Recently, we've seen an interesting rise in inquiries from African countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Angola, and even Burkina Faso. These requests, while relatively few in number, share a common theme: each order involves high-page count books, often exceeding 150 pages, with a significant portion of the content in full color. Initially, I was surprised by these requests. After all, print-on-demand (POD) services are typically performed locally in most regions, and shipping just 50 books via air freight can be prohibitively expensive — sea freight isn't an option for such small orders either.
But as we communicated with these clients, a few key insights emerged. First, local production costs were astronomical — often unreasonably high. Even more surprising was the quality issue. Although local options were expensive, they simply couldn't match the print quality we could provide. Beyond the price and quality concerns, the limited range of paper and binding options, along with the inability to offer special printing techniques like foil stamping, embossing, and die-cutting, made it clear why our services were appealing.
Before discovering us, many of these clients had already turned to Alibaba, but the experience was frustrating. Many struggled with communication, as these factories' English wasn't strong enough to handle phone calls, especially in urgent situations. They were often left to send emails, which led to slow responses and misunderstandings. After exhausting local options, they finally found us, and what a relief it was for both sides. Our conversations felt effortless, as if we understood each other's challenges without having to say much. It's always wonderful when a client feels heard, especially when you're able to solve problems they've been struggling with for a long time.
Through these interactions, I've also learned a lot about the geography and culture of these beautiful places I had never really considered before. Thanks to Google Maps, I've discovered many small yet stunning cities that are untouched by the rush of modernity, offering a pure and natural environment that's incredibly refreshing. It's these moments of connection, understanding, and learning that make me grateful for the opportunities we've had to work with such diverse clients.
Ultimately, this is why our company has continued to thrive in the printing industry over the years. Our love for printing is only matched by our love for connecting with clients across the globe. We truly value the chance to help our clients succeed, and we're thankful for their ongoing support.
If you're looking for high-quality printing, exhibition displays, or sourcing products from China, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our goal isn't just profit — it's to build long-term relationships and see our clients succeed in their endeavors.