As we wrap up the year, the Inktavo team is excited to share some industry insights and key points to keep in mind for 2024. In a nutshell, running a print shop has entered a phase where opportunities abound, but challenges also loom large.

The business landscape has evolved, providing an array of tools to optimize how you run your print shop. However, the marketplace is more competitive than ever, emphasizing the importance of standing out.

Click here to download 2024 Inkspiration: Your Complete Guide to Shop Growth and Success. You’ll get insights on our seven big findings from last year, and tools to help you head into next year strong.

Here are a few thoughts from the team:

JP Hunt, Head of Partnerships at Inktavo

Branded merchandise professionals are rapidly evolving into comprehensive single-source providers for their customers. This transformation involves a deliberate and gradual expansion of their product offerings, covering a wide range to meet diverse customer needs, including promotional products and signage. This strategic shift enables businesses to capitalize on their sales opportunities fully, and customers benefit from a curated approach to all their branded merchandise needs through a single provider.

Traditionally, businesses would invest in new equipment and train their staff for production. However, there is a noticeable shift towards a preference for wholesale trade-only contract decorators as strategic partners. 

This approach allows for experimentation with minimal risk. Moreover, it eliminates the need for additional capital investment and overhead, making it a more cost-effective and flexible option for businesses.

Bruce Ackerman, General Manager at Printavo

What a year! 2023 is coming to a close, with optimism being top of mind. 

If you ask around, it’s been a mixed bag of decline, flat, and increased revenue this year. There are still 9.5 million job listings in the US, and with interest rates remaining higher for longer, our industry has been forced to get smarter.

As shops push through the economic bullwhip effects of the pandemic, optimism is the overall sentiment. Fortunately for the decoration industry, we’re made up of makers. We push through the daily ups and downs to provide for our customers, team, and families. And we’ll push through uncertainty again into 2024.

We recently wrapped up Print Hustlers Conf (hats off to the Made Lab team for putting on a fantastic conference!), and owners are more aggressively looking to optimize. Optimize their business, their mindset, their profits, and their team.

Everyone’s curious about integrating systems, AI, virtual assistants, analytics, and management tips. I’ve never seen this much interest in wanting to level up. 

It’s due to social media moving information faster and our industry being open to sharing best practices. The latter especially makes me proud to be a part of this community. 

Want to know more about our findings from 2023? Download your copy of 2024 Inkspiration: Your Complete Guide to Shop Growth and Success here!