Wider Horizons

Odom: The introduction of cloud printing allows print shop owners to provide a print device with an email address and distribute it to every one of their customers. Customers can simply attach files and send prints directly to the device for pick-up as needed. This simple technology previously sold for thousands of dollars and was very difficult to effectively distribute to a large number of customers. Now every customer can quickly and easily send prints to their local service provider.

Ozankan: Businesses today can get equipped for wide-format, eco-solvent printing across a variety of price points, starting below $15,000 for a 30" wide model. Larger, more capable devices in the 54" and 64" category are increasing in popularity for their versatility.

Another new technology that presents a promising business opportunity is metallic silver ink. Metallic effects add premium value to every graphic produced.

Paar: The cost of the equipment has been dropping while the image quality and application versatility has steadily increased. Productivity, ease of use, and reliability have also increased.

Urmano: I think the wide range of media choices is appealing, such as clear window films and solvent textiles for flag and trade show graphics. The ink types are also attractive such as white and silver inks for specialty graphics such as plaques, awards, and label applications.

4 What is the best argument for adding wide-format print technology?

Anderson: By offering a wider printing solution they keep their customers from going elsewhere. This gives small shops the opportunity to offer complete branding packages for their customers, making better utilization of their in-house design capabilities, and providing better value to their customers.

Carey: The best argument is the addition of new revenue generating products and services. Nothing will make quick printers more money per square foot than wide-format products.

Hecht: It enables these shops to establish new sources of revenue while expanding products and services. This also contributes to increasing customer satisfaction, generating more repeat business and increasing profits.

Murphy: By adding wide-format application offerings, quick and small commercial print providers can grow their businesses and expand customer reach by becoming a one stop shop for their customer’s printing needs.

Odom: The ability to expand services to compete for business currently being printed elsewhere is normally the first discussion when speaking to a business owner. New product introductions into the low volume wide-format monochrome technology are allowing print shops to enter into new printing markets very inexpensively.

Ozankan: With wide-format capabilities, these businesses can diversify. There is a very good chance that the same companies currently purchasing brochures, stationary, and business cards also need event signage, banners, decals, and even decorated apparel, all of which can be produced on a wide-format printer.

Paar: It provides new sources of revenue with greater margins. This can really set them apart from their competition. Wide-format printing provides both growth opportunities and greater stability when the market slows.