What is Print Fulfillment?

Print fulfillment is a multi-step fulfillment solution involving the printing, kitting and assembly, warehousing, and distribution of bulk and on-demand print products. Brands seeking print fulfillment services are often looking for ways to streamline their print supply chain while maintaining brand consistency across multiple locations.

Print fulfillment can include the printing of banners, signage, apparel, marketing materials, and more using various print formats, including digital, flexo, screen, and large format printing.

Print Fulfillment Process

Sourcing

The print fulfillment process often starts with sourcing print products. This step involves identifying the print format, ideal material type, and suggesting the ideal print product for specific applications, while meeting cost and branding requirements.

Printing

In the print fulfillment process, printing is the most critical step. Choosing a reputable print company is integral to the overall success of your print fulfillment. An experience printer will be able to consult with you on what print format will work best for your project applications as well as provide you with cost and quality suggestions. The print fulfillment company you choose should have robust printing equipment designed to handle the print capabilities you’re seeking. Experienced print fulfillment companies also generally offer art file preparation to ensure art files are up to par.

Pro Tip: Ask how they handle color matching and the art file process. Ask to see their print equipment capabilities.

Print fulfillment example - pizza coupons

Kitting & Assembly

Kitting involves taking individual components and combining them into a larger kit for shipment. An example of this would be a New Store Opening Kit that includes several different print materials such as menus, window clings, store signage, and uniforms. The print fulfillment company you choose should have on-site kitting to better facilitate the kitting and assembly process as well as uphold high quality standards.

Pro Tip: Ask how your print company handles kitting. Is there a fee? Is it on-site?

Warehousing & Distribution

Print fulfillment companies offer warehousing and distribution services as well to store and ship all your printed materials for you. Look for print fulfillment companies that have the space required to store all your printed materials.

Pro Tip: Ask about bin space, inventory requirements, and fees for stocking and picking/packing.

Large scale print fulfillment poster

Choosing the Right Print Fulfillment Company

When choosing a print fulfillment company, ensure they have the right print and project management experience to handle your project.

Ask potential print fulfillment companies these questions to get a better understanding of their print fulfillment program:

  1. How does your company handle art files? What would be required of my team? Is there a fee for file prep?
  2. How does your company handle color matching? What should I provide to get my correct brand colors?
  3. What equipment do you have on-site and what are their capabilities?
  4. What is your kitting process? Is it on-site? Is there a fee?
  5. Talk to me about your warehousing and distribution? How are bins allocated? Is there a fee for picking and packing?
  6. What reporting and analytics is available to monitor my print?

Learn More About Print Fulfillment

Get a better understanding of print fulfillment by contacting Dot It at sales@dotit.com or calling 800-642-3687. Our team of print professionals will work hand-in-hand with your team to get your print program up and running.