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What the best print businesses do differently

Lessons from Roland DG’s Customer Success Stories

Across Australia and beyond, one thing becomes clear when you explore the customer success stories on our website: there’s no single path to success in print, but there are consistent patterns.

From garage start-ups to national production powerhouses, the most effective businesses share a mindset. They invest wisely, evolve constantly, and leverage the right technology and partnerships to unlock growth.

Here’s what they do differently - and how others can apply the same thinking.

1. They invest early - and keep investing

Many successful print businesses didn’t wait until everything was perfect. They started with what they could afford, then scaled.

 

Workshop at KustomKraft, Boroina VIC

Take KustomKraft, who launched from a garage with a single, entry-level printer. As demand grew, they expanded their equipment to unlock new applications and larger jobs.

“Having the right gear gives us the freedom to keep pushing the limits.” - Dave Greene, KustomKraft

This pattern repeats across countless stories: start lean, then invest in capability as opportunities emerge.

The takeaway: Growth follows capability. The more you can produce, the more opportunities you can pursue.

2. They say ‘yes’ to new revenue streams

The most successful businesses don’t just do more work - they do different work.

With the addition of new technology, companies expand into areas like:

  • Labels, packaging and short-run jobs
  • Custom wallpaper and interior décor
  • Personalised and one-off products
  • Vehicle wraps

For example, Kwik Kopy Bankstown saw a dramatic shift after investing in wide-format printing:

“The wide format part of his business has grown from 2%… to 31% in six months.” - Shaun Weir, Kwik Kopy Bankstown

The takeaway: Diversification isn’t optional - it’s a growth engine.

3. They obsess over quality (and let it sell for them)

High-performing print businesses consistently prioritise output quality - not just speed.

At Best Digital Signs, quality has been a defining factor in long-term growth:

“We have always been willing to update our equipment so that we can offer the highest quality prints.” - Mark Piper, Best Digital Signs

This focus builds reputation, attracts premium clients, and reduces rework.

The takeaway: Competing on price is tough. Competing on quality builds longevity.

4. They build around reliability (Because downtime costs more than you think)

Behind every successful print operation is something less glamorous - but critical: machines that just keep running.

For Wiseman Signs, reliability isn’t a bonus - it’s the backbone of the business:

“Equipment reliability is paramount… Roland equipment has never let us down.” - Stephen Wiseman, Wiseman Signs

And in regional or high-demand environments, that reliability becomes even more valuable.

The takeaway: The true cost of equipment isn’t the purchase price - it’s uptime.

5. They scale production without sacrificing control

Growth often creates pressure: more orders, tighter deadlines, higher expectations.

Businesses like Poolegrave Signs & Engraving respond by bringing more capability in-house - speeding up turnaround while maintaining quality control.

Dane Rose with their TrueVis AP-640 Latex Printer at Poolegrave Signs & Engraving, Welshpool WA

Known for delivering “fast turn-around times for custom products.” – Dane Rose, Poolegrave Signs & Engraving

Similarly, companies that add faster, more advanced printers consistently report:

  • Increased throughput
  • Reduced bottlenecks
  • Greater flexibility in job types

The takeaway: Control your production, and you control your growth.

6. They embrace technology as a creative tool - not just a production tool

Top businesses don’t just use printers to produce - they use them to differentiate.

From textured wallpaper and interior décor to customised industrial products, innovation is a recurring theme across Roland DG case studies.

Jed Griffiths working with one of their TrueVis AP-640 Latex Printers at Karratha Signs, Karratha WA

At Karratha Signs, ongoing investment in new technology has fuelled expansion and award-winning work:

“The quality, reliability and ease of use… has always been fantastic.” – Jed Griffiths, Karratha Signs

The takeaway: Technology isn’t just about efficiency - it’s about standing out.

7. They value long-term partnerships, not just transactions

One of the most consistent (and often overlooked) themes across these stories is the importance of support.

From installation and training to ongoing service, businesses repeatedly highlight the role of Roland DG’s service and support in their success.

Advantage Signs Townsville Teaser

Todd Hinschen at Advantage Signs Townsville, QLD

“From guidance during the purchase process, to ongoing technical support, they make it easy to get the most out of the equipment…. Roland DG is a trusted and dependable choice.” – Todd Hinschen, Advantage Signs Townsville

And for many long-term users, that service and support relationship spans decades.

The takeaway: The right partner helps you grow - not just get started.

Bringing It All Together: A Blueprint for Growth

Across dozens of success stories, the formula becomes clear:

  • Start with what you can - and build from there
  • Invest in technology that expands your capability
  • Diversify your offering to unlock new revenue
  • Prioritise quality to build reputation
  • Choose reliable equipment to protect uptime
  • Use innovation to differentiate
  • Partner with a brand that supports your journey

This is where Roland DG consistently plays a role - not just as a technology provider, but as an enabler of growth.

Final Thought

There’s no shortcut to success in print - but there is a pattern.

The businesses that thrive are the ones that stay curious, keep evolving, and back themselves with the right tools and support.

The question is: which of these lessons will you apply next?

If you’d like to share your own Roland DG Customer Success Story, please email us at marketing@rolanddg.com.au – we’d love to hear from you.