CASE STUDIES
Discover how Only Imaging provides professional TTR solutions to global partners.
Partner Success: Doubling Profit Margins with Private Label TTR
For regional label converters, selling thermal transfer ribbons is an essential part of the business. You manufacture the blank labels for your client, and it naturally makes sense to supply the ink required to print them.
However, many converters fall into the trap of acting as mere resellers for generic branded ribbons. This exposes them to a ruthless online marketplace where loyalty is scarce and margins are razor-thin.
This case study highlights how a mid-sized label converter in North America partnered with Only Imaging to launch their own Private Label ribbon brand, fundamentally transforming their profitability.
The Problem: The Google Search Threat
This label converter had built a strong portfolio of manufacturing and pharmaceutical clients. They spent hours consulting with these clients to match the perfect resin or wax/resin ribbon to their custom synthetic labels.
The problem arose during the reordering phase. The converter was selling a generic, recognizable ribbon brand. The client’s purchasing department would simply copy the part number off the box, type it into a search engine, and find an online mega-retailer willing to sell the exact same roll for a lower price.
The converter was doing all the technical consulting work, but losing the recurring revenue to the internet.
The Solution: The OEM Brand Strategy
The converter approached Only Imaging looking for a way to protect their accounts. We integrated them into our Global OEM Program.
Instead of shipping them generic boxes, we manufactured a proprietary line of consumables specifically for their business.
-
Custom Branding: We printed their company logo and website URL directly on the inside of every plastic and cardboard core.
-
Unique Part Numbers: We assigned proprietary SKU numbers to the ribbons, completely isolating them from online price comparisons.
-
Branded Packaging: The ribbons were packaged in custom-designed boxes featuring the converter’s corporate colors and contact information.
The Result: Margin Expansion and Client Retention
The impact was immediate. When clients needed to reorder, they could not price-shop the proprietary SKU online. Furthermore, because the ribbons were backed by Only Imaging’s ISO 9001 quality standards, the performance was flawless, eliminating any desire for the client to switch suppliers.
Because they were no longer competing against internet wholesalers, the converter gained pricing power. They effectively doubled their profit margins on consumable sales while securing a 95% client retention rate for recurring orders.
Conclusion: Own Your Market
You cannot build long-term enterprise value by selling someone else’s brand. By leveraging Only Imaging’s OEM manufacturing capabilities, you can build a resilient, high-margin consumables business.
ONLY IMAGING is a leading supplier of labels, printing equipment and associate consumables, including TTR products in various widths and lengths. Please take the opportunity to learn more about our range of high-quality thermal transfer ribbons and explore our other products for any further questions you may have click Here.
