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hotwheels · February 6th, 2009

Hi,
Im meeting a guy tomorrow to talk about a large print job that he wants done.
At this stage all he knows is that I print tee shirts, and all I know is that he wants tee shirts printed.

My problem is that my primary print method and the method i use to do ALL my own shirts is vinyl.

This would mean that unless his design is vinyl friendly (e.g. fairly simple with just a few colours) I wont be able to do it unless I use a heat transfer.

I do have my Epson R1800 sitting here, that means if its not vinyl ready, say he wants a complex multicoured design, then I could do it with a transfer.

I guess what im asking is, what do I say to him if im going to be doing it in transfer? I cant say "well the method im going to use to print your shirts isnt the best and theres a chance they may fade and crack" can I?

I dont want to turn away this job as I really need the money but I feel I need to be honest and tell the customer what to expect. Some have said they call transfers 'digital printing'. I like this term, but ive never used transfers and I cant be sure that the quality is going to be suitable.

What do you say to cusotmer who are getting things done in transfer? Do you tell them? How long to you gaurentee the shirt for?

I dont even know if I should really be using heat transfer as a professional service as I havent tested quality myself, some say they are OK, some disagree.

But if he cant afford to get them screenprinted, and vinyl wont work then I guess he will just have to go with the transfers? (DTG arnt very common here in the UK)

What would you do in this situation?

Sorry for the ramble, just a bit confused as to how im going to get around this

PositiveDave · February 6th, 2009

Be honest, tell him what you can do and if he doesn't like it...well there are others.
You could get a quote for outsourcing screenprint, at least make a few quid.

hotwheels · February 6th, 2009

yeah i need to be honest, I just cant see anyone paying good money for a heat transfer with all the stigma attached to them, most people would think ill be sitting there ironing them on with my laundry or something

PositiveDave · February 6th, 2009

I might not put it exactly like that.
Sell the benefits, contone art, low set-up costs.
I don't feel that you believe in what you do, why are you doing it?

MotoskinGraphix · February 6th, 2009

I think you take control of the situation and go in pro with an understanding of different print options at different price points for you. As you know everything will be determined by what type art, how many tees and what colors. You know what you can do and you also know what you would need to outsource. You need a contact book with a screener, DTG and a resource for plastisol transfers. You need to understand what each methods turn around times are.

You also need to take a good look at the art and if its suitable for any type reproduction or is it going to need to be worked over.

wormil · February 6th, 2009

So use a better transfer. Order plastisol transfers from someone like F&M, Howard, Dowling, First Edition, Silver Mountain, etc. The wear and durability is the same as direct screenprinting. Dowling and F&M do process transfers if the design calls for it.

Or, if it's more than a couple hundred, outsource it to a screenprinter.

JeridHill · February 6th, 2009

The customer doesn't care how it gets on there, just as long as it gets on their with good quality and of course affordable pricing.

There is no need to tell your customer anything. Sit down with him, find out what his needs are and tell him you will get back to him with pricing. Then figure out the best method. If it is screen printing, find a screen printer that does contract printing or go the screen printed transfer route or various other methods. Outsourcing work isn't a bad thing. While you have other companies printing for you, you can concentrate on getting more sales or pressing other shirts you can do.

Progeny · February 6th, 2009

If the design is simple do it in vinyl. If it's complicated contact a local screen printer or contact