The Big Picture: Industry Shifts and Opportunities

Disruptors, Trends, and Opportunities for Print Resellers

The print industry is experiencing a transformation unlike anything we’ve seen before. As technology advances, consumer behavior shifts, and market demands evolve, print resellers must either adapt – or risk falling behind.

Today, there are five key disruptors redefining the print landscape: artificial intelligence (AI), Print on Demand (POD), sustainability, phygital print, and the rise of the creator economy. These forces aren’t just challenges – they’re massive opportunities for resellers to grow their business, differentiate their offerings, and increase profitability.

1. Artificial Intelligence: Print’s Smartest Revolution Yet

AI is no longer a futuristic concept – it’s embedded in nearly every aspect of modern marketing and production. It’s optimizing workflows, improving customer experience, and revolutionizing marketing strategies. Brands are rapidly adopting AI-driven strategies to personalize, optimize, and accelerate their marketing efforts.

What It’s Disrupting Print

• Hyper-Personalization is the New Standard – AI enables brands to create customized print campaigns based on behavior, purchase history, and preferences, making mass personalization scalable.
• Predictive Marketing Powers Print – AI-driven insights allow brands to anticipate customer needs and send highly targeted print materials that drive action.
• Content Creation at Lightning Speed – AI-powered tools generate high-converting headlines, ad copy, and designs in seconds, accelerating the print marketing process.
• AI-Optimized Mailing Lists – Machine learning refines mailing lists, ensuring print materials reach the right audience at the right time.

What Resellers Must Do Now

• Offer Enhanced Personalization – Print is no longer one-size-fits-all. Resellers who market themselves as a provider of ultra-personalized print campaigns will win over the brands looking for smarter print solutions. An easy start? Postcards.
• Use AI to Work Smarter – Leverage AI-powered marketing tools for your own business – automating email outreach, refining prospecting lists, and optimizing messaging.
• Sell Smarter with AI Data – Use AI-enhanced prospecting tools to identify potential customers more accurately, focusing on industries that benefit most from data-driven print.
• Integrate AI-Enhanced Print with Digital – Help clients bridge print and online engagement through QR codes, PURLs, and AR-powered packaging.
• Become the AI Print Expert – Don’t wait for clients to ask about AI – proactively show them how intelligent print strategies can drive better ROI.

2. Print on Demand (POD): Meeting the Demand for Customization and Flexibility

POD is on the rise as brands and consumers shift toward smaller, on-demand print runs rather than bulk orders. This shift is reshaping how businesses produce and distribute printed materials.

Why It’s Disrupting Print

• The Growing Need for Relevance – Consumers expect personalized, one-off communications rather than mass-produced print.
• Zero Obsolescence – Brands want to minimize waste and eliminate the risk of overstocking printed materials.
• Speed + Customization – E-commerce platforms make it easier than ever to integrate on-demand print solutions.

What Resellers Must Do Now

• Expand POD Offerings – Labels, packaging, signage, and promo materials can all be POD-friendly.
• Integrate Seamlessly with E-Commerce – Tap into tech-driven platforms to offer solutions for your customers to order print on demand with ease. Get started here.
• Offer Smart Pricing Models – Dynamic pricing encourages volume purchases without requiring large upfront commitments.

3. Sustainability: A Competitive Advantage in a Greener Future

Sustainability isn’t just a trend – it’s an expectation. Customers and businesses are demanding eco-friendly print solutions, and resellers who adapt will gain a loyal customer base.

Why It’s Disrupting Print

• Greener Goals – Companies are under pressure to meet sustainability goals and reduce their carbon footprint.
• Conscientious Buyers – Consumers prefer brands that prioritize environmentally responsible materials and processes.
• The New Norm – Advancements in eco-friendly materials and sustainable printing methods make greener print more accessible and cost-effective.

What Resellers Must Do Now

• Offer More Sustainable Print Options – Recycled paper, responsibly sourced stocks, and FSC®-certified products are key selling points.
• Educate Clients on Greener Printing – Position your business as an expert in more sustainable print solutions. Go beyond recycled paper here.
• Promote Eco-Friendlier Inks & Reusables – Highlight water-based, soy-based inks and reusable materials like polypropylene.

4. Phygital Print: The Blurring of Physical and Digital Experiences

Print is no longer a standalone medium – it’s a gateway to digital engagement. Augmented reality (AR), QR codes, and NFC technology are making print interactive, transforming everything from direct mail to packaging.

Why It’s Disrupting Print

• It’s No Longer One Without the Other – Consumers expect seamless interaction between physical and digital marketing.
• The Tools are Here – AR, QR codes, and NFC technology bridge the gap between print and digital engagement.
• The Marketing Workhorse is Evolving – Print is advancing into an interactive, data-driven medium that enhances customer journeys.

What Resellers Must Do Now

• Sell Print as a Digital Bridge – Show clients how print can drive online actions with interactive elements.
• Incorporate AR and QR Technology – Help brands create engaging, trackable print experiences.
• Educate Clients on Phygital Strategies – Position yourself as a leader in connected print solutions.

5. The Rise of the Creator Economy: Print’s Newest Growth Market

Independent creators, influencers, and small brands are fueling demand for custom-printed products, from merch to packaging to promotional materials. With the creator economy set to reach $500 billion by 2027, this shift presents a massive opportunity for print resellers.

Why It’s Disrupting Print

• Social media and e-commerce platforms make it easier for individuals to launch personal brands.
• Creators seek high-quality, custom-branded print products to differentiate themselves.
• Direct-to-consumer brands are driving demand for small-batch, high-margin printed goods like custom labels, stickers, and packaging.

What Resellers Must Do Now

• Partner with Creators & Influencers – Offer white-label print solutions they can sell under their brand.
• Cater to Small-Batch Print Runs – High-quality, flexible printing is key to serving this market.
• Offer End-to-End Branding Solutions – Provide packaging, labels, and promo products that help creators build their brand identity.

Final Thoughts: The Future of Print is Here – Will You Lead or Follow?

The print industry isn’t just evolving – it’s being redefined. Resellers who embrace AI-driven personalization, expand into POD, champion sustainability, integrate digital experiences, and tap into the creator economy will be the ones shaping the future.

The question isn’t whether print will survive – it’s whether your business will lead the charge. Adapt now, and you won’t just stay relevant – you’ll thrive.