During a webinar hosted by Graphics Pro, Bryan Hendry, Xanté’s marketing product specialist, outlined various ways to create top-selling, high-margin products that enable print shops with multiple avenues for generating income while staying competitive.
He emphasised that while Xanté’ has specialised in a range of different printing technologies over the years, the introduction of UV flatbed printing has seen immense growth due to its popularity in the market.
A poll during the webinar quickly determined that the bulk of the audience were not in possession of a wide format printer for their business. The top applications included: Braille, texturing, panelling, glass mode printing, white frosting, round object jig printing, wood and metal.
Braille
UV flatbed printers are able to create raised, tactile Braille on a variety of substrates. The height of the Braille should also be taken into consideration, as well as the width of the dots. Geographical compliance should also be considered, as it varies depending where the job is printed.
Where the sign is placed, or how high it is off the ground is for customers to determine. The print service provider (PSP) needs to primarily focus on the compliance.
Texturing
Textured printing brings designs to life with a variety of tactile finishes. It allows customers to ‘feel’ what is inside the image. However, textured printing is time consuming, and should only be offered as a speciality service in a PSP’s offering inventory. Cost will also be extra due to the use of white ink. PSPs may find that they are the only ones offering textured printing in their area, and can therefore take advantage of the opportunity.
Panelling
With panelling, PSPs can take any image and divide it into different panels of varying sizes, giving them the freedom to arrange them in any way they like. The resulting artwork is not only visually stunning but allows the creation of a piece that fits the aesthetic vision.
According to Hendry, panelling is highly suitable for the offices of doctors and lawyers, as well as schools. The size of the artwork and the substrate on which it is printed are considerable factors in which PSPs can boost profits, although acrylic as a substrate is recommended as a cost saver.
Glass Mode
According to Hendry, wedding photos are popular with this application, and because wedding photography is generally costly, glass mode printing can be seen as yet another way for PSPs to increase their streams of revenue. Images that require numerous bright colours should also be considered as another way to make money. Conversely, restaurant menus will require less colours. From thick acrylics to thin PLEXIGLAS®, the options are endless.
White Frosting
Frosting allows users to effortlessly elevate their designs to new heights by creating frosted effects on glass surfaces. Some of the more popular applications include awards, trophies and plaques, as well as glass cabinet windows, or glass doors in an office to name a few.
Round Object Jig Printing
Using a jig, multiple round objects can be printed, with golf balls cited as particularly popular. Users can then print any design or logo that they wish. The size of the design versus the round objects should be considered, as spacing is limited. Additionally, the complexity of the image will have an effect on the cost of print. If the design is simple, most of the cost will be attributed to the round object itself.
Golf tournaments are lucrative business opoortunties. Even high schools and universities with golf teams should be taken into account. Then there are particular days of the year for celebration: Mother’s or Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, St.Patrick’s etc. It is these many factors that will keep the printer running all year round.
Wood
With UV flatbed printers, the possibilities for wood printing are endless. Users can create personalised cutting boards, custom jewellery boxes, flat plaque awards, branded coasters, and intricate holiday decor. Shelving for golf balls and glassware is yet another stream of revenue.
Metal
Personalise licence plates, sleek metal wall art, custom jewellery tags, branded key chains and even luxurious business cards. Create durable outdoor signage, eye-catching metal menus, or decorative house numbers with a modern image. Textured printing can also be included.
XANTE
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