Satisfied customers have raved about Printivo.com on social media. We followed the comments and reached out to the company to learn more about the services they provide.
Printivo.com is recognized as Nigeria`s leading online print provider. The company works with a community of designers who upload their portfolios to a database of customized templates. From this, customers are then able to make design selections.
Olu'yomi Ojo founded the company early this year. We meet with him to ask a few questions about his company and learn more about his strategies for growth and sustainability.
How did you come up with the name of your business?
Printivo for me means awesome print. Instead of saying “print it,” we tell our customers to "Printivo it."
What does your company do?
Printivo.com is disrupting the Nigerian printing industry through its efficient printing process, wide range of design templates, and internet reach. We take away the hassle and stress of having to find quality printers in Nigeria's busy cities. Our product line ranges from letterheads, business cards, envelopes, greeting cards, paper bags, and jotters - we will continue to expand our product range.
What inspired you to start this business?
Printivo.com fills a need. We focus on SMEs interested in printing items at a reduced cost and with urgency. Our delivery process is fast, quick, and efficient.
Who is your target market?
Printivo focuses on SMEs, startups, and large corporations that needs to get printing jobs done quickly and efficiently.
How have you financed your business?
Bootstrapping. I launched printivo.com with my savings. We wanted to ensure that we had an execution strategy and a solid idea first, before seeking funds for the business.
What is your competitive edge?
(1) High quality prints (2) Unrivaled turnaround time (3) Do-It-Yourself approach to print ordering (4) Wide range of print product design templates (5) Great customer service
What is the five (5) year plan for your business?
To become West Africa's No.1 online printing solution.
What challenges do you face?
While finding the right talent is a challenge for every startup in Nigeria, the lack of electricity has been an enormous challenge.
What key things have you learned since starting your business idea?
(1) Expect unforeseen circumstances even after crossing your "T's and dotting your I's."
(2) The customer is the blood of any business.
(3) The business of e-commerce is more about people than technology.
What five things do start-up entrepreneurs need to know?
(1) Only build and develop products that people will use.
(2) Think about how you will make money. Think about your revenue source from day one.
(3) Build a business not just a business plan.
(4) Leverage on the Nigerian startup ecosystem, no tree can make a forest.
Lastly, it is important to note that this is one of the best times to build a startup in Nigeria. You are lucky if you have already joined the race (but don't get too excited because to whom much is given, much is expected).
What advice do you have for young people looking to start an idea but say ‘there is no money’?
(1) Start from where you are and with what you have.
(2) The best way to build credibility is to start something no matter how small and grow with it. Also, do not be afraid to share your idea with people who can make it happen. A failed idea is better than an idea that never happened.
How can Nigerian youths continue to support each other?
Collaboration is one of the best ways to make greatness happen. Great things happen when people with different skill sets and experience come together to build – this is where innovation takes place.
How many jobs have you created thus far?
Printivo has created six (6) jobs. We also have several contract jobs. We are looking to expand and will continue to hire as we grow.
How can we support and improve innovation in Nigeria or Africa?
We need to start with the simple things. How can we talk about drones on a continent that still battles with polio, electricity, or bad roads? We don't need to build cyborgs; we need to build businesses that will make life easier for Africans, simple things done in big ways.
Want to get in touch?
Printivo Limited
18, Bajulaiye Road,
Jibowu, Lagos. Nigeria
Phone: +234-1-3426975, +2348099561000
Facebook: www.facebook.com/printivo
Twitter: www.twitter.com/printivo
Instagram: www.instagram.com/printivong