The Rentals and Reservations module was described as a “first of its kind” innovation in print ecommerce.

EFI said the new module made it easy for printers to add a new profit centre as events and expos started up again.  

Users can define event dates and locations, associated rental product specifications, along with pricing options by the hour, day or month. 

The Rentals and Reservations module manages item availability and schedules rental reservations, “plus it accounts for handling and shipping periods, producing a return shipping label to expedite turnaround,” EFI explained.

“MarketDirect StoreFront in turn handles return and restocking of rented products back into inventory in the correct location.”

The module has already been tested in the field and is available immediately.

Early adopters include commercial printer Heeter, based in Pennsylvania. Project manager Kayla Frost said the rental facility had allowed the firm to offer its customers additional value and convenience.

“It makes managing rentals and trade show materials much less of a manual process.”

Other recent upgrades to MarketDirect StoreFront include AutoEngage for handling abandoned shopping carts; MarketDirect Fulfilment inventory management and warehousing; and a new Google Analytics and Tag Manager tool.

EFI is running a series of webinars on how to get the most out of web-to-print and ecommerce systems, with the next session taking place on 18 August.