Bulk Ordering
What is bulk ordering?
Bulk ordering refers to the process of purchasing products in large quantities, often at a reduced cost per item. This method benefits both businesses and customers by lowering prices, simplifying logistics, and ensuring a consistent supply of products.
In ecommerce and print-on-demand, bulk ordering typically applies to custom merchandise, apparel, or branded items. For example, a company might place a bulk order for 100 custom phone cases, or a school might order 200 printed hoodies for an event.
How does bulk ordering work?
When customers place a bulk order, they are buying several units of the same or similar product in one transaction. In print-on-demand, this process often involves:
- Custom printing or branding on each product
- Adjusted production and fulfillment times for larger quantities
- Tiered or wholesale pricing
- Coordinated packaging and delivery
The goal is to make high-volume purchasing more efficient and cost-effective while maintaining quality and consistency across all items.
Why bulk ordering matters for print-on-demand businesses?
Bulk ordering helps print-on-demand sellers increase profits and scale operations. Rather than processing one-off purchases, fulfilling large quantity orders maximizes production efficiency and saves time.
Key benefits include:
- Higher revenue per order with minimal additional marketing costs
- Lower production costs per item when printing in batches
- Consistent quality and branding across all products
- Stronger relationships with business clients and organizations
Offering bulk orders also opens opportunities in B2B markets, allowing print-on-demand entrepreneurs to serve schools, corporations, event organizers, and small retail stores.
Common use cases for bulk ordering
Bulk orders are popular in several industries. Examples include:
- Corporate merchandise such as custom mugs, T-shirts, or tote bags
- School or university apparel for students and staff
- Event merchandise for trade shows, concerts, or festivals
- Retail collaborations or wholesale partnerships for reselling
In each case, buyers save money and time while ensuring their products share the same quality and design.
How to encourage bulk orders in your online store?
If you run a print-on-demand or ecommerce business, you can attract bulk buyers by:
- Offering volume discounts for higher order quantities
- Creating a dedicated bulk order or wholesale page on your website
- Providing custom quote options for large orders
- Sharing client success stories to showcase your fulfillment reliability
These tactics not only encourage larger orders but also position your brand as a reliable partner for long-term collaborations.
Bulk ordering vs. retail ordering
Bulk ordering focuses on large-quantity purchases, while retail ordering targets individual consumers buying one or two items at a time. Bulk buyers expect better unit pricing, faster communication, and consistent production quality. Retail shoppers prioritize convenience, personalization, and variety.
Why do customers prefer bulk ordering?
Customers often choose bulk orders because they get better value and reliable quality. Buying in larger quantities saves money, reduces shipping costs, and ensures uniformity across all products. This is especially appealing for companies, event planners, and creators who need branded merchandise in bulk.