Retail Sector Challenges 

A major retailer in the casual apparel market, operating in nearly 900 stores across North America, was facing significant challenges with its print infrastructure. The company needed to update their devices while maintaining financial stability and dealing with credit constraints. 

The retailer was working closely with a consulting firm to cut costs as much as possible, operating under the directive that the cheapest print vendor would secure the contract. The potential need to replace their entire hardware fleet posed a significant financial burden. Additionally, the company struggled with limited visibility and communication across its operations, making effective decision-making even more difficult. 

FlexPrint’s Role in Cost Optimization 

Engaged by a consulting firm for the retailer, FlexPrint, part of Flex Technology Group, was asked to find ways to lower printing costs without compromising the company’s operational needs. The project involved assessing the entire hardware fleet and identifying a cost-effective approach.  

FlexPrint approached this challenge with a consultative method, offering complete manufacturer neutrality, which allowed us to provide the best solutions tailored specifically to the retailer’s needs.  

Our unique approach to account management positioned FlexPrint not just as a vendor but as a strategic partner, deeply invested in the retailer’s success. Additionally, FlexPrint’s CRM team offered an extra level of support, ensuring that all aspects of the project were managed efficiently and effectively. 

Solutions and Benefits 

FlexPrint approached the challenge by restructuring the contract to avoid unnecessary hardware replacements, which resulted in a 40% reduction in hard costs. Among all vendors considered by this retailer, FlexPrint was the most cost-effective solution, delivering significant savings without compromising on quality or service.  

Beyond the cost savings, FlexPrint also provided detailed reporting, effective account management, and ongoing consultation to ensure the solution met the company’s long-term needs.  

Results 

The partnership between FlexPrint and the retailer led to: 

• Significant Cost Savings: The solution delivered over $900,000 in annual savings. 

• No Upfront Costs: The approach required no initial capital expenditure, reducing immediate financial strain for the company. 

• Building a Strong Partnership: FlexPrint focused on creating a collaborative relationship that emphasized trust and ongoing support. 

Retail Success 

This partnership highlights how effective print management can help with industry challenges pertaining to cost reduction in the retail space. By partnering with FlexPrint, the retailer not only resolved an urgent print management issue but also enhanced overall efficiency and achieved significant savings.