Single-piece invitations option

[Steph]

Can we discuss the possibility that Zazzle might be discontinuing the printing and mailing of single-piece invitations now with digital downloads option?

Recently, I’ve noticed an increase in orders for these, and I feel it’s unfair for customers to exploit this system by taking our designs and reproducing them elsewhere.

Now that digital downloads exist, I find it completely pointless to offer the option to purchase just one physical invitation.

[prentissbarr]

Hi Steph - I don't think Zazzle will or should discontinue printing of single-piece invitations. My understanding is the digital invitation is an additional option. Every customer wants and needs something different.

For instance, when we held my sister's baby shower, we ordered physical invitations and sent those but also sent the digital invitation to the same guests using Paperless Post (you can upload downloaded digital invites there, too, instead of using their designs). Or some people send digitally on Paperless Post and then also buy some physical invitations as a keepsake for a scrapbook.

Some only send digital invitations so this opens a huge clientele who would never be buying physical ones. I truly don't think customers are only buying the digital downloads to print with a cheaper printer - they could be using it on an e-invite service or perhaps even printing at home. But regardless digital downloads only expand the customer base, doesn't shrink it. Some people are physical, some are digital and some are both 🙂

[Steph]

I have nothing against digital downloads, they can be very beneficial! However, I find it odd that someone would pay for a single invite, plus shipping and handling.

[Windy]

Are they, though? Maybe these buyers have bought the free shipping for a year. 

[CrazyMermaid]

I strongly disagree with your suggestion. I have had customers who order several single invitations and then choose the one they like best in person. I also don't think assuming customers are thieves is a winning strategy in business. 

[Connie]

That's true, I also get customers who do that; and I get some who order the same invite on a few different paper types. I even had a customer get samples of the invitation, RSVP, envelope, and envelope liner. (but of course the envelopes don't come as single, so she was spending quite a bit on the samples.)

[prentissbarr]

Good point @CrazyMermaid -- absolutely customers could order several to choose their favorite.

[Connie · Accepted solution]

It would be a very bad idea to discontinue single invitations! Most wedding buyers especially order single samples before placing a bigger order. Zazzle's already at a slight disadvantage in the wedding space because other sites like Minted offer free samples, and customers would certainly be turned off if they couldn't at least buy single invitations as samples. It's not just weddings, either; I got a message from a customer who had ordered a sample graduation invitation.

Also, I like being able to order single invitations of my own designs to see how various colors and designs actually look when printed.

[ColsCreations]

I agree but since you mentioned M'ed, they offer a $10 promo credit for non-customized samples but you still have to pay shipping which starts at $3.95. If you like and want to buy from them, there's a minimum of 15 and wow they are expensive. With Zazzle and a free trial of Zazzle Black, you can get a customized sample for under $3 without even a sale going, and then order 1 or 600 ... there's no minimum. There's another well-known site that offers a "proof" for $1.99 (+ shipping) and their minimum order is 20. I think Zazzle totally has the winning strategy here, the disadvantage is they are not as well-known as other sites for some reason. 😞

[Connie]

Oh wow, I was unaware of that. I thought the samples were free, but I forgot about the shipping. So you are right, Zazzle does have the winning strategy!