The 800 lb gorilla makes a move

Ya gotta love PrintCeo. I'm sure an interesting discussion will ensue.

from Print CEO - - HP Launches MarketSplash - A Design and Print Fulfillment Service: "

HP Launches MarketSplash - A Design and Print Fulfillment Service
By Adam Dewitz on February 18th, 2009

Last month HP officially launched a new Web-based service targeted at small businesses to provide “the industry’s lowest prices and fastest delivery times for brand marketing services such as professional-quality design and print fulfillment.”

from the PR release:Bold Face are my comments.

The launch of MarketSplash by HP follows a successful beta test with Nestlé Confections & Snacks, which recently used MarketSplash offerings to create new packaging designs for its classic brands GOOBERS®, SNO-CAPS® and OH HENRY!®. America can now vote for its favorite new designs via “A Delicious Dilemma,” an online sweepstakes.

Distribute and Print
HP also introduced convenient same-day pickup at Copy and Print centers in Staples stores⁽¹⁾ and a free business card offer. HP is licensing the MarketSplash platform and application to retailers for co-branding.

I guess they figured out the distribute and print business. Meanwhile others were selling boxes to Staples. I wonder what is going to happen when it comes time to renew the box contracts at Staples and the other "retailers" to whom HP is licensing the MarketSplash. What happens if they figure out that lots of printers are retailers who are looking for work.

It may just be me, but that textbook thing is looking better and better everyday. These HP folks really seem to get it.

more from the PR release:

They figured that out from VistaPrint.
To introduce customers to the high quality of MarketSplash designs and the ease of use of its services, HP is offering first-time customers 100 free business cards.

Talk about Web 2 Print
Small businesses can choose from more than 1,400 professionally designed templates, pay no processing, shipping or other fees, and receive their cards in seven business days or less. With MarketSplash DIY tools, small businesses can create business cards, mailing labels and postcards, all for under $40 with no processing fees.

Unlimited revisions?
Customers who prefer one-on-one assistance can take advantage of MarketSplash’s custom design consultation services. MarketSplash has one of the industry’s largest networks of design and brand experts, delivering one-of-a-kind projects at unprecedented low prices with a fast turnaround. Branding packages start at $579 and include original logo concepts with unlimited revisions, custom business cards and stationery design work.

Building the buzz among celebrities?
MarketSplash services also have recently helped a group of independent filmmakers participating at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival create a professional portfolio of promotional materials, such as posters, postcards and apparel, to better market their films at Sundance and beyond. Participating films included: The Cove, Boutonniere, So the Wind Won’t Blow it All Away, Trece Años, Copper On The Chopping Block, Knife Point, The Yellow Bird and The Reckoning.

I wonder how anyone else going after SMB is going to respond. Stay tuned fans. Meanwhile, If HP would just spin off their printing and toner piece, I could add them to my IRA.