7 Pointers to Prepare Your Products for an Online Print Shop
Building an online print shop requires more than just a functional website—it starts with a well-prepared product catalog. This guide outlines seven pointers to lay the groundwork for a successful online venture.
1. Gather Your Existing Product List
If you already run an offline print business, start by reviewing your past sales records. Your accounting system is a valuable resource for identifying the products you’ve successfully sold before. These items will serve as a solid foundation for your online catalog.
2. Differentiate Similar Products Based on Customer Familiarity
Even if two products are similar in production, customers may associate them with different purposes. For instance, “invitation cards” and “greeting cards” cater to distinct needs. List such items separately to accommodate customer preferences and improve search visibility. This ensures your website appeals to a broader audience and avoids missed sales.
3. List Products You Can Print In-House
Identify the items you can produce with your existing equipment and resources. These products should form the backbone of your online shop, as they allow you to maintain control over quality, lead time, and pricing. Highlight these as your core offerings to showcase your expertise.
4. Leverage the Freedom of Online Listings
Unlike physical stores, online shops aren’t constrained by display space. Listing additional products comes at no extra cost, so aim to include as many relevant items as possible. A diverse product catalog enhances your credibility and portrays your business as a one-stop solution for printing needs.
5. Research and Add Products from External Suppliers
To expand your offerings, consider partnering with other printing suppliers. For example, if you’re in Malaysia, explore suppliers like Expressprint, Excard, Printedly, S&Y Printing, or ePrint. Add their products to your catalog to fill gaps in your in-house capabilities. Ensure these partnerships align with your quality standards to maintain customer trust.
6. Organize Your Product List in a Comprehensive Table
Once you’ve compiled your list, create a structured Excel table to manage the details. Include the following columns:
- Product Name: A clear, customer-friendly name.
- Source: Indicate whether it’s in-house or from a supplier.
- Status: Mark whether the product is ready to list, pending setup, or requires additional details.
- Remarks: Include notes on specifications, pricing strategies, or customer preferences.
- Calculation Tools: Suggest which PriceCal tool (e.g.CSV, API, SC-Sheet, SC-packaging, etc…) to use for accurate cost and pricing setup.
This detailed table will streamline the setup process for your online shop and serve as a valuable reference for future updates.
7. Compile a Broad and Diverse Catalog
When curating your catalog, think beyond current offerings. Consider customer needs, seasonal trends, and emerging demands. The goal is to create a comprehensive product lineup that positions your shop as a professional and versatile printing partner. While listing more products requires initial effort, it creates opportunities to attract a wider range of customers.
If you look at some of the successful online print shop like Vistaprint, Expressprint, Printedly, etc, you will realize that there are easily more than 50 print products listed in their website.
Conclusion
Preparing your product catalog is a critical first step in building an online print shop. By analyzing past sales, differentiating products, leveraging in-house capabilities, and collaborating with suppliers, you can create a robust and professional catalog. This foundation will not only help you stand out but also ensure a smoother transition into the online space.
Take the time to organize and expand your product offerings thoughtfully. A well-prepared catalog will set your business up for long-term success in the competitive online printing market.
