Print shops today are transforming into one-stop destinations for everything branded, from t-shirts to tote bags and beyond. But if you’re running a print shop and still focused solely on traditional print services, you could be leaving money on the table. Selling promo products alongside your print services is a natural, profitable next step that can supercharge your business. Here’s why it’s a smart move and why print shops should get in on the promotional game.
1. Boost Your Profits With High-Margin Promo Products
Promo products offer an attractive profit margin. The average markup in the promotional world can hit up to 50%, depending on the product and customer. Compare that to the slimmer margins typically seen in print and apparel decoration, and the potential to boost your bottom line becomes clear. Products like drinkware, tech gadgets, and bags are all great for markups, and they carry a premium feel that clients love. By offering promo products that fit your existing customer base, you can upsell effectively without the massive overhead or hassle of producing the items in-house.
2. Meet The Rising Demand For All-In-One Solutions
The idea of a one-stop shop has changed over the past decade, especially after the pandemic shifted customer expectations. Where “full service” once meant offering both screen printing and DTG options, it now means providing everything a business could want, including branded products beyond apparel. This is where adding promo products to your offerings truly pays off.
Platforms like Sage make it easy for print shops to partner with suppliers and offer a full catalog of promotional items. Whether it’s branded mugs, pens, or custom notebooks, adding promo products lets you capture clients who want a single trusted source for all their branded needs.
3. Capture New Markets And Clients With Promo Products
Expanding your product offerings with promotional items opens doors to new markets. Many industries use promotional products regularly—think corporate offices, schools, nonprofits, and hospitality venues. These organizations frequently need branded items like tote bags, stationery, and event swag, and they want a reliable supplier. When your print shop can offer both print and promo products, you become that go-to provider, making it easier to secure repeat clients.
The promotional product industry is valued at over $26 billion and growing. When you offer promo items, you become part of a lucrative industry with clients eager for quality, branded products.
4. Build Stronger Customer Relationships
Selling promo products builds trust and keeps customers coming back. The ability to offer varied branded items—without needing to produce them in-house—enables you to fulfill nearly any request. You don’t have to say “no” to requests for custom drinkware, corporate gifts, or even branded tech accessories. With these options, clients see you as a solution for all things branded rather than just a print provider.
For many clients, promo products are marketing tools. By offering promotional items, you help them promote their brand, boost loyalty, and show appreciation to their customers. They’ll view you as a crucial part of their marketing efforts, strengthening their trust in you and increasing the likelihood of repeat orders.
5. Expand Without The Equipment Investment
The idea of taking on promo products might feel overwhelming for print shops that already deal with costly equipment and ongoing maintenance. The good news? You don’t have to invest in new machinery to sell promotional items. Outsourcing to trusted suppliers through platforms like Sage lets you offer a vast array of promo items without having to buy equipment or learn new production techniques.
This “do less, sell more” approach is a game-changer. You’re able to capture sales from customers who want branded products but can’t or don’t want to source them elsewhere. By working with promo suppliers, you maintain the quality customers expect without the overhead of in-house production. Just like using SanMar for blank apparel, Sage connects you to a wide range of promotional product suppliers, giving you the inventory without the hassle.
How DecoNetwork Complements Your Promo Product Strategy
Adding promotional products to your print shop is a fantastic way to boost profits and customer loyalty. DecoNetwork makes this expansion easier and more efficient with its all-in-one platform, designed specifically for garment decorators and branded merchandise providers.
Here’s how DecoNetwork helps:
- Manage Orders: Handle print and promo orders in one dashboard for easy organization.
- Online Stores: Create branded stores where clients can order apparel and promo products.
- Quotes & Invoices: Save time with automated pricing and billing.
- Supplier Access: Connect with suppliers directly to expand your product range.
- E-commerce: Promote print and promo products together to attract more business.
With DecoNetwork, you can offer an expanded catalog of branded merchandise, manage orders smoothly, and enhance customer experiences—all in one place.
Start Selling Promo Products Today!
With growing demand and high profit margins, promotional products are an essential addition for print shops looking to expand and increase profitability. Offering a variety of promo items allows your print shop to become a one-stop solution, strengthens your customer relationships, and lets you explore new markets. Plus, you can take advantage of the opportunity to grow your offerings without any equipment investment.
So, what’s stopping you? With minimal startup costs and platforms like Sage and DecoNetwork simplifying the process, selling promo products is easier than ever. Get started today and watch your business soar as you transform from a print shop into a full-service branded merchandise provider.
