Out-Of-The-Box vs. Custom Web-To-Print Solution: Which One Should You Choose?

Web-to-print solutions have become increasingly popular among companies whose primary goal is to provide clients with flexible printing options. Out-of-the-box Web-to-Print solutions and Custom Web-to-Print solutions are the two main groups among the many web-to-print options currently on the market.

Advantages of Web-to-Print Solutions

> Time and Cost Efficiency: Reduced time spent on manual tasks and costs are a major benefit of using web-to-print solutions. Traditional ways of ordering personalized products, such as phone calls, forms, or brochure filling, can be time-consuming.

Web-to-print technologies streamline this process, letting customers design and order custom-printed products online with a few clicks instead of back-and-forth emailing. Allowing customers to personalize designs in real-time, web-to-print companies get fewer order returns, saving their time and money.

> Customization and Personalization: Web-to-print design tools allow companies to provide customers with personalized products. These solutions make it simple to create unique products, from one-of-a-kind decals and signage to apparel and even sports uniforms. Customers feel more connected to a brand that understands their individual wants and requirements, which can increase engagement, loyalty, and customer satisfaction.

> Business and Process Automation: Automation allows companies to significantly cut down on human interaction in processes like manual communication with customers, preparing a lot of design mockups for approval, and order processing.

Not only does this shorten the production cycle, but it also guarantees constant quality while minimizing errors. Scalability is enhanced when businesses use web-to-print solutions that have automation features. This allows them to handle a bigger volume of orders effortlessly, get better KPI, and increase sales.

Let’s compare and contrast the two solutions so that you can make a decision about which one is best for your company.

Out-Of-The-Box Web2Print Solutions

Out-of-the-box, or OOTB,  is ready-to-use web-to-print software that can be purchased and used on a company's website with minimal development time required. This option provides users with a library of prebuilt features and templates. OOTB solutions are cheap in most cases and can be set up quickly and easily.

Their lack of flexibility to meet specific requirements is their main drawback, which could stunt your company's development on the road.

Pros of Out-of-the-Box Web-to-Print Solutions

> Ready to Install and Use: When a web to print company decides to set off on a new path, agility is essential, and here is where innovative web-to-print solutions step in to save the day. Because of their built-in flexibility, they can be quickly installed and deployed, which is a game-changer for startups on a budget.

Imagine this: Just in time for the holiday shopping season, these technologies may be easily integrated into a startup's platform, turning it into a sales machine. The convenience of implementation becomes a competitive advantage.

> Support, Updates, and Upgrades: For a seamless launching experience, clients may rely on the extensive assistance, guidelines, and documentation provided by these solution providers. This gives clients online print solutions they need to make the most of the web to print platforms right from the start.

Additionally, frequent updates and upgrades demonstrate the dedication to constant progress. Bug fixes, improved security standards, and new features and capabilities that match industry trends are all to the benefit of clients. 

> Integrations and Ready-to-Go Assets: Standard web-to-print solutions eliminate the integration issues that afflict many companies. These apps connect the creative process with commercial success by integrating with the most popular e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Magento, WooCommerce, and others.

Businesses are given a leg up by the pre-made product and asset galleries, allowing them to enter the market without having to deal with the intricacies of creating a product catalog from scratch. 

Cons of Out-of-the-Box Web-to-Print Solutions

 
> Limited Design Freedom: Web 2 Print solutions may provide you with less creative control than custom solutions, even though they supply templates and design features. For companies who need highly specialized and elaborate designs or unique personalization flow, this restriction can be a problem.

> Initial Setup and Integration: Web-to-print solution providers offer a variety of ready integrations with well-known eCommerce platforms, which makes it easy for businesses to set up their web-to-print solutions.

However, if you use a less mainstream web to print eCommerce solutions or if you have a custom-built website, it can be challenging to set up a web-to-print solution out of the box. It can also be a challenge to find a ready solution that can seamlessly interact with the specific third-party apps if you use them.

> Unused Features: One notable drawback is the prevalence of unused features, as these solutions aim to cater to a broad audience. This abundance of functionalities can result in a complex and cluttered user interface, leading to a steeper learning curve for users. Moreover, the inclusion of irrelevant features may hinder the overall user experience, contributing to inefficiencies and potential frustration.

