In a market that is experiencing a rate of rapid growth and transformation, it is essential that print and imaging companies differentiate themselves from their competition in order to succeed. To accomplish this feat, many companies turn to third parties in the form of either partners or vendors.

Each of these relationships requires a commitment, but only one results in mutually beneficial terms — the partnership.

Before we delve into the details, let’s look at a definition of each term. A vendor is simply a supplier of goods and services. Their primary business directive is to encourage more companies to purchase these offerings from their catalog of goods. These relationships are not collaborative — a vendor will sell you what you want, even if you do not need it or sell you “up,” encouraging you to invest in technology or services that will not provide a good return on investment.

A partnership, on the other hand, is a relationship that is built over time, with solid investment from both parties. As partners, both entities share a vision that requires proactive engagement and the implementation of long-term strategies that are beneficial to each.

The Benefits of Working with a Partners vs. a Vendor in the Print and Imaging Industry

A vendor/client relationship is built around a sales or service contract or agreement with specifically delineated terms. There is no deviation from these terms, regardless of market shifts, individual business challenges, or other factors that often affect business outcomes.

On the other hand, a business partner will help direct your purchases to help you focus clearly on long-term goals, even if it means giving up fast and easy sales up front. Partners act as coaches, steering you toward technologies and services that are not only best for your current financial and business goals, but will provide support for a stronger future.

Other benefits of partnerships include:

1. Growing Your Business vs. Growing a Vendor’s Business

Partnerships are long-term relationships, so your partner is laser focused on helping you grow your business knowing that, in the long run, your success will support theirs. In contrast, a vendor’s focus is on their own bottom line. They are committed to making as many — and as large — of sales as they can, regardless of what is best for your business.

This sales-only focus leads many vendors to glean the most value from each client, demanding data and other information in return for access to or discounts on their products or services. This data is valuable, allowing them to fine-tune their sales process and yet you receive no tangible benefit from sharing it.

2. Providing Support vs. Dictating Terms

A partnership focuses on providing support for both products and services without strings attached, allowing you the freedom you need to concentrate on those sales and business processes that work best for you and your clients.

Working with a vendor often requires adherence to numerous exacting guidelines that restrict the way in which you can promote or offer their products.

3. Managing Business Through Critical Times

Nothing has brought the benefits of partnership to the forefront more than the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Market shifts, supply chain disruption, and changes in consumer behavior have dealt a harsh blow to many businesses — vendors among them. Since these vendors are focused on their own bottom-line health, they are not inclined to expend the effort or investment to bring added value to your business when you need it most.

A strong partner, however, will often cut costs, extend terms, and provide additional product and marketing support to help your business stay successful, even in difficult times.

Let Clover Imaging Group Be Your Partner for Better Business

At Clover Imaging Group (CIG) we take partnerships seriously because we understand the huge value of a committed, mutually beneficial business relationship.

When you partner with us, you gain access to a team of print and imaging leaders that understand the industry and know how to help you fine-tune your offerings for the best return on investment. To further your success, we provide flexible business terms to support you in growing your business and release you from the burden of minimums and restrictions.

We sell exclusively to our partners to remove the problem of direct-to-consumer sales and we do not require any data sharing to gain access to our entire program offerings. With our lower cost, higher margin focus, and customized marketing and program support, we have you covered through good times and bad.

Recently Clover added an Imaging Savings Calculator to their website that allows dealers to show their customers how much money they can save purchasing from Clover over OEM. This is at no cost to our clients and is a great example of why you want a partner vs. a vendor. Click here to see the calculator https://www.cloverimaging.com/clover-imaging-savings-calculator

Rely on a partner that has your bottom line in mind. Contact a Clover Imaging Group representative now and join our family of satisfied, successful partners today.