When it comes to events, finding ways to enhance attendee experiences while maximizing revenue opportunities is a winning combination. One such avenue that has gained popularity is onsite printing. From personalized merchandise to tailored attendee badges, onsite printing presents a range of profitable opportunities for event organizers.
But how do you leverage onsite printing to benefit both your bottom line and the overall success of your event? This blog covers everything you need to know about profiting from onsite printing, including ideas, strategies, and tips to get started.
Why Onsite Printing is a Game Changer for Events
Onsite printing is no longer just a novelty; it has become a key business driver for many event organizers. Here’s why it’s such a game changer:
1. Elevates the Attendee Experience
People love personalization, and onsite printing provides the chance to make their experience memorable by offering customized items like T-shirts, mugs, and tote bags. Guests enjoy the thrill of creating something unique in real-time.
2. Boosts Revenue Streams
Onsite printing serves as a direct revenue stream by enabling you to sell merchandise or offer additional paid services during the event.
3. Offers Branding Opportunities
Every printed item serves as marketing material for your brand. Whether it’s a logo or a hashtag, these elements can spread your name beyond the venue.
4. Drives Engagement
Interactive experiences like personalized shirt printing stations or custom photo printing can attract attendees to specific booths or sponsor areas, creating additional engagement opportunities.
5. Reduces Upfront Costs
Onsite printing eliminates the need for bulk pre-event printing. By offering print-on-demand solutions, you can reduce the risk of overstocking and wasted items.
Creative Ways to Utilize Onsite Printing for Profit
There are numerous onsite printing applications, each tailored to different types of events and customer expectations. Here are some of the most profitable uses of onsite printing:
Personalized Merchandise
One of the most common ways to profit from onsite printing is by creating customized items that attendees can purchase. From T-shirts and hoodies to phone cases and water bottles, personalized merchandise makes for an attractive offering at corporate events, festivals, and trade shows.
- Idea: Set up a digital T-shirt printer at your next event. Attendees can upload designs, add their names, or choose from a pre-loaded set of templates. Charge a premium for the customization to increase your profit margins.
Event-Specific Memorabilia
Attendees love taking home a piece of the event as a souvenir. Offer items like printed posters, photos, or coasters featuring event branding, keynote speakers, or iconic moments from the day.
- Example: For music festivals, you could print custom T-shirts featuring the lineup or specific acts as keepsakes.
Badge Customization
For conferences or trade shows, onsite badge printing can turn a logistical necessity into a profit-driving opportunity. Offer upgrades like branded lanyards or premium badge designs that create visual prestige.
Photo Printing Stations
Set up photo printing hubs where attendees can print snapshots taken at the event. You can also incorporate branding on the photo backgrounds or frames, ensuring your name gets shared across social media platforms.
- Pro Tip: Offer themed photo booths that allow users to customize images with stickers, logos, and slogans related to the event.
Instant Print Rewards
Gamify your event by offering printed rewards onsite. For example, conduct live contests or raffles where winners receive custom-printed awards like mini trophies or framed certificates.
Sponsored Print Stations
Tap into corporate sponsors who can benefit from brand exposure on items printed and handed out at the event. Offer to include the sponsors’ logos or messaging as part of the design, increasing revenue opportunities for both parties.
- Example: A tech company sponsoring an event could provide attendees with custom-printed phone grips featuring their logo.
Implementing Onsite Printing the Right Way
Maximizing profits from onsite printing depends on executing the process effectively. Here are some strategies to set you up for success.
1. Choose the Right Equipment
Investing in high-quality printing equipment is crucial for seamless operations. Options like direct-to-garment printers, mobile screen printers, or photo printers are just a few possibilities.
2. Set the Right Prices
Pricing your onsite printing options can greatly impact your profits. Account for material costs, labor, and the added value of customization or branding. Offering bundle deals or limited-edition items can create urgency and increase sales.
- Example: If custom T-shirts cost $10 to produce, consider pricing them at $25–$30 to cover costs and earn healthy profit margins.
3. Plan Logistics Carefully
Take into consideration setup, operation, and staffing for onsite printing. Position your printing stations in high-traffic areas and ensure you have trained staff to manage the equipment and assist customers efficiently.
4. Promote Your Offerings Ahead of Time
Build excitement about your onsite printing options through pre-event promotion. Use social media, email campaigns, and event platforms to alert attendees about what they can expect and encourage early sign-ups.
5. Leverage Technology
Integrating technology can enhance the customer experience and streamline operations. For instance, offer pre-order options through apps or allow attendees to design their items online before collecting them onsite.
6. Collaborate with Vendors
If buying equipment feels like too big of an investment, consider partnering with vendors that offer onsite printing services. This reduces the upfront financial risk while allowing you to share the profits.
7. Monitor Trends
Stay on top of trends to offer products that resonate with your audience. For example, eco-friendly materials or vintage-style prints can make your offerings more attractive.
Real-Life Examples of Onsite Printing Success
To inspire you, here are some real-life examples where onsite printing turned out to be a major hit:
- Tech Conference: A popular conference offered personalized laptop sleeves printed on-demand. Attendees paid a premium for custom designs, and the organizers reported an added $20,000 in profits.
- Charity Run Event: Participants could print their names and achievements onto running shirts at the finish line. The initiative raised additional funds for the charity through merchandise sales.
- Music Festival: The festival introduced onsite screen printing for T-shirts, where attendees could select from exclusive designs. This interactive experience boosted engagement and profit margins.
How Onsite Printing Strengthens Brand Loyalty
The financial benefits of onsite printing are clear, but it also serves a larger purpose by nurturing strong brand loyalty. Here’s how:
- Attendees who take home high-quality printed items are more likely to remember your event fondly and share their experience with others.
- Onsite printing creates a unique, interactive experience that leaves a lasting impression.
- Merchandise and memorabilia act as ongoing advertisements for your brand when attendees use or wear them post-event.
By providing value and memorable experiences, you’re not just generating profits but also investing in long-term relationships with your audience.
Maximize Revenue with Onsite Printing
Onsite printing is more than just a trend; it’s a proven strategy to enhance your events while generating additional revenue. From personalized merchandise to branded memorabilia, there are endless ways to incorporate this feature into any event.
Start small by experimenting with a single type of printed product, or go big with interactive printing stations such as Fun Print that keep your attendees engaged. Whatever option you choose, the key is to focus on creating value while keeping your processes streamlined and efficient.
If you’re ready to take your events to the next level, explore the endless possibilities of onsite printing today!
