.
Order History: Provides detailed insights into customer ordering patterns, enabling better demand forecasting, production planning, and marketing strategies.
Promotions: Easy to implement discount codes, seasonal offers, or special promotions.
Faster Order Processing: Since everything from artwork approval to production scheduling is integrated, orders can be fulfilled more quickly.
Less Waste: Automated systems allow for on-demand printing, reducing the need for large inventories of printed materials and minimizing waste.
Product Variety: The system can be designed to handle various product types—from print and promo to apparel—offering clients one place for all their needs.
Creating an efficient, user-friendly, and customizable online ordering system, you can improve service levels, cut costs, and scale the business across a wide range of print and promotional offerings.
