Wide-format printing is a key growth segment in the overall print industry. Research from InfoTrends indicates a 7.9 percent compound annual growth rate from 2012 through to 2017.
As a result wide-format is drawing increasing interest from a diverse range of businesses that haven’t traditionally offered the service as part of their core offering. And one of the key questions business owners of these companies have is in regards to the expected time to break-even on their wide-format investment.
The charts below highlight some interesting expectations. InfoTrends and NAPCO (publisher of Printing Impressions) surveyed 167 print service providers —72 of which were print-for-pay—and asked about their attitudes and expectations around wide-format digital printing.
Obviously businesses that plan to spend a few thousand dollars on a low-end, wide-format printing system are unlikely to make any major changes or implement any major marketing programs to break even. Low-end systems can efficiently produce high-margin applications in small quantities to easily cover a minimal investment.
Contrast that however with the print service providers who plan on a major investment and expect to break even within 12 months. In comparison to the smaller investor the nature of changes and the range of factors they need to address (such as additional finishing equipment or staff training) is extensive.
Achieving a 6 to12 month return on investment when the capital expenditure is much higher a company underpins the fact that these businesses must implement a well-developed, marketing plan for their wide-format services. If you’re interested in learning more talk to one of our sales representatives or our marketing adviser.
