Print on demand vs. Inventory: which is best for you?

Choosing the right approach for your corporate gifting strategy can be a game-changer. With the rapidly evolving printing industry, businesses can choose between Print on Demand and traditional inventory options. Print on Demand allows for high-quality, customized gifts produced on the fly, while inventory ensures a stockpile of ready-to-ship items. But how do you decide which is best for your needs? Let's explore both methods' differences, benefits, and ideal scenarios to help you make an informed decision.

Items are created and delivered as ordered. This allows companies to customize and produce items as needed without stocking inventory in advance. It’s often best for smaller companies, co-branding events, and situations where artwork changes frequently.

Items are produced and sent to a warehouse, where they can be quickly shipped once ordered. Companies can manage inventory themselves or store items in a virtual swag closet for easy access and automated refills. Inventory is often best for companies who gift regularly, such as for birthdays, work anniversaries, and other recurring events.

• Flexibility: Ideal for co-branding, event sponsorships, and frequently changing artwork.
• Waste reduction: No need to guess sizes or get stuck with outdated stock.
• Trend adaptability: Stay on top of style and technology trends.
• Personalization: Easily add names or anniversary dates to gifts or awards.
• eGifting: Brand eGiftable items without stocking inventory (Exclusive to Corporate Gift).

• Customization limits: Custom kitting and PMS color matching may be unavailable.
• Turnaround time: Production times vary per product and rush capabilities are limited.
• Stock availability: Items may become unavailable, leading to inconsistent gifts.
• Proofing issues: Lack of thorough proofing can lead to variation in the final product.

Unexpected events or occasions, like work anniversaries, retirement celebrations, get-well gestures, new baby gifts, employee recognition, customer thank-yous, ad-hoc gifting, and year-end awards.

• Pricing: Get lower costs per unit for larger orders.
• Efficiency: Quick shipping and easy repurposing for multiple events.
• Consistency: Know exactly what you're getting and when.
• Rush capability: Larger orders can be expedited.
• Product selection: A wider range of products are available.
• Control: Better management of artwork and proofing, with multiple approval points.

• Cost and time investment: Larger upfront commitment. 
• Limited flexibility: Once artwork is in inventory, it can't be changed.
• Storage needs: Requires storage space.
• Potential waste: Risk of dead inventory if items become irrelevant.

Planned events like new hires, employee birthdays, trade shows, conferences, company-wide holiday gifts, client appreciation events, and team-building events.

Corporate Gift offers inventory management through a virtual swag closet or company swag store, eliminating the need for physical storage. You can keep stock in small quantities (e.g., 20 shirts) and use automated replenishment to reorder only as needed. Our gifting platform management tools help you enjoy the benefits of inventory while practicing smart and sustainable ordering.

Not sure which to choose? You can try both! Use inventory for items you’ll use regularly and mix it up with Print on Demand for trendy items. This approach offers flexibility and cost savings while allowing you to test product engagement and gather data on which products recipients enjoy most, helping you decide what to keep in inventory.

The choice between Print on Demand and inventory depends on your specific needs and gifting habits. Regular gifters might benefit more from inventory, while occasional gifters might find Print on Demand more suitable. By understanding each option, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your corporate gifting strategy.