Additionally, businesses may pay for features they do not need, increasing overall costs. The rigidity of off-the-shelf solutions in terms of customization and scalability further limits their suitability for businesses with unique or evolving requirements. 

Custom Web-to-Print Solutions

In contrast to OOTB, custom web to print solutions are developed from scratch to meet the specific requirements of specific clients. With custom web-to-print software, companies may adapt each part of their web-to-print solution, including the features, user interface, and overall appearance. 

One of the main benefits of tailor-made solutions is that they perform precisely as intended. In this way, their features can be tailored specifically to your company's needs. The enhanced adaptability, scalability, and durability of the end product justifies the increased investment in time and money required for a custom solution.

Pros of Custom Web-to-Print Solutions

 
> Tailored Features and Custom UI: Custom solutions are built based on your exact needs, which allows businesses to choose the features and options that make sense for them, providing better customer experiences.

> Code Ownership: With custom solutions, you fully own the code, allowing you to control and modify the code to fit your exact needs.

> No License fees: With OOTB, you pay to use their pre-built best web to print software, and you can only use it as it is. With custom solutions, you only pay based on the agreed scope and requirements.

> White-label: With custom web-to-print solutions, you can customize your solution and keep your branding intact throughout the user experience.

> Better Performance and Scalability: Custom web-to-print solutions are built with scalability in mind, providing businesses with a solution that grows alongside them.

> Tailored Tech Stack and Hosting Options: Custom solutions allow businesses to choose the technology stack they want to use, giving them more control over the hosting options they prefer. Moreover, custom development web to print companies have the know-how to recommend the most appropriate web to print technology stack, taking into account the needs of the client and the company's overall objectives. For instance, we inform our clients about the options that best suit their needs.

> Support and Optimizations: With custom solutions, you get support from the development team, which can help you stay up to date on the latest developments and offer suggestions for improvement and further business growth.

Cons of Custom Web-to-Print Solutions

 
> Extended Development Timelines: Bespoke web-to-print solutions demand time and patience. From conceptualization to the actual deployment, the development process is often protracted. While out-of-the-box solutions offer immediate usability, custom solutions have a requirements gathering or discovery phase before the development, design, and testing phases. Businesses aiming for rapid implementation may find these extended timelines a hindrance.

> Complexity: Sometimes, implementing unique features in a custom solution can be challenging due to their complexity. It is crucial to find experienced vendors who can determine your business requirements, confirm the feasibility of your idea, and identify potential risks before implementing.

When it comes to your business's printing needs, having a custom Web-to-Print solution is the way to go. Not only does it save time and money, but it also creates a seamless process and bridges the gap between customer design and the final printed product. 

Choose a provider that specializes in creating tailored solutions to fit your business's unique needs. A custom Web-to-Print solution will also help you control your branding, maximize your budget, and elevate your brand presence. 

Making the Decision: Evaluating Key Aspects

Choosing between out-of-the-box and custom web-to-print solutions requires a thorough evaluation of various aspects to ensure the chosen path aligns with your business goals. Assess your specific requirements to determine whether customization's flexibility outweighs the implementation speed. 

Consider your timeline — is a rapid launch essential, or can you afford a more gradual but tailored approach? 

Budget considerations are pivotal, weighing the cost-effectiveness of out-of-the-box solutions against the precision expenditure of a custom solution. Conducting a comprehensive risk assessment is equally crucial, ensuring that the chosen solution aligns with your business's risk tolerance and scalability aspirations.

Conclusion:

Custom web-to-print solutions provide endless possibilities for businesses looking for a highly flexible and scalable web-to-print solution. While they may require a more significant initial investment, the long-term benefits are worth the investment. When it comes to web-to-print solutions, the decision is ultimately yours to make based on your business's needs, budget, and future growth.

Unlock the power of customized printing with our expert guidance on how to build a web2print solution, and start your journey towards a more efficient and personalized printing experience!

Are you prepared to make a sound decision for your company? Contact us to discuss your project!