Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
Does anybody use something like transfer express? Im a teacher and we make t-shirts for a fundraiser all year long and the transfers prices are getting a little high. Any ideas on how we can make more of a profit? We have one year to raise enough money to take 30 kids to Baltimore next summer! Thanks for any help
Up to 3 colors I can recommend F&M. Beyond that I've used Silver Mountain, you can read my experience with them in the plastisol transfer sub-forum. If you're not in a hurry, Semo is a good choice. Ace and Howard are both good choices, although Ace has confusing pricing and won't do fine detail. Howard is priced about the same as Ace but their pricing is less confusing and they will print gradients and finer detail, they also have more colors. Universal is another option. First Edition is out there but I only order through email and they have never responded to any of my emails.
If you are buying transfers you either have a heat press or have access to one.
Why not print your own? I believe sawgrass used to hyave lots of how to info on their site.
Does anybody use something like transfer express? Im a teacher and we make t-shirts for a fundraiser all year long and the transfers prices are getting a little high. Any ideas on how we can make more of a profit? We have one year to raise enough money to take 30 kids to Baltimore next summer! Thanks for any help
I'm guessing your fund raising is in a school type environment. You could get an Epson four color printer with Durabrite inks, Jetpro Sofstretch transfer paper, and some blank mouse pads, to make yourself, with school or business logos or slogans. Also, you might try marketing some white tee's with custom printed transfers, that you print, for day cares, vacation bible schools, etc. Inkjet transfers are great for short term usage shirts. Also, outside the transfer market, bake sales, rummage sales, and asking for danations are o.k. when it's for a good cause. Don't be affraid to enlist help from your community either. Just some thoughts, hope it helps.
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Last edited by cbs1963; June 23rd, 2009 at 10:23 PM.
...you either have a heat press or have access to one.
Why not print your own?
Not sure I'm making the connection with you on this one. A heat press is of no use in printing transfers, which I'm sure you already know. And to become a screenprinter requires a press, inks, dryer, exposure unit, washout booth, chemicals, knowledge, etc.; maybe too involved for some schools although I originally learned screenprinting basics in industrial arts.
Not sure I'm making the connection with you on this one. A heat press is of no use in printing transfers, which I'm sure you already know. And to become a screenprinter requires a press, inks, dryer, exposure unit, washout booth, chemicals, knowledge, etc.; maybe too involved for some schools although I originally learned screenprinting basics in industrial arts.
Right, you missed the point, which is you can print transfers a number of ways-on press with plastisol ink w/ or w/o adhesive powder, with a inkjet printer and proper paper, or ar laser printer on the right medium.
All of these can be applied to apparel with a heat press-but the last two methods of making transfers do not require a press or any screen printing knowledge.
The easiest way to "make more of a profit" is simple, raise your prices. If it is a fundraiser, folks understand. Why is it that noone minds selling a 50 cent candy bar for $2 or a $3 box of grapefruits for $20, but come time to sell t-shirts as fundraisers the same logic doesn't kick in?
For short run, on demand printing, transfers are tough to beat. Transfer Express is not cheap but their consistency and service are great. I also have to glowingly endorse Howard Sportswear Graphics. They are our go-to supplier but 100% of our orders are artwork we do in house and e-mail to Howard. We rarely offer Easy Prints type of designs but when we do, we use Transfer Express.
Also, get creative. Smaller designs ganged up on the sheet will effectively cut your transfer costs in half or less and not significantly effect the look of the shirts.
And offer an alternative shirt style, upsell to a nice ringer or burnout tee and get the higher price and profit. Think in terms of price points. Offer a $10 tee, a $15 fashion tee and a $20 hoodie, all with the same print. You hold the margins, increase the gross sales and your profit soars.
Quote:
Originally Posted by reid8796
Does anybody use something like transfer express? Im a teacher and we make t-shirts for a fundraiser all year long and the transfers prices are getting a little high. Any ideas on how we can make more of a profit? We have one year to raise enough money to take 30 kids to Baltimore next summer! Thanks for any help
Right, you missed the point, which is you can print transfers a number of ways-on press with plastisol ink w/ or w/o adhesive powder, with a inkjet printer and proper paper, or ar laser printer on the right medium.
All of these can be applied to apparel with a heat press-but the last two methods of making transfers do not require a press or any screen printing knowledge.
Not my intention to argue but if that was your point, I didn't miss it, it just wasn't there.
I believe the first reply had direction to sawgrass's website,(which hopefully they did )where there is an abundance of information on inks for apparel (sublimation too) and how to make transfers without plastisol. If one does not go to the site as initially directed you are correct...
I believe the first reply had direction to sawgrass's website,(which hopefully they did )where there is an abundance of information on inks for apparel (sublimation too) and how to make transfers without plastisol. If one does not go to the site as initially directed you are correct...
Your first reply contained no link and the first reply in this thread has a link to another thread on this website so I'm still not following you. What is sawgrass's website and where is the link?
edit: do you mean the link to vastex that you posted in a different thread? I think you may have confused threads.
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Last edited by wormil; June 26th, 2009 at 10:58 AM.
Alternative to Transfer Express 
