13 replies to this topic

[robster1]

I have a few small company store programs in place--and rather than stocking merchandise in qty, I was wondering if any suppliers offer digital printing on promo items on a print on demand purpose. This would enable smaller, more frequent reorders and broader selection. Any ideas?

[3Koi Maui]

Colorado Timberline does digital printing, but only on the garments they carry.

You can check with any printer that has a digital unit. We spoke with:
Sabrina & Dan Beauchamp
D and S Promotions
209-535-7065
dscpromos@yahoo.com
Haven't used them, but they sounded nice

Often these units can only print on 100% cotton garments.

[robster1]

Isa:

As always, you provide some of the best and most thorough answers on this forum.

I will contact them this week.

Any idea for more traditional, non-wearable products?

[margie@kapcoadv.com]

We have found that a number of suppliers will reduce the min. order on items that are in a store or co-op program.

Leeds is one example: you "register" the item as being in a program, and the min. order is 1/2 the normal 1st column pricing.
Maple Ridge Farms also offers this.

Quikey will also quote you on co-op programs; Tradenet, as good as they are, will not do co-ops on bus. cards magnets (don't know about other items they carry.)

Some of the Norwood divisions will warehouse product for you! And their Triumph calendar division loves co-ops.

Usually the factories want to know your expected annual usage of a particular item.

Tip that may help you: One of our best customers has a co. store where we hold inventory. They have found that by offering multiple colors of the same item, that item moves better. i.e., tumblers in multiple colors, not just blue or black. Gator Clips in 6 different colors instead of just one.

Hope this helps!
Margie

[robster1]

Margie:

Great advice.

I will look into these options.

I like your point about multiple colors too.

Thanks.

Robert

[LukeA]

Margie,

Thank you for mentioning us. You are correct about our "Non-Commit" Company Store Programs. The attached flyer shows the specifics.

We have added a new 1 unit Release Program where we provide free warehousing for up to one year. Another new offer is our "Guaranteed Sale" Program. It is great for those distributors who are able to keep an inventory at their location. At the end of the program, we will provide credit for the cost of the product that is returned to us (up to 2x the catalog minimum). The attached flyer also shows the specifics on these two programs.

Robert,

When you have a minute, please take a look at the flyer. Please contact me if you need additional information.

Thank you!

Luke Aitken
Maple Ridge Farms, Inc.
800-477-5577 x348
lukea@mapleridge.com

Attached File(s)

•  CompanyStore&CoopProgramsflyer.pdf (167.27K)
  Number of downloads: 50

[djoctagone]

Check out suppliers that offer the following:

--Embroider in-house

--Leather items (apparel and accessories)

--High end writing instruments (usually gift pens)

--Norwood with no absolute minimum order quantity with a LTM charge

You may also want to click on the "company stores" tag for further insight.

[djoctagone]

Crown Products also has no absolute minimum order quantity with a LTM charge (which happens to be far less than Norwood's).

[robster1]

Wonderful ideas Scott.

I will research them tonight.

Great insight.

Thanks.

Robert

[tmertz]

robster1 said:

I have a few small company store programs in place--and rather than stocking merchandise in qty, I was wondering if any suppliers offer digital printing on promo items on a print on demand purpose. This would enable smaller, more frequent reorders and broader selection. Any ideas?

TradeNet offers less than minimum qty programs for Distributors that can provide production ready art or that are willing to use the soon to be released online design tool offered by DistributorCentral.

Call TradeNet Customer Service at 800 884 7301.

[robster1]

Will do---all good ideas.

Thanks to everyone for their input.

[djoctagone]

Cafe Press is an option. They have been and continue to sell direct, so I'm not sure how your interests would be protected. But they most definitely will deliver decorated product with no MOQ.

[robster1]

djoctagone said:

Cafe Press is an option. They have been and continue to sell direct, so I'm not sure how your interests would be protected. But they most definitely will deliver decorated product with no MOQ.

Thanks for the tip. I will look into them this weekend.

Robert

[cathydoe]

Has anyone done any research on CPPro.com? Which is CafePress Pro. A division of Cafe Press. I just signed up for an account but would really like feedback from folks here. Thank you! Cathy