Gogoprint (Thailand), a Bangkok-based online on-demand printing firm, is embarking on an expansion plan in Southeast Asia to modernise the region's lucrative printing service market.
The primary target customers are small and medium-sized companies, said Alexander Suess, managing director of Gogoprint (Thailand), the operator of gogoprint.co.th.
"The traditional printing industry is projected to continue its decline, while digital printing is offering emerging opportunities," he said.
There is still demand for printing services, but traditional print houses generally require high volume.
Mr Suess said Gogoprint's website allows customers to choose what products they need and upload an artwork file when they place an order. After the company receives an order online it will complete it using the network of traditional print shops.
The company prints customers' designs for business cards, brochures, flyers, envelopes and letterheads.
The minimum required quantity for an order is only 100 pieces, thanks to the company's network of print houses, he said.
"Small and medium companies are quite underserved in the current market situation because traditional print houses generally require more than 1,000 pieces for an order," Mr Suess said.
"We want to bring the benefits of the internet to the printing industry in Southeast Asia," he said.
The company has 30 employees in Thailand, enjoying a compound monthly growth rate of 25-30%.
Mr Suess acknowledged that changing customer behaviour and consumption patterns are a challenge, adding that doing business in Thailand is often based on close personal relationships and ongoing impressions.
However, he said the online printing sector has high entry barriers -- a key factor preventing new players entering the market.
Industry experts believe Thailand's online printing market is projected to grow by 30-50% by 2017, while the traditional printing market has seen flat growth over the past few years.
Gogoprint last month expanded into Malaysia, its initial foray abroad, as it seeks to tap into a regional printing market worth US$25 billion annually.
"We'll be expanding into Singapore soon. We aim to establish and expand our presence in every major market in Southeast Asia," he said.
Mr Suess also said Gogoprint is on the verge of raising Series A funding worth several million dollars.
The proceeds will be mainly used for business expansion and website development.