As a print shop owner, you know that your competition is more than just another print shop. Customers are doing a lot of their own printing in-house, making the customer a competitor. So how do you stay afloat and retain current customers while attracting new printing business?

Printing Business Ideas You Can Try Today

Put these three easy printing business ideas into practice to win new customers without huge equipment investments.

Specialize in Short-Run Printing

Many print shops find themselves getting a lot of requests for smaller jobs, but losing them on price. One way around that is to reduce your overhead by locating a supplier that offers a variety of paper types in small quantities.

Now when someone wants 100 save-the-date invitations, you can use the less costly digital equipment that you already have on hand and win the job.

Offer a Unique Paper Type

With all the competition out there, you want your printing business to stand out. What better way than to offer a unique specialty paper?

Everyone wants their message to be the one that gets all the attention. Be the print shop that offers personalized messages on a specialty paper that gets people talking. A few of the most versatile and popular paper substrates include:

• Synthetic or waterproof paper for thousands of applications from weatherproof signage to durable field manuals.
• Carbonless laser paper for printing multi-part business forms, invoices, statements, receipts, and more.
• Personalized packaging, direct mail, corporate gifts, special events, and more.

Help your Customers Grow Their Business with Direct Mail

You want your business top-of-mind when your customers need printed media. One way your print shop can accomplish that is by offering to do direct mail for your customers.

Target their customers with a personalized piece to help your clients win more business, and encourage them to refer those clients to you for an extra value-add!

Increase Your Printing, Not Your Overhead!

To grow your business, you have to be economical and innovative. Rather than shelling out for a new suite of printing equipment, you can increase both your capabilities and offerings by following the tips listed above.

Combining unique and eye-catching media, personalized printed materials, and unique substrates offered in small quantities are some of the ways you can retain your existing customers AND attract new clients without a huge investment in new printing equipment.