Hi All,
I'm writing to see what advice I can get on starting up a pad printing business out of my own residence. I have been looking at one company in particular, called Press-A-Print out of Idaho that sells complete packages. They check out ok so far. Is any-one familiar with them, or an owner/operator of their manual system, or know anyone who is?
I've read articles on everything from art file preparation to real eye-opening stuff on business management, to looking at the existing competition. Well I wasn't scared off, but am still searching for input from those already doing this type work professionally. I've been working in the printing industry in different areas for about eight years now, as everything from a copy operator to a prepress production monkey. Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Brian Barnett
I was in your shoes early last year. Please, do your research before you jump into buying a system. We though, like you, that pad printing would be a great at home business and we could print everything. Well, experience has taught us that it is a great business but you need to specialize in a few select items and let the big suppliers print other things. Also, we have found that most of our items we print are screen printed. Although, there are some items, like golf balls and other small things that have to be pad printed. I'd be happy to discuss all the issues and any questions you might have. Just send me an email: aprint4u@hotmail.com Our equipment is made by Print Maker and we love it.
Brian,
Nancy is right you should target one or limited market to start with, it will keep the learning curve down, cut down on you ink pad and plate inventory.
Different items require different inks. You will not find one ink works for everything so if you job you may fond yourself spending a great deal of time trying to find the correct ink for a job and then you may have to buy an expensive can you ink for one job and you may never use that ink or color again.
If you are going to do any volume you should consider an automatic. It will also help control the variables.
Just some food for thought.
Frank
Brian,
I am in the same boat right now doing research. I would really like to correspond with you and find out what you have learned. I was very interested in press-a-print..have dialoged alot with them, the only thing holding me back is the intitial financial investment. We are also looking into Green Earth designs. Anyone know anything about this company. Please email me...I would like to discuss.
Continued good luck!
Please take a look at this before you do anything. Our program can save you tens of thousands. Then if you want various types of equipment you can purchase them direct from the manufacturer at wholesale.
Pad printing makes up such a minute part of the promotional products industry. It just makes sense to shop before you purchase anything. You comparison shop for everything else, don't let this be an exception.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Kevin
Check out Promotions First@ www.promotionsfirst.com. The industry's ONLY independent portal into the advertising specialty and promotional product industry. Your own distributor number, your own web site (www.yourname.com), a built in search engine for 500,000 plus products, custome digital search software that you own, print in 256 million colors in one print, digitally.
All for 1/2 the price of our closest competiton.
Bryan
Before you buy any equipment check out Namco and Print Maker. I checked the products of both of these companies and they are far superior to press a print and LESS EXPENSIVE. Print Maker is releasing an awsome machine called the Multi Printer that does two color pad printing and rotary printing for items ranging form mugs to large gallon contrainers, and large area flat screen printing all for $6500. You also can purchase the accesory to do shrit screen printing, it's awsome. Their web site is Printmaker.com. THe cool thing about Namco's machine is that it is smooth and easy to use, but I like Prim Maker's better.
We have been doing pad printing for about a year. We have a machine made by Trans Tech. It has been an excellent machine. And also the support you get from this company, has been terrific. They are always available to answer any questions we might have.
Hi,
I have been pad printing for almost 10 years. Be careful. It is not as easy as it sounds. Differenr materials require different inks, pads, plates, blades, environments, dry times and cycle times.
It is difficult to get volume orders as most product suppliers print in house. So what is left is the small volume orders. Good margin but be careful to make sure you charge for set up and clean up time.
I use Kent machines. Excellent product literally millions of prints with no maintenacnce issues at all.
Have fun and good luck.
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