Apparel can be an experience thanks to print-on-demand. Jenna Sackett, Brand Activation Manager for STAHLS, took the stage at Future State to discuss how apparel decorators should look into print-on-demand if they haven’t already and, if they have, how they can maximize profitability and customer retention, and create a lasting impression.

Sackett used an example of a T-shirt printer who created a line of apparel relating to “Sanderson Sisters Brewing,” around when the second “Hocus Pocus” movie came out before this Halloween season. It wasn’t anything too special, just white, orange and black T-shirts with a cute design. But, because he zeroed in on something that was a major pop culture moment, and tied it in with a holiday, he landed more than $46,000 in profit after one week. After a month he had made more than $140,400.

Doing print-on-demand isn’t enough, Sackett says. You need to differentiate yourself from the pack, and the best way to do that is through activations. “Activations are where your next step is,” Sackett says. “All you need is a heat press to set up at customer shops or at events and provide experiences not just for them, but their customers as well.”