tgp4ntelos

Hi I am currently and embroider with focus on custom services. I have tossed around the idea of adding heat press to my exsisting business. I have done research but all that has done is confuse me.
I have many request for team jerseys, reunion shirts, team logos etc. runs of 6-36 pieces mainly 2-4 color designs.
What are your recomendations on what i need to get started? Do I need a Printer, Cutter, Press ? If so what brands or models do you recomend? Or do I just need a press and outsorce for my transfers?
Im sorry to have so many questions but i am lost any suggestions or help will be greatly apperciated!
Thanks
Amanda

 

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numbercruncher

Might suggest you focus your expansion to one element/method at a time(unless you have inherited a large amount). Ask yourself which market best complements what you are doing. You mention embroidery as your core business. Do you cut/sew custom twill or applique? If not and you are looking for a cutter to do jersey personalization you might look at a more expensive one that will cut cloth as well. If you do not wish to focus on either-many embroidery shops have tried a DTG(direct to garment)apparel printer, or have gone to making a color transfer with their printers and applying to a tee with a heat press -the transfer method minimizes up front expense. DTG costs more and is embroiled in controversy regarding its' viability and a host of legal issues.
Answer your marketing questions first-the path you've open is very broad and may only confuse you more in making a decision.

 

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Rodney

Quote: What are your recomendations on what i need to get started? Do I need a Printer, Cutter, Press ?

I don't know that you'd need a printer, unless you plan on doing inkjet transfers.

From the type of designs you said you'd be doing (2-4 color), it sounds like that wouldn't be the best type of transfer for your needs.

The very least you would need to start out would be a good brand name heat press. Stahls, Hix, Hotronix, Mighty Press, Phoenix Phire, etc are names you should check out. These two articles will tell you what to look for in a heat press:

5 Tips: How to select which heat press to buy?

Heat Press Basics - How to Choose the Right Heat Press to Fit Your Needs

Once you have the heat press, then you could order custom plastisol transfers of your customers logo and have the transfers sent to you so you could press them.

Here's a list of places that do custom plastisol transfers:
Custom Plastisol Transfer Vendors, a list

Another piece of equipment you could buy is a vinyl cutter, which would allow you to do both 1-2 color t-shirt designs on a one off basis as well as stickers and signs.

This thread may help with that: what a vinyl cutter is and why I need one?

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Rodney Blackwell - T-Shirt Links Directory
PrinterListings.com: a place to promote your custom t-shirt printing business

 

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GSSATerry

Quote: Originally Posted by tgp4ntelos Hi I am currently and embroider with focus on custom services. I have tossed around the idea of adding heat press to my exsisting business. I have done research but all that has done is confuse me. I have many request for team jerseys, reunion shirts, team logos etc. runs of 6-36 pieces mainly 2-4 color designs. What are your recomendations on what i need to get started? Do I need a Printer, Cutter, Press ? If so what brands or models do you recomend? Or do I just need a press and outsorce for my transfers? Im sorry to have so many questions but i am lost any suggestions or help will be greatly apperciated! Thanks Amanda

Amanda,

You want to get a Heatpress for sure.

If you go with a press and a cutter your looking at about $ 3000.00 to $ 3500.00 for a full set up with inventory.

I would go with Transfers to start off and then get a printer once you do enough business to justify the larger investment.

Enjoy and e-mail me if you have more questions

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Terry Wagner GSSA

 

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numbercruncher

[quote=Rodney;542400]I don't know that you'd need a printer, unless you plan on doing inkjet transfers.

Given 2 to 4 colors and qtys. of 6 to 36 plastisol transfers from an outside source may prove costly versus inkjet or laser printed transfers done in house(plus no shipping, no waiting). That's why it's important to know your market and its needs. You would still need a good heat press and the ones mentioned by Rodney are all good machines.

With regards to cutters if you cut or wish to cut applique or pro-twill for your embroidery(expand the core) business most smaller vinyl only cutters may be insufficient. Yes the cost will be greater but the profit made on custom cut applique and twill is significantly greater than transfers or vinyl.

 

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