For those new to the industry, some might struggle to understand the concept of contract printing. "Why on earth would I have someone else print for me if I can print myself!?" Those experienced in the industry may rely heavily on contract printers using them as a crutch to keep them afloat during a busy season. For others that don't have the means of mass production, you might solely rely on contract printers.
As a community of decorators, we rely on one another to get through the peaks and valleys of our day-to-day business. Contract Printers are our friends, they are our kind, and often times they have grown to such a scale where they can offer a business-to-business solution. At a certain point in growth, a regular printing company gets to the point where they begin accepting contract printing as a means to continually keep their presses running. Not far after, if they become established in the space, they may solely turn into a contract printer, exclusively printing for other companies. Contract printers are our peers and it is important to understand their space to better serve yours.
Aside, you may be contemplating becoming a contract printer, which has its own hurdles and sets of growing pains. If you are just starting out, be wary of offering contract print prices, because these are highly calculated, with lower margins, and less room for error.
You will begin to use a contract printer to outsource jobs that are outside of your scope. Every business has a niche, and it is okay to admit that you are not capable of printing every order that comes through your door. That does not mean you have to turn them down. There are shops out there that can gladly take your order, and for a cost, produce your items and send them to your customers, as if it was your own job. You may find great profitability sending jobs out for contract printing, but if you are not careful those costs add up.
You may also find contractors that offer different decoration methods. if you do not offer DTG there are great solutions coast to coast that offers this service for you. If your niche is not simulated process and high detail jobs, there are shops that specialize in it. If you are not set up for embroidery but have customers that want it, you can easily find several contract shops to handle them. The list is endless.
Here are the ground rules for working with contract printers:
https://www.printavo.com/blog/playing-nice-with-contract-customers
