Why should retailers consider using a Managed Print Service? A common challenge in executing the retail ticketing process in-store is the perceived cost of printing. To mitigate these costs, many head offices and stores rely on centralized printing, often using pre-printed card stock. However, this method comes with significant drawbacks, including production and distribution costs, inefficiencies, and waste. Centralized printing also requires promotions to be planned weeks or months in advance, leaving stores vulnerable to delays, errors, and damage.
With the right ticketing platform, in-store printing removes these logistical issues while maintaining store compliance and consistency. Despite hesitations due to perceived costs, a Managed Print Service (MPS) offers a cost-effective, flexible, and efficient alternative. Let’s break down the costs, how it works, and the advantages of transitioning to an in-store printing model.
Printing costs
A Managed Print Service involves two primary costs: the initial printer investment and the ongoing cost per copy.
1. Initial outlay
- The average printer costs $700 and comes with a 12-month to 5-year warranty. Over five years, this averages to $140 per year per store—an affordable investment for hardware.
2. Cost per copy
- The ongoing cost per copy depends on factors such as colour usage and ticket coverage. For instance:
3. Colour printing: 0.18c per full-coverage, 9up colour ticket.
- 1,000 pages of 9up tickets = 9,000 tickets for $180.
- Mono Printing: 0.02c per 9up mono ticket.
- 1,000 pages of 9up tickets = 9,000 tickets for $20.
Stores can also use pre-printed paper stock for flexibility, provided templates are adjusted for headers and footers.
Toner
Toner costs are a significant concern in traditional printing but are streamlined under a Managed Print Service. With this system, toner usage is monitored, and orders are automatically triggered when levels run low, ensuring stores never run out of essential supplies. The cost per copy includes all consumables, such as waste toners and drum cartridges, which eliminates unexpected expenses.
Ongoing maintenance
Printer maintenance is a concern for many stores, especially those printing high volumes of tickets on perforated paper. Under a Managed Print Service, maintenance becomes a manageable inconvenience.
Troubleshooting and repairs:
- Many issues can be resolved with basic troubleshooting.
- For more significant problems, on-site technical support is included under warranty.
Replacement:
- If a printer cannot be repaired, it will be replaced under the warranty.
- A temporary printer may be provided to ensure continuity while repairs or replacements are underway.
This ensures that even if technical difficulties arise, stores can continue printing tickets with minimal disruption.
Benefits of moving from centralized to in-store printing
Transitioning from centralized to in-store printing offers significant advantages in compliance, flexibility, and operational efficiency.
Compliance and correct pricing
Centralized printing is often chosen to maintain pricing compliance across store groups. However, in-store printing with a robust ticketing platform ensures the same level of compliance. Head offices can create ticket batches, assign them to stores, and set specific promotion dates. Reporting features allow head offices to monitor which stores have printed tickets, ensuring compliance without relying on centralized production.
Flexibility
Centralized printing lacks flexibility for both head offices and individual stores. In contrast, in-store printing empowers stores to:
- Customize ticket styles and sizes based on available shelf space.
- Run additional promotions beyond catalogue offers.
- Print only the tickets they need, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
Head offices also gain flexibility by avoiding locked-in promotional designs and timelines required by centralized printing. Changes in pricing or designs can be implemented in real-time, enabling better responses to customer trends.
Efficient ticket sorting
Centralized printing often results in tickets arriving in random order, requiring time-consuming sorting before they can be hung on shelves. In-store printing eliminates this issue by allowing tickets to be printed in planogram order, ready for immediate placement.
Logistical advantages
Centralized printing involves high logistical costs and advanced planning. In-store printing reduces or eliminates these challenges by enabling stores to:
- Print tickets as needed, avoiding overprinting or shortages.
- Eliminate shipping delays and associated costs.
- Streamline operations with a cost-per-copy system that simplifies budgeting.
Conclusion
The perceived costs of in-store printing often deter retailers, but the benefits of using a Managed Print Service outweigh these concerns. The system reduces waste, enhances flexibility, and allows retailers to respond dynamically to customer needs. In-store printing ensures compliance, reduces logistical challenges, and empowers both head offices and individual stores to operate efficiently and effectively.
Transitioning to in-store printing with the support of a Managed Print Service is not just an investment in printing — it’s an investment in operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
What’s next?
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