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What did your pathway to become a wholesaler look like How did you expand your business? ?

I am in high school and have my own print on demand shop. However, I have goals to one day have a commercial business or to become a wholesaler. If anyone has done either of these how did you go about doing it? What did your pathway look like?

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Richard’s Answer

Every year, the challenge of competing with larger vendors intensifies. However, numerous smaller commercial printing companies continue to thrive. To establish your own, you require two key elements: access to a specific target market and substantial capital. Commercial printers are far from inexpensive; the superior ones cost over $1 million. They are typically tailored to your market type, be it Labels and Packaging (Industrial) or consumer products like yearbooks, calendars, photos, and so on. You can collaborate with a larger vendor, such as Shutterfly, during peak seasons. However, you'll need a consistent revenue stream throughout the year. Acquiring an HP Indigo can offer you more flexibility and the ability to handle custom/personalized smaller batch jobs, helping you manage your production demands effectively. Ultimately, you must have a sound plan outlining your target audience and a persuasive narrative of your potential success to secure funding for capital to purchase even a single high-quality printing press. Relying on smaller scale printers will always limit your ability to scale up and achieve competitive margins.

Richard recommends the following next steps:

Find your market - perhaps building from what you have.
Obtain an opportunity for a larger contract which justifies a larger capital purchase
Get an HP Indigo digital printing press which fits your niche
Partner with a larger vendor to provide them peak release (helping you to get some volume)
Then fill out your capacity from there
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking the time to answer this! I have actually gotten the chance to tour Miller's Professional Imaging's manufacturing facility in my home town. The prices of their printers was no joke! I think that if I took a wholesaler route I would definitely be looking to partner with a manufacturer and find some way to keep up a consistent income. Thank you so much for your thorough answer! Margaret
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Margaret !

It is so awesome that you already have a shop while still in high school ! I am not a wholesaler but there is a very helpful article for you to read that outlines the steps for the question you've asked. I have provided a link to it for you below.

I would advise that you take some on line or in high school some business classes also. Do not hesitate to do searches on line for information as well as video presentations that could be very informative and helpful to you at this point in your career goals. There are also a variety of e-Books on line that can help you and inspire. I would also advise that you think about employment now so that you can invest what you need into building your business. Because you state that you are not currently conducting business, working would be a good idea so you can purchase the necessary things businesses require.

I hope this was a bit of a help and I wish you well going forward with a wonderful career plan !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

BECOME A WHOLESALER https://www.bluecart.com/blog/become-a-wholesaler
E-BOOKS https://www.bluecart.com/resource-listing
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for your response! I will definitely be looking at the article and eBooks you mentioned. Fortunately, my school has a CAPS affiliate program that I am involved in, it is one of few business courses my high school has. It has helped me network with people in my community and learn business from real business owners. I also already work part time, I have been looking into different types of products and different platforms I could invest in as well as marketing strategies to better market myself. I appreciate you taking the time to respond to my question! I am glad to hear that I am already doing a lot of what you suggested. I will take that as a sign I am doing a few things right! Margaret
Thank you comment icon Yes, you are definitely on the right track, Margaret ! I am happy to know that things are going well for you . Have an awesome day :) Michelle M.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Having your own shop is exciting! There are lots of resources that can help you. Some ways to keep it fun can be simple youtube videos from wholesalers as well as resellers. Part of the reason I say that is you have your own business, and you want to keep up with trends as well as learning from folks that run their own businesses while keeping any costs low. Resellers can give you ideas on how they turn their finds into profits and by giving you ideas where you might be able to network to promote your print on demand business. Every business, every single one, starts with an idea, and usually small. You have a great ambition, and a drive to succeed.

Also, look to your Chamber of Commerce or visitors' bureau for conventions that may be nearby. A print on demand business can be very exciting; and depending on what you want to print, even art fairs can give you contacts that help you going forward.

As always, online articles and books can help as well. Try the audio version if your school work and activities don't make it easy to sit and read. I love physical books, but audiobooks can keep your hands free to be working on your printing while still giving you knowledge.

I wish you the best of luck!
Thank you comment icon I appreciate you taking your time to answer this! I am actually setting up a booth for my local art fair this year! I am very excited! Margaret
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Katherine’s Answer

Three good resources for business owners are:

Dave Ramsey's book EntreLeadership

This workbook (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/2017/14678_sgmb_book_eng.pdf?lang=eng)

Ken Coleman's book From Paycheck to Purpose
Thank you comment icon Thank you! I will check those books out! Margaret
Thank you comment icon Please note that the workbook provided in this answer represents a religious perspective on the subject matter. Sharyn Grose, Admin
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