Automated document printing service launches in UK

The end-to-end service allows clients to upload documents through a web app, or directly from their own workflow, before Pingen validates the files, coordinates print through local providers, and then manages delivery through national post services or DHL.

Having seen 40% year-on-year growth, Pingen now delivers around 700,000 letters monthly in its existing geographies. Before its late March launch, it had run a two-month pilot programme in the UK.

Sandro Kunz, Pingen CEO, told Printweek that the start-up’s mission was to simplify letter mailing across key European markets.

“With the continuing growth in our existing markets, the recent launch in the UK, and upcoming launches in France and Belgium, we are confident that we will at last double our letter volumes over the next two years,” Kunz said.

By the end of the year, Pingen hopes to launch at least one new market in North America, and is considering further expansion in Southeast Asia. 

The company’s model relies on using local printers. In the UK, Pingen has secured a partnership with Innovate: Print Direct Mail and Fulfilment Ltd (Innovate PDMF) to print its mail, and will despatch letters through Royal Mail domestically.

Robert Metcalfe, managing director of Innovate PDMF, told Printweek: “We’re thrilled to welcome Pingen to the UK market and proud to be partnering with them through a direct integration into our hybrid mail platform, Intelliprint. Their digital-first approach complements our own ambition to simplify and modernise the way businesses manage their outbound post.”

Kunz added that as Pingen expands it will look at taking on additional print partners, as it has in its European markets.

“We’ve initially launched with a single print provider in the UK, but our goal is to expand to 2-3 providers once we reach significant volumes. Drawing from our experience in other regions, we’ve found that more than 100,000 letters per month are usually necessary before adding additional print partners becomes beneficial,” Kunz said.

Pingen’s aggressive growth strategy is backed by the firm’s ability to offer cheap print rates to retail clients by batching work, he added.

“In addition to features like real-time tracking, automatic return management, and advanced document validations, clients can take advantage of our pay-per-letter pricing model—without the need for a minimum volume or long-term contract. 

“By pooling clients’ letters, Pingen provides access to professional printing facilities and discounted postal rates, starting from the very first letter. With our growing international network, we also offer faster, cheaper, and more reliable delivery of international letters.”