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Avoid web-to-print regret: How to choose a platform that won’t let you down
Can you afford to gamble on your web-to-print partner?
You know the drill - an attractive new web-to-print solution comes along, promising the world with flashy features and quick deployment. But here’s the reality many printers discover too late: smaller software providers come and go.
What happens when they stop offering support? Who will handle bugs and updates? You could find yourself with an obsolete system, scrambling to onboard customers onto a new platform.
At a time when customer expectations are at an all-time high, choosing the right web-to-print platform isn’t just important - it’s critical. But many printers are still hesitant.
- What if it takes too long to set up?
- What if it’s too complex for my team to manage?
- Who is going to run this thing day to day?
If these questions sound familiar, you’re not alone.
Continue reading to discover the key factors that will help you avoid costly web-to-print mistakes and choose a platform that ensures your business's long-term success.
Contents
- Web-to-print: What every print business needs to consider
- Don’t get left stranded: Why stability matters
- Meet MarketDirect StoreFront: A platform designed to solve your biggest challenges
- Ready to make the switch? We’ve got you covered.
Web-to-print: What every print business needs to consider
A web-to-print solution should simplify your business, not create new headaches. The key to making the right choice lies in these core considerations:
1. Integration with your business systems
Can the platform connect seamlessly with your existing MIS, ERP, Payment, Shipping or accounting software? If it doesn’t play nicely with the systems you already rely on, you’re signing up for double the work.
2. Automation for order management and customer processes
Does it help you automate repetitive tasks like order intake, job tracking, and customer management? The right platform should lighten the workload - not increase it.
3. Ease of use for customers and your team
How simple is it for your customers to place orders? A confusing interface could drive them to your competitors. Look for platforms that offer smart templates and self-service tools, so anyone, not just designers, can order print easily.
4. Support for a range of products
The modern printer needs to offer more than just business cards and flyers. Can your platform handle complex products, variable data printing, and even non-printed goods?
Don’t get left stranded: Why stability matters
Too many printers learn the hard way that not all web-to-print providers are built to last. Small developers and niche providers can disappear overnight, leaving you stuck with outdated software and no support. Your customers won’t wait for you to catch up. When evaluating a solution, ask yourself:
- How long has this company been around?
- Can they offer long-term support, training, and ongoing updates?
This is where many printers make their first mistake - focusing only on flashy features without asking the tough questions about the longevity of the platform and its ability to grow with their business.
Meet MarketDirect StoreFront: A platform designed to solve your biggest challenges
At eProductivity Software, we understand the challenges printers face. That’s why we’ve spent years perfecting MarketDirect StoreFront—a web-to-print platform that checks every box. For more than 20 years we’ve led the industry with print ecommerce innovation.
- Unmatched integration and APIs: MarketDirect StoreFront offers the most robust APIs and built-in connectors for leading MIS systems, ensuring seamless integration with your existing tools.
- SmartStore site building tools: With our easy-to-use SmartStore tools, creating beautiful, fully functional e-commerce sites is straightforward—even if you don’t have a developer on staff.
- AI-powered templates and design tools: These tools allow your customers to configure and order products effortlessly, even without design experience.
- Comprehensive product support: From traditional print to personalized gifts and non-printed goods, MarketDirect StoreFront enables you to offer almost anything your customers need.
- Fulfillment and inventory management: Manage inventory, order tracking, and fulfillment from the same platform, simplifying operations and ensuring you deliver on time, every time.
No other web-to-print platform offers the depth of features and extensibility that MarketDirect StoreFront does. That’s why more printers - large and small - are choosing us.
Ready to make the switch? We’ve got you covered.
Don’t waste time and money on a platform that won’t grow with you. Whether you’re running a small print shop or managing complex operations at an enterprise level, MarketDirect StoreFront offers the tools you need to stay competitive and deliver for your customers. Why gamble on a platform that might not be around tomorrow when you can partner with a leader in the industry?
Click here to learn more about MarketDirect StoreFront and how it can help your business thrive. The future of printing is here - are you ready?