Our industry has seen a lot of change over the last few years.
That’s not exactly a hot take, but here’s the interesting part: it wasn’t a piece of tech or even a global pandemic that re-shaped how we work. It was the advent of automated, end-to-end technology systems, in support of a decoration on demand model.
A few years ago we had a handful of basic options. Now there’s a wide assortment of robust systems, with definite distinctions taking shape. Let’s delve into a few of these to see how they can strengthen your customer relationships.
Decoration On Demand Systems: A Refresher
A decoration on demand (DOD) system combines a webstore or e-commerce entry point for your end users with workflow and fulfilment operations.
These systems started to take shape after the COVID-19 pandemic, with the industry-shaking result that end users finally got an experience they’ve wanted for years. They could order whatever they wanted—any time, any quantity, at a reasonable price, delivered directly to their home or business.
Today this seems like business as usual. But it’s taken integration improvements, advancements with barcode scanning and fulfillment models to finally come together and make it all work.
These platforms are available in two categories: Self Service and Full Service.
The E1OD Self-Service Model
The Self-Service Model
Self-service systems are ideal for decorators that will be handling purchasing, production and shipping within their own facility.
Some of these systems include:
They’re available to both decorators and non-decorators, but tend to have more of a “decorator first” focus. Their distinction is that they give you, the decorator, the option to handle production with your own team and equipment.
Many self-service systems have built up a network of shops using their platform. They can market their services to brokers and others looking for a full-service solution, and enable the user to purchase goods themselves, maintaining their sales recognition.
Full-service features from Splashbrands
The Full-Service Model
A full-service system is all there in the name. Every aspect of the process—the webstores, purchasing, handling of production, shipping—is taken into account.
Some of these systems have been around longer. They offer an amazing opportunity for those that do not themselves decorate or want to focus more on selling.
A few examples in this growing category are:
Most of these systems focus on the promotional products industry, with brokers that will outsource their production.
Purchasing is usually handled by the system and service provider. Both parties get a percentage of the transaction with occasionally setup costs also involved. Automated operations benefit in this model too, enabling control of when and where goods are coming from in relation to their production location and schedule.
The Next Step in DOD System Evolution
What both options have in common is that you can finally offer the end users what they really want: the ability to purchase a wide variety of products, with no minimums and at a reasonable price.
For example: an end user can order an embroidered cap, a digitally printed t-shirt and a jacket with an emblem, all shipped directly to their home from the company’s webstore. At the same time, this alleviates manual tasks like bulk shipping and individual distribution.
The next chapter for these systems is dialing in hard goods for store systems. This can be a bit trickier—lower-priced items are often not cost-effective until you’re buying higher minimums, hundreds or thousands of items at a time.
The advent of UV DTF, in addition to laser etching and other affordable equipment, means that decorators can now source in the popular blank items the companies are looking for and customize them on-demand.
The Future of DOD Systems
Decoration on demand is not just a fad. These platforms have invested time and money into strong meaningful integrations with SanMar, so they can deliver fresh products, nearly real-time inventory and account-specific pricing. Whichever model you go with, it will help you develop relationships and sell with confidence.
This has become an expected part of everyone’s offering, and a key strategy to win over clients and retain them for years to come.
If you’re not sure which systems might be a good fit for your company, reach out to techsolutions@sanmar.com for more information. We’re happy to help!