The second edition of Quocirca’s study into the impact that COVID-19 is having on the print sector found that 61 per cent of channel businesses would now like financial support from vendors – up from 39 per cent who said this two weeks ago.
It is not just financial support that partners need. Demand for personalised guidance from vendors has risen to 27 per cent from 9 per cent in the first survey.
Louella Fernandes, Director, Quocirca said, “it is clear that, as time is passing, the scale of the pandemic’s effect on business is intensifying. We are seeing positive signs that channel partners are prepared to adapt their strategies and innovate to try to mitigate the effects of the situation, but also that they need help from vendors to do this.”
Quocirca’s second snapshot survey tracking the print industry’s response to the pandemic found that two thirds (66%) of respondents say they will need to change their operating model going forward, up from 57 per cent who had reached this conclusion two weeks ago.
Respondents recognise that enforced changes to working practices are likely to drive permanent change in the market.
However, it seems the sector’s ingenuity is still going strong, as 58 per cent now plans to introduce new products and services to market to meet anticipated post-pandemic demand (up from 47%). Similarly, 77 per cent see opportunities to drive innovation within their business.
Asked which areas they plan to launch new products and services in, the most popular area was support for remote/homeworking printing, followed by cloud print security services.
Asked about the future outlook, 50 per cent OEMs expect to be back to normal within six months. ISVs and channel partners are less optimistic, with 37 per cent of ISVs expecting it to take more than 12 months to get back to normal. However, OEMs have the greatest number of respondents stating that they do not expect there to be a ‘business as usual’ after the crisis is over (11%).
Louella added, “OEMs have known for a long time that change is coming, even if the catalyst has been unexpected. They are perhaps, therefore, better positioned to transition to a new normal and certainly, most have the immediate financial resources to be insulated to some degree.
“Channel partners and ISVs are more exposed, and this is why they are looking to suppliers for assistance. We have seen some vendors detailing support plans, but channel partners will be looking for more to lend their support before the worst is past.”
The third phase of the survey is now live at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/QuocircaCovid19survey3
