The Truth Behind the Trends
The printing industry has often been labeled a “sunset industry.” But is that really the case? Absolutely not. In fact, multiple reports confirm that the print industry is not only alive but thriving, with certain sectors, such as digital and short-run printing, and packaging, growing exponentially.
Here’s evidence to support that:
Market Growth:
- Global Commercial Printing Market: Valued at USD 489.53 billion in 2023, it’s projected to reach USD 590.21 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 2.10% (Source: Straits Research).
- Digital Printing Market: Valued at USD 35.77 billion in 2022, it’s projected to grow from USD 39.63 billion in 2023 to USD 87.21 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 11.9% (Source: Fortune Business Insights).
Driving Factors:
- E-commerce Boom: Increased demand for packaging materials, labels, and marketing collateral.
- Personalized Marketing: Customized print materials for targeted campaigns.
- Digital Transformation: Integration of digital technologies for efficient workflows and innovative products.
- Sustainable Practices: Growing focus on eco-friendly printing solutions.
Reference Reports:
- Commercial Printing Market Size and Trends: Read Report
- Digital Printing Market Size, Share & Growth Report: Read Report
- Commercial Printing Market Segmentation, Trends, Forecast to 2032: Read Report
- The Future of the Printing Industry: Read Report
While the print industry is adapting to the digital age, it remains a vital sector with significant growth potential.
Yet, paradoxically, some print businesses are struggling or even shutting down. How is this possible if the demand is increasing?
The answer lies in adaptation to change.
The Shifting Landscape of Print Demand
The printing demand we see today is very different from what it was a decade ago. Customers no longer rely on traditional methods like Yellow Pages or walk-ins to find printers. Instead, the internet has become the primary search tool, especially for younger customers. This shift demands that printing businesses establish an online presence to remain competitive.
Years ago, having a simple website with your services and contact details was enough. Customers would email or call for a quote. But today, the game has changed. Customers expect instant quotes and the ability to place orders online without waiting. The days of waiting hours or even minutes for a response are long gone.
The Cost of Being Left Behind
Imagine investing heavily in marketing to drive traffic to your website, only for potential customers to leave because they can’t get an instant quote or place an order. All that marketing spend is wasted.
Consider this: S&Y Printing transformed their business by going online. In less than 10 years, they became a success story (Original Facebook post can be found here) 
Similarly, Expressprint Singapore, once a retail-focused company with 14 outlets, shifted entirely online by 2016. Today, they’re one of Singapore’s most reputable and searchable printing companies.
Both businesses embraced automation and 24/7 order systems, allowing customers to self-serve without the need for constant manpower.
Seeing others succeed can feel both inspiring and daunting. It’s easy to admire their results, but when you look at your own situation, you might be thinking, “Can I really do this? Do I have the resources, the technical know-how, or the budget to succeed?”
Unlike selling simple products like mugs, printing is a highly complex trade. Every print job depends on variables like size, materials, colors, finishes, and quantities—all of which make pricing a challenge. Because of this complexity, creating an online platform to sell printing services often feels overwhelming and comes with a perceived high price tag.
So, many printing bosses take what feels like the easiest path: relying on free platforms like Shopee or Lazada to list their services. On the surface, this seems like a reasonable solution. After all, you can reach customers online without building your own e-commerce platform.
But let’s take a closer look.
The Reality of Free Platforms: A Red Ocean Trap
Search for common print items like label stickers or name cards on Shopee, and you’ll see countless listings. When you click on these products, the first thing you notice is limited options. Customers often rely on chat support to clarify details or customize orders. This creates the same problems as offline transactions: every inquiry demands manpower.
Note: Platforms penalize delayed responses, forcing you to allocate resources to handle queries.
Even worse, as a seller, you’re operating in a highly competitive “red ocean.” Your listing is one of many, competing almost entirely on price. And while you might get some sales, ask yourself this:
Would you proudly send your own loyal customers to buy from your Shopee store?
The answer is likely no—and for good reason. These platforms limit your brand, your control over the customer experience, and your ability to stand out.
At first glance, it might seem like a workable solution, but in reality, you’ve simply moved your offline problems online, adding platform fees and penalties to the mix. What you gain in reach, you lose in profitability and efficiency.
Enter PriceCal: The Smart Solution for Printers
If complexity and cost are barriers to bringing your print business online, PriceCal can change the game. Developed by printers for printers, PriceCal simplifies the process of setting up an e-commerce platform for print services.
Here’s why PriceCal stands out:
- Minimal upfront investment: As a SaaS model, it’s affordable and accessible. Check out our plans.
- Tailored for printing: It accommodates the complex price calculations unique to print businesses.
- Quick setup: Get your platform live in just a few days, eliminating downtime and letting you start your online journey immediately.
- User-friendly design: PriceCal is intuitive and easy to adopt, even for businesses without technical expertise.
PriceCal empowers you to provide instant quotes, streamline orders, and operate 24/7, all while reducing manpower costs. This isn’t just a system—it’s the key to staying competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
The print industry isn’t a sunset industry—it’s an industry undergoing transformation. Those who adapt and embrace change will thrive, while those who resist will risk being left behind. Start your journey today with solutions like PriceCal and ensure your business is future-ready. With PriceCal POS Ultra and Web Ultra, you can bring your print business online quickly and efficiently, equipped with all the tools you need to compete in today’s digital marketplace. Don’t let the complexity of the transition hold you back. Contact us today and take the first step towards transforming your business for the future.
Not sure how to start? Book a demo with us today and let our expert consultant assist you.
