Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
I am a newbie and here once again needing some help. I have to do a bid for baseball shirts with vinyl numbers on the back (possibly front too) and also heat press embroidered patches on hats. (about 22 of each)
My questions are:
What is the standard (if any) size of Varsity font numbers for back and also front of jerseys. Height and Width (1 digit or two digits)
Is $1 a number too low? I will be cutting the vinyl myself.
Where can I purchase custom made embroidered patches for a decent price with a quick turn-around. I will have two weeks to get the job done.
The white vinyl I have is Easyweed Premium. Are there ever any bleeding problems.
I thank everyone who has helped me thusfar. This site is such a blessing especially to us lost puppies out here trying to break iinto the industry without killing it by underbidding everyone else (and killing ourselves for only a couple bucks. You guys and gals who faithfully give good advice rock.
Jon
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Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all for the glory of God. http://www.misfitsforjesus.com
Hi,
I know that we have alot of baseball leagues we have and there is usually a 4" number on the front and an 8" number on the back with screening. We tend to buy die-cut numbers in bulk which is cheaper than cutting individual numbers.
Depending on the price of the shirts depends on the price you can bid out for. Also depending on the quantity of teams.
I think that the dollar per number may be a bit to low.. I know if using ecofilm at 35.oo for 5 yrds.. that comes out to the cost approx. 2.34 a foot..
so you need to figure out the cost it will cost you per number.. if you do the 8" letters on the back.. and 4" on front (which sounds about right depending on the size of the shirts).
You really wouldnt be making much at all..
so you really need to figure out the size of the numbers before figureing your cost..
plus figure out the time to weed and the time to lay out and apply.
I usually recommend charging for the completed job, not per digit.
Consider that an 8" double digit number will cost about $1.75 in materials to cut yourself.
A 4" double digit number will cost about $.35 each.
Labor will include:
Design and layout (set up or art fee)
Weeding
2 heat applications per jersey
I would guess that on average ithat this would take 5 minutes per jersey.
If you are paying yourself $20 an hour that is $1.66 in labor per jersey.
So your total cost in lettering materials and labor is $3.76.
Depending on the cost of garment you are applying to and the area that you live in the price you charge may vary. But I would at least double my cost of materials and labor as it relates to the final price.
Also, a good point was made about die cut lettering being cheaper. While this is the case for number only jobs, you might leverage your sales pitch/price to include player names. This will give the customer added value while maximizing the cutters capabilities.
If you are going specifically on price and encounter this type of job often then consider ordering die cut number kits from Stahls or another supplier.
Again, I suggest you go to Transfer Express. Check out the plastisol stock numbers they have available. If they have the color you need, you may find it's more cost effective to buy the numbers rather than cutting vinyl.
As for your embroidered patches, check your local yellow pages for embroiderers...since you're on a rather tight turn around time, it would be best if you can have them done locally.
Thanks everyone for the advice... and you Josh for the very informative videos you post. They are priceless to newbies like myself. Can anyone request a good hat for doing embroidered transfers. in the $2.75 non-wholesale range. Should I go 100% cotton, 65/35??????? This is getting pretty confusing when you haven't sampled many hats and want to suggest a style to a customer. I have found this industry is tough when you are first getting your feet wet with so many options. I will go with the 8" numbers by the way since these will be for grown men (mainly big guys)
Jon
__________________
Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all for the glory of God. http://www.misfitsforjesus.com
Newbie needs help....again 
