Discuss the various aspects of heat press technology. Transfer paper, inks, plastisol transfers, vinyl cutters, printers, commercial usage, durability, suppliers, etc.
i was wondering what are the basic steps to on-site pressing at events. i've got a heat press, know about stock transfers etc. but what about power source? do i need to get a generator? how do you approach event organizers? just wondering. thanks in advance.
* You can use a generator. I believe a forum member here, named Greyhorsewoman, uses one. She does alot of heat press business on the road. She attends (I think dog) events. If I were you, I would look up her profile on TSF and look at her back posts. This is what she does, and she shares invaluable information often.
* Make sure you have an extention cord that is rated "Heavy Duty" and is 20 amps. No exceptions!
* Plastic sealtite containers for your pre-printed transfers and your transfer paper is a must, in case of humid or inclimate weather. Or put your stuff in ziplock bags. Just protect your stuff from moisture.
* Some sort of shelter, for the same reason.
* Do you plan to print there? If you do, you'll more than likely need to count on an extra set of helping hands. Someone to take orders and print, and someone to press. Doing it all can be overwhelming if your designs are not "ready to go", and even then.
* Price your stuff to be an even dollar amount, including any taxes, whenever possible. It just makes change easier.
* Permits and/or resales licenses in place. Check with the state you are planning to sell in to find out what is required.
I'm sure there is more, but with checking the state website you plan to sell in, the thread searches, this to start you off, and hopefully more responses, you should be fine.
Don't forget to look up Greyhorsewoman! That lady knows here stuff and travels about the US!
As far as approaching an event coordinator, you have to decide if you want to sell items that are general, like "themed" items or if you would like to ask to make and sell items for that event.
I like to do both. I sell horse theme items, but I often will approach the committee with a concept that gives me the exclusive right to sell a specific event design (that I create for them). I carry the burden of supplying that design in enough quantities to meet the need. It gives that event more "flavor" and something special for folks to take home.
The third option is to offer a specific design and a portion of its sale goes to a fund raiser, or committee, like perhaps for the youth, or some such.
Don't minimize your options, be ready with a variety of ways you could participate in the event and prove to them that everyone wins.
__________________ www.stuffnthingz.com - "You can never have too much stuff", however, "The best things in life aren't things" is also true. XPS1530 | DK20 | Mighty Press 15 |Chinese hat press | Oki5800 | 88+ | LP24
Girlzandollz wrote a very concise post. (and thank you for the compliments).
What kind of events are you considering? You can call the event coordinator and ask who is in charge of vendors. If you plan to do stock transfers, find out if anybody else will be there selling shirts and what style. Nothing kills your weekend faster than to find out you are one of ten selling much the same thing.
Generally there is some sort of contract to submit. Depending on the event, some will be more professional than others. Some require insurance certifications, most do not. Some require proof of sales tax license, some do not (though you should have one for any state you work in).
I basically work in one specific venue and the past couple of years the shows are noticing a drop in vendors, so are booking just about anybody who wants to come. Last year we went to a 4 day circuit and they'd booked SEVEN embroidery booths! This was WAY too many for amount of business available.
Regarding generators: be sure you buy one that meets your needs. You need to tally up your amperage (my heat press pulls 1700 plus we run a few fans and a cash register). There are basically two styles (IMHO) loud and quiet. My first four years we used a 3500 Troybilt and while it worked great, we occasionally ran into issues of WHERE to put it so it wasn't offensive. Once you move it far enough from YOUR booth, you may be in somebody ELSE'S.
Two years ago we went with a Yamaha 2400 IE and it was the best $$$ we spent~~!! We can place that baby right outside our tent if we have too. It is also so much more efficient on gasoline, that it is quickly paying for itself.
LASTLY, if your event is outdoors, be prepared for all weather possibilities. Tiedowns for your tent, waterproof sides if it rains, fans & sunshades if it's extremely hot. We just came back from a 4-day circuit. The first day was 90plus with humidity, that night we had a t-storm with 40mph wind gusts (several vendors lost their tents). The next day was t-storms with rain all day.
The more professional the event, the more advance lead time they will probably require.
I do events that give you a contract for the following year at the end of that weekend, up to and including events that I call the week before and they say, sure come on.
If you have an event in mind ~ make the contact. You'll soon find out what they need/want. Remember, if they already book vendors, they are used to getting inquiries.
heat pressing at events: basic ?'s 
My first four years we used a 3500 Troybilt and while it worked great, we occasionally ran into issues of WHERE to put it so it wasn't offensive. Once you move it far enough from YOUR booth, you may be in somebody ELSE'S.
