The Print Business Survival Guide for COVID-19

The global COVID-19 pandemic has made the past two months a difficult time for the print industry. Small and large print businesses alike have felt the impact, and many are struggling just to stay in business. While nobody has all the answers, now is the time for members of the print community to share their knowledge and resources with one another.

The decisions that businesses make now are important because afterwards, businesses will start reopening again, sales will come in, and there will be a significant need for these businesses to advertise. So let’s go through some of the top challenges that print shops and other types of print businesses are facing right now, and list some potential solutions to help your print business survive the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Top Challenges and Solutions for Print Businesses During COVID-19

1. Supply Chain Disruptions

Some suppliers may not be delivering on time, or at all. Unfortunately, you may not be able to stop shortages or delays from happening, but you can be prepared for when they happen.

Solution 1: Engage with suppliers to increase chain transparency.

This means communicating with them on a regular basis to stay in the loop about potential changes down the road. This way, there’s a higher chance that you’ll recognize risks before they become a problem.

SinaLite Executive’s Tip: 

If a supplier says that they have stock and you place an order, you still need to check up on them frequently to make sure that inventory is still coming in.

Solution 2: Take stock of your inventory.

Always be aware of approximately how much you have. This allows you to plan ahead and prioritize. This step is also important for identifying critical parts and rationing materials if necessary.

Solution 3: Find a backup.

No matter how much you trust your existing supplier, you should always have a backup. If you find your presses quiet and your business slow during this time, take this opportunity to connect with potential suppliers and trade printers so see what they can offer. SinaLite, for example, is still operating and shipping across the US and Canada.

2. Lack of Demand

Lack of demand is normal at a time like this, and it is evident in most industries. It can be very difficult to change peoples’ minds, but it can be a little easier to change our own businesses to adapt.

Solution 1: Adapt to your community’s needs.

Your community likely has a different set of needs right now from what you’re used to. Your business can adapt to help meet these new needs. How? By introducing new products or services. SinaLite is offering new COVID-19 related products to help our print partners adapt and meet their communities’ needs.

Solution 2: Retarget your audience.

Maybe your existing clients just don’t need any printing right now. Maybe they’re struggling just like your own business. It might be time to target a new audience that does need printing right now. A good place to start is focusing on essential services. Try target marketing to:

• Grocery stores
• Health care clinics
• Pharmacies and drug stores
• Fast food and takeout restaurants
• Delivery services

Solution 3: Provide incentives.

Many businesses and households have taken a hit financially. If possible, introduce special offers that give them a discount or a special deal. And don’t forget to keep your own eyes open for deals! SinaLite, for example, is still offering monthly discounts.

3. Lack of Client Engagement

Understandably, many clients are not responsive during this time. There are a few ways to make client engagement a little easier, whether it’s business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C).

Solution 1: Stay connected.

Even if you’re not getting responses, make sure you stay in touch with your clients. This helps maintain open channels of communication so that they know they can count on your print shop if they need something. When your clients do say something, be sure to listen closely. You’ll learn how to help them better, which in turn helps your business.

Solution 2: Change your tone of voice.

Your tone of voice refers to both your physical voice and your voice in written communication. Empathetically address your clients’ current situation and needs. Don’t try to just push sales. Acknowledge that it’s a difficult time for them, and that you care about them. Now is the time to build good client relationships.

Solution 3: Contribute to your community.

This is another way to show that you care, but it also helps improve your business’s public relations. Find a way to support your community. Here are some ideas to get you thinking:

• Holding a mask donation drive for hospitals
• Providing free health and hygiene posters
• Giving part of your proceeds to a community cause
• Putting up a window graphic that is encouraging or makes people smile

4. Payroll Budget Cuts

Less revenue means less money to allocate to paying employees. Many businesses are facing this issue and some have had to let their employees go. But before you do, you may want to consider these adaptive measures first.

Solution 1: Research your government resources.

Some government programs offer incentives for businesses to keep their employees employed. They range from local municipal incentives for small businesses to national tax reductions and benefits.

• For government programs in the US, here is a list.
• For government programs in Canada, here is a list.

Each state or province also has its own support programs. Learn more about state-specific support for small businesses here.

Solution 2: Keep communication open.

Keep your employees up to date about how the company is doing so that they’re not shocked by changes that could occur later. It helps everyone be more prepared and work together to find solutions. And if there does come a time when you and your employees need to part ways, at least you will be parting on better, more understanding terms.

Solution 3: Reduce hours and stagger shifts.

If you’re not ready or not able to temporarily lay off employees, one option is reducing their hours. This adaptive measure makes sense when demand is low and there is less work to be done overall. If you’re trying to keep presses running as much as possible, consider staggering operator shifts.

SinaLite Executive’s Tip:

Focus on producing products that you can produce cost effectively and earn higher margins for. Outsource the more complex, costly, and low margin products.

Getting Through COVID-19 Together

While we are all saddened and concerned by the effects of COVID-19, we know that the print community will overcome its challenges and grow stronger in the process. This community has outlasted the downturns of the past, and it will do so again.

The pandemic will pass. Doors will open. Demand will return. Small and large print businesses alike will see orders pour in. Presses will start running like they did before. Together, we will see the printing industry and our society flourish again.

Share with us—what are some things that your print business is doing to adapt and survive during the COVID-19 pandemic? Comment below. We’d love to hear from you.