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Zero Inventory, Big Profit: How Screen Printers Can Sell Promo Products Risk-Free

By Amanda Smith 

As a screen printer, you’re no stranger to inventory – and the headaches that come with it. But what if you could offer customers more services and grow your order size without taking on risk? Let’s introduce you to the world of zero inventory promotional products for printers.

Imagine this: You can sell customers branded merchandise without ever touching a single product. No warehousing. No inventory. No overhead. You can add products without equipment investment and generate a new revenue stream. This sounds too good to be true (we know), but it’s the norm when you’re a screen printer who adds promo products to the mix.

Why Promo Products?

The question you should really ask is, “why not promo products?!” Items like pens, mugs, custom apparel and tech accessories branded with logos are a lucrative industry. For screen printers, it’s a natural upsell that fits right in with what you’re already doing. By adding promo to your lineup, you can:

  • Say cha-ching! Get bigger orders from existing customers.
  • Connect more with your community and grow your business with local organizations, schools and companies.
  • Boost average order value without heavy lifting (figuratively and literally).
  • Keep customers coming back for all their branding – stop sending them to your competition!

How the Zero Inventory Model Works

Through a network of trusted promo products vendors, screen printers can access a vast catalog of items ready for customization and direct fulfillment.

Here’s how:

  1. Sell Branded Merchandise Without Stock: Choose from tons of items you can offer customers without ever buying any inventory – yep, no inventory!
  2. Dropship Promotional Products: Your vendor handles imprinting the logos and shipping the final products to your customer. You focus on sales and service.
  3. Risk-Free Revenue Streams: No blank goods to purchase. No storage space to manage. Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it?
  4. Streamlined Workflow: With software like ESP+ from ASI, product sourcing, mockups and orders are managed on one platform.

Your Profit, Not Your Problem

Because of how the promo products supply chain works, you increase profit margins and expand your print business without overhead, staff or equipment. You keep the markup and skip the headaches.

What You Gain:

  • No upfront inventory costs (woo-hoo!)
  • Faster turnaround times with direct shipping from vendors
  • More time to focus on high-margin screen printing jobs that bring home the bacon
  • More value for your customers, which leads to loyalty, reorders and revenue

What You Avoid:

  • Buying in bulk and crossing your fingers
  • Dealing with warehousing or shipping (eyeroll)
  • Spending on new equipment or training

Vendors You Can Trust

The secret weapon of the zero-inventory model? A trusted supplier network.

Joining a promo membership organization like ASI comes with lots of benefits, but perhaps the best advantage you’ll gain is access to nearly 3,000 vetted promo suppliers. (Remember, they’re the ones with the inventory, not you!)

Some vendors specialize in specific product types, while others offer a wide variety – so you’re in control. You choose the partners that best fit your business and customers’ needs. Since you’re outsourcing promo product fulfillment, it pays to be smart about which vendors you partner with.

Need things quickly? Work with vendors that offer rush services.

Have a customer who wants wow-worthy, one-of-a-kind swag? Reach out to vendors who do custom products.

Does your customer have green initiatives? Only partner with vendors who have eco certifications or products made with sustainable materials.

Joining a membership organization with a large vendor network allows you to pick and choose (and choose wisely) so you can best meet the needs of your customer.

ESP+: The Secret to Finding Promotional Product Vendors

When you join ASI, you get a license to ESP+, an all-in-one software that streamlines promo product sales. Many ASI members say all you need to sell promo is ESP+ (okay, not entirely true, but it definitely makes life a whole lot easier).

With ESP+, you have everything you need to run your business at your fingertips:

  • Search 1.2+ million promo products from nearly 3,000 vendors.
  • Use dozens of filters to find the perfect product.
  • Create client presentations and virtual samples in minutes.
  • Submit orders directly to vendors.
  • Track fulfillment and manage proofs all in one place.
  • Manage all client communications, including orders, invoices, artwork and even emails in the CRM.

FAQs: Why You Want To Say Yes to Low-Risk Product Diversification

Do I need special equipment? Nope. You won’t produce, customize or ship the products. Your vendor handles all of that!

Is there a minimum order requirement? Most vendors offer low MOQs, with some even offering single-unit orders. You can also get samples so your clients can see before they buy.

What about product customization? In addition to adding your customer’s logo, many vendors offer a variety of colors, sizes and even decoration methods. Want a fully customized product? There are vendors who specialize in that too.

How do I get started? Joining ASI gives you access to a large vendor network (a must), ESP+ (another must) and marketing support to hit the ground running.

Take the Next Step

Now you see why selling promo is a smart business growth strategy for a print shop. With zero inventory promotional products for printers, you can:

  • Grow your order sizes without inventory, equipment or stress.
  • Offer all things branding so your clients don’t turn to competitors.
  • Strengthen customer relationships and boost loyalty (aka long-term business).
  • Add services without adding complexity to your shop.

Remember, it’s not, “why promo?” – it’s, “why not promo?” Discover how ASI eliminates inventory risk and learn how to access our large vendor network. Start exploring today.