Amid the supply chain and service challenges of recent years, promo distributors can sometimes feel like they’re at the mercy of forces outside their hands. Still, distributors can take back some of that control and open the door to niche opportunities by doing a little in-house product decorating with a heat press.

Such was a key theme in a professional development session led by Rachel Corey and Jenna Sackett of decorating gurus Stahls’ (asi/88984) at the ASI Show Fort Worth on Monday, Jan. 23.

Jenna Sackett of Stahls’ talks shop at the ASI Show Fort Worth.

During the session, the pair helped attendees understand when it might make sense to outsource product decoration and when it might be advantageous to handle some in-house with a heat press.

While particulars can vary from business to business, distributors should evaluate variables like the space they have and how much time they can devote to decorating. Often, especially on larger jobs, it might make the best economic and logistical sense to outsource the decoration work – something that can increase profitability and turn times.

Having a trusted decorator partner is essential here, with Corey and Sackett adding that Stahls’ does decorating work and also has a network of decorators through the country to whom it can refer distributors.

Still, there are times, particularly on smaller jobs, when you can increase margins and speed of fulfillment by doing the work in-house using a heat press and heat transfers. The presses, which often fit easily on a table or desk, can be great for one-offs, low-minimum orders, producing a few extra pieces needed to fill in a larger order and conducting on-demand printing – a growing category.

“You can set your own minimums and closely manage the decorating process in-house, which gives you more control,” said Corey.

Rachel Corey of Stahls’ discusses decorating with a session attendee.

Another new opportunity heat presses can open is doing on-site, on-demand printing at a client event, be it a concert, community function, trade show, school happening, youth/professional sports game – you name it.

Sackett discussed such a print-shirts-on-demand event that was done for the NBA’s Miami Heat. Corey added that on-site, on-demand printing cuts down on waste as what’s decorated is sold. It also adds a “wow-factor” that can lead to increased profitability for distributors. Sackett printed about 10 items during the 45-minute session to show the efficiency with which it can be done.

“These types of activations are growing significantly,” said Sackett. “You’re creating a whole experience for your client. And that makes you an even more valuable partner.”