Sample Time! Why print quality control for print on demand (POD) matters
When running a business, it's essential to thoroughly test your print on demand products before offering them to customers. Effective print quality control testing ensures your items meet quality standards and customer expectations.
What are print on demand products?
Print on demand products are items that are only printed once a customer places an order. Instead of holding piles of stock, brands can create, test and sell products with far more flexibility. Think personalised books, photo gifts, trading cards, apparel, branded merchandise, marketing materials and custom ecommerce products, all produced when they’re needed.
That makes print on demand a smart way to reduce waste, avoid overproduction and keep product ranges fresh. Want to test a new design? Launch a seasonal range? Add personalisation? POD lets you move quickly without committing to huge print runs upfront.
But speed still needs standards. Every product that reaches a customer has to look sharp, feel right and arrive in one piece. That’s why print on demand quality control matters. Sampling your POD products before launch gives you the chance to check colour accuracy, materials, finish, packaging and durability before your customers do.
In short, print on demand gives brands the freedom to sell more creatively, while quality control makes sure the finished product lives up to the promise.
Why print on demand quality control matters
Quality control is what keeps your print on demand products looking, feeling and performing the way your customers expect. It gives you a chance to check the real thing, not just a mock-up on screen.
“When 44% of print buyers rank print quality above price, POD sampling becomes more than a nice-to-have. It is the quality control step that helps protect every order before it reaches the customer.”
- Jon Bailey, CEO at Precision Proco
Best practices for testing print on demand products
1. Order Sample Products:
Start by ordering sample versions of each product you plan to sell. This lets you inspect the materials, printing quality, and overall craftsmanship first-hand.
2. Evaluate Product Details:
Closely examine the sample products, checking for proper sizing, colour accuracy, and any defects in the printing or manufacturing.
3. Assess Product Durability:
Put the samples through real-world testing, such as washing clothing items or using mugs and other accessories. This helps you understand how the products hold up over time.
4. Gather Customer Feedback:
Enlist friends, family, or focus groups to provide honest feedback on the sample products. Their perspectives can reveal important insights.
5. Document the Process:
Keep detailed records of your product testing, including notes on what worked well and areas that need improvement. This information will guide your optimisation efforts.
Thoroughly testing custom products takes time, but it's a crucial step to ensure you offer high-quality items that meet customer expectations. By following these best practices, you can have confidence in your products.
5 key reasons you should always order sample products
When running a print-on-demand business, ordering sample products before selling them to your customers is crucial. Here are five key reasons why you should always order sample products:
1. Quality Assurance:
Ordering samples allows you to physically inspect the product, check the materials, printing quality, and overall craftsmanship, and ensure that your customers receive high-quality items.
2. Accurate Product Representation:
Samples allow you to take detailed photos and videos to authentically showcase the products on your online store, which builds trust with potential buyers.
3. Test Fit and Sizing:
Ordering samples lets you test apparel or accessory products' fit, sizing, and wearability. You can then provide accurate sizing guides for your customers.
4. Evaluate Packaging:
Reviewing the product packaging in person helps you ensure items are delivered safely and attractively to your customers.
5. Improve Product Descriptions:
Hands-on experience with sample products enables you to write more detailed, compelling product descriptions that convert browsers into buyers.
Investing in sample products is a small cost that pays dividends in customer satisfaction and sales. It's an essential practice for any successful print-on-demand business.
Never skip the sample - why it's critical for print on demand success
Sampling print on demand products is a critical step that should always be taken.
Testing your designs and products through sample orders helps ensure your offerings' quality, fit, and overall viability. By reviewing physical samples, you can identify any issues or adjustments, ultimately leading to more successful and satisfied customers.
This important step is necessary to avoid costly mistakes and dissatisfied buyers, making product sampling an essential part of any successful print on demand business strategy.
In need of inspiration? Take a look how we helped Zazzle replicate their US success in the print on demand business here in Europe.
Build better POD products with the right print partner
Testing your print on demand products takes time, but it is time well spent. Samples help you check print quality, improve product listings, protect customer experience and scale with fewer nasty surprises.
At Precision Proco, we help brands bring print on demand products to life with the production know-how, technology and fulfilment support needed to make custom products work harder. From product testing and print quality control to ecommerce-ready production, our POD specialists help you get the good stuff into customers’ hands, without the guesswork.
Ready to take your print-on-demand business to the next level? As the team behind some of the UK’s most recognisable e-commerce brands, we bring the expertise, passion, and tools to help you create standout custom products. Explore our print-on-demand services or reach out to us directly at 0114 272 8888 or hello@precisionproco.co.uk to discuss your ideas with our POD specialists.