Why Some Big Names Failed in China — And Why We're Still Here
In my last blog post, I mentioned a few major digital printing companies that were once very active in China — Copy General and FedEx Kinko’s.
It’s been many years since they left the market, but their stories still leave a lot to think about.
I actually knew both companies very well.
At one point, FedEx even approached us about an acquisition.
Back then, we had opened two retail locations in Shanghai’s top business districts — things were booming.
But today, Call2Print is still here. And they’re not.
Why?
After years of observing and learning, I believe there are two major reasons:
1. Waste — not by choice, but by poor execution.
Mistakes in production led to unnecessary loss.
For example, I once saw a simple but painful error: during final trimming, staff members would accidentally cut a rectangle into a crooked shape, like a diamond.
In bookbinding, not adjusting the glue settings properly often ruined entire batches of catalogs.
It wasn’t intentional — it came down to poor training, high staff turnover, and a lack of craftsmanship.
At Call2Print, our situation was — and still is — completely different.
Our staff turnover is very low.
Our team members have years of hands-on experience.
They know the machines like the back of their hands.
And because of that, our production waste is almost zero.
2. Overcomplicated processes.
Large international companies naturally rely on structured processes.
But sometimes, those very processes turned small issues into big, unsolvable problems.
I remember visiting one of their stores and witnessing a small disaster:
A customer ordered large KT board posters for a conference.
But due to a misunderstanding, the posters were printed at A4 size — tiny compared to what was needed.
The customer was understandably upset.
The staff member, following internal policy, could not make any immediate decision.
He needed approval from the production manager — who wasn’t there.
Next step: escalate to the store manager — who also wasn’t there.
The result? A complete breakdown.
The customer left without the materials they desperately needed, and the conference suffered.
At Call2Print, our structure is flat and flexible.
Each team member has the authority to solve problems on the spot.
Even if it means a small loss to the company, that's okay — because avoiding client embarrassment and saving the event is far more important.
If a team member needs to remake a KT board at their own discretion, they’re encouraged to do so.
We don’t punish quick thinking — we reward it.
That’s the spirit that has kept us alive — and thriving — in China for over 20 years.
We are not a big brand.
We’re not flashy.
But we have something far more valuable: a loyal, skilled team that treats each client’s needs like their own family's needs.
And honestly?
That’s one advantage I’m incredibly proud of.