From Inbox to Mailbox: Why Print Wins Buyers Over
Wholesale Marketing Today: Why Print Still Matters Alongside Digital
As artists and makers, most of us understand the importance of being present online—through social media, email marketing, and digital advertising. Buyers are scrolling constantly, and digital channels help us reach them quickly and efficiently.
But here’s the truth: print still matters, especially in wholesale.
At IndieMe, we’ve seen how combining digital and print creates a powerful marketing mix that helps artists stand out and helps buyers discover work they’ll truly remember.
Why Print Still Matters
In an age when inboxes are overflowing and screens dominate attention, a printed catalog, postcard, or flyer feels refreshing—and it sticks. Print marketing offers:
Tangible connection: Buyers can hold it, flip through it, and revisit it.
Staying power: A catalog on a desk lasts longer than an email in a crowded inbox.
Credibility: Print adds a sense of professionalism and trustworthiness.
Memorability: The colors, textures, and design of print make a brand hard to forget.
For wholesale, especially, where buyers need to visualize your work in their store, print bridges the gap between digital browsing and in-person buying.
Why Digital Works
Digital ads and emails are essential because they:
Put your work in front of targeted buyers where they already spend time.
Can be launched quickly and adjusted based on results.
Provide insights on what’s resonating so you can refine your approach.
Digital is fast, flexible, and measurable. It keeps you connected to buyers in real time.
How Artists Can Blend Print + Digital
The magic happens when you use both together:
Send a Mini Lookbook with a QR Code
Let buyers flip through your line while linking them straight to your IndieMe store for easy ordering.Trade Show Follow-Ups
After an event, send a postcard or one-sheet reminder of your line, while also reaching buyers through IndieMe’s ads and email campaigns.Seasonal Collections
Announce new work with a printed mailer, then reinforce it with an IndieMe showcase or newsletter feature.Order Inserts
Include a flyer with best-sellers or upcoming promotions in shipments. Buyers who already love your work are your best repeat customers.
Why postcards work:
Postcards are simple, affordable, and powerful. Unlike emails that can get lost in crowded inboxes, a postcard lands directly in a buyer’s hands. With eye-catching visuals on one side and a quick message or call-to-action on the other, they make an instant impression. Even better, postcards don’t need to be opened—your brand and product line are seen immediately.
In wholesale, that visibility matters. A postcard can serve as a seasonal reminder, a trade show follow-up, or a quick way to highlight new arrivals—keeping your work top of mind for buyers.
The Takeaway
At IndieMe, we know wholesale is about more than transactions—it’s about relationships. Digital keeps you visible, but print makes you unforgettable. Together, they help you build lasting partnerships with buyers who value handmade.
So the next time you’re planning your marketing, don’t think “either/or.” Think both. Because in wholesale, the combination of print and digital is where the real magic happens.
Be sure to check out all our digital and print advertising opportunities on IndieMe.
Coming Soon: IndieMe Academy
Want to dive deeper into strategies like this? IndieMe Academy is launching soon—a learning hub designed to guide artists step by step into wholesale success. From marketing insights to pricing strategies, the Academy will give you the tools and confidence to grow your business.
Stay tuned for the launch—you won’t want to miss it!
