Printing services keep on evolving constantly. All kinds of businesses look for ways of producing branded merch without breaking their marketing budgets. Print on demand is a modern way of producing custom merchandise for all kinds of businesses. Print on demand services in Kenya are on the rise with the ever improving print technology which include but is not limited to DTF printing, Digital and Large-format printing, DTG printing, heatpress and sublimation, laser engraving and 3D printing.

These printing methods enable the production of marketing materials on small scale, especially for things that you could produce on a large-scale traditionally.

What is Print on Demand?

Print on demand is a printing service that enables you to create and custom products without owning inventory. You can produce high-quality promo products (promotional merchandise) for personal and business use.

It is an approach that minimizes the risk and cost of running a printing and branding company. This makes it ideal for entrepreneurs and creatives who want to focus on design, business, and growth without the logistical challenges of traditional retail.

Print on Demand enables the fulfillment and drop-shipping of custom products to customers only after a sale goes through. This eliminates the need for the management, storage, or protection of the merchandise.

Here are some of the things you can produce with print on demand services in Kenya.

Who can benefit from print on demand services?

Getting a reliable print on demand service provider is your sure way of ensuring constant supply of your promotional items as soon as you want them. Sometimes you just want a few pieces for a local event, and sometimes you want massive amounts of the promotional products. Azuri Promo Shop Ltd can help you fulfill your needs for printing services.

Authors and Self-Publishers: There are situations where a writer can publish books without the need for large print runs. This may be due to higher initial production costs. By opting for the POD service, they can do their work in flexible print runs.

Artists and Designers: Some creatives can sell custom art prints, apparel, and accessories in small batches. Sometimes it takes time for them to create a global audience and as such they prefer to start small.

Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses: Startups and small businesses can test new product ideas with minimal risk and investment by offering customized products to niche markets.

eCommerce Stores: Online retailers can offer a wide range of products without holding inventory, expanding their product offerings with minimal financial risk.

Nonprofits and Fundraisers: Charities can create and sell custom merchandise for fundraising campaigns, without the financial burden of pre-purchasing products. Some of the non-profits that would use this service are churches, online instructors and many others.

Photographers: Photographers can sell prints and other products featuring their work directly to consumers, managing orders and fulfillment seamlessly.

Educational Institutions: Schools and universities can create and sell branded merchandise, such as clothing and accessories, without needing to manage large inventories.

Event Planners: Organizers can create personalized merchandise for events, conferences, and trade shows, tailoring products for specific audiences.

Corporate Businesses: Companies can produce custom-branded products for marketing, promotions, and employee incentives on-demand, ensuring they only print what they need.

Independent Musicians, DJs and Bands: Musicians can offer branded merchandise like t-shirts, posters, and albums, connecting with fans and generating revenue without significant upfront costs.

Get banners, stickers, corporate apparel in Kenya at affordable rates when you need them. Our graphic design team can help you design the merchandise you need, or you can provide your own design. We will then fulfill your order, and ship it to you before the deadline.

How to sell products with print-on-demand

You can leverage the use of online platforms for this service.

Tips on how to be successful

  • Identify your niche – This will help you establish your ideal customer. You can not sell to everyone. As the old adage goes, if you sell to everyone, you are selling to no one. By narrowing down your niche, you only produce what your target market consumes. As such, you get very high conversions. It also reduces the costs of production and logistics. In the long-term, you can establish yourself as an authority and a thought leader in your niche.
  • Request for sample orders – Before launching your product in the e-commerce space, it is serves you best to establish the quality of the products. This ensures your customer receives the best value for their money, since you outsource the production and shipping from a third party. You can inquire about the different printing options they offer. The information on these printing methods, helps you set competitive prices for your merch. By trying out different material, you set yourself up to making up business decisions based on your selling price and the value proposition.
  • Determine your price – most POD businesses struggle to set up the prices of their products. They have to find the balance between setting up the price too high, at the risk of missing out on sales or too low and go out out business anyway. With value addition, you can set up the optimal price of your products using the the shipping and production costs you incur.
  • Find the right shipping method – shipping can make or break your profit margins. Find the available shipping options and find the best rates. If shipping internationally, ensure you find a shipping method that offers tracking and updates to customers. Now For Kenyans, we use local couriers to deliver your goods and services ranging for ‘boda boda’ guys, to your favourite PSVs.
  • Last but not least, promote your merch – leverage the use of social media to push your merchandise. Posting consistently, and using paid advertising can help you generate quality leads, and create brand awareness. The more people view your products, the higher your chances of converting.