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A Guide to Switching Suppliers: POD Alternatives for Custom Pillows & Blankets

Jul 16, 2024 | Manufacturing, Printing, Production, Products, Services | 0 comments

If you are a purchaser of custom-made pillows or blankets for your company and have recently needed to make a change due to your old supplier shutting down, such as Catalyst Fabric Solutions, there are some essential pieces of information you need to know before making your move. Regardless, if your goal is saving money on overhead business expenses, or upgrading your inventory to a higher-quality product manufactured in the United States with global fulfillment solutions, moving production should not be a headache. A print-on-demand alternative for your fabric solutions is right around the corner.
side shot of a custom pillow

1. Talk to the Manufacturer

Before you even consider working with a supplier who can meet your pillow and blanket solutions, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of the supplier, their process, and their team. When transitioning from a company such as Catalyst Fabric Solutions to a new company, you need to make sure the new company is a team you feel comfortable talking to.

If you have the opportunity, try to schedule a tour of your prospective fulfillment company’s factory so you know for certain that they have the facilities to satisfy your custom pillow and personalized blanket production demands. When speaking to the team, make sure you know what quality systems they have in place that align with your production requirements. And when switching suppliers and finding a new print-on-demand alternative to your previous manufacturer, make sure to review contractual obligations involving goods and inventory.

a worker sews a custom a pillow

2. Prepare for Transitioning

When transitioning from one supplier to another, try to work with a new team that has quick and easy API solutions vital to a speedy launch. Easy-to-use API solutions will make the transitioning process from an unsatisfactory supplier to a new one quicker than ever, so you will understand the timeline for when manufacturing can start at the new facilities.

It’s also important to consider that packaging, especially if you are moving production from one country to another. You might find a satisfactory supplier for print-on-demand blanket solutions that can also offer you custom premium boxes. If you send your products directly from the manufacturer, your brand is right there on the box.

Finally, make sure to protect your IP. If you have patents or trademarks on your products get in contact with a reliable law firm who has experience with intellectual property protection to ensure your IP is fully protected.

a worker shrink wraps custom printed pillows

3. Final Steps

Before signing off with a new supplier for blanket or pillow solutions, the biggest step before finding a new print on demand alternative to a company such as Catalyst Fabrics Solutions is to make sure that, if possible, you establish an inventory buffer during the transition process. Switching suppliers is not usually a one-day process. Due to this, creating an inventory safety net guarantees your orders continue to be fulfilled before your new supplier starts is crucial. It is recommended that you have enough inventory to last around 6 months.

Are You Ready for a New Print-on-Demand Alternative for Pillows and Blankets?

With the competitive market resulting in printers such as Catalyst Fabric Solutions shutting down, you want your next supplier to be a reputable fulfillment manufacturer specializing in quality products and a great team who are communicative, responsive, and dedicated to helping you grow your print-on-demand business. Sensaria has decades’ worth of experience across our family of brands (Bay Photo + JONDO + World Art Group). From home decor textiles to custom frames to photo gifts, there’s a scalable solution for your print-on-demand company. Reach out to us today to get started.

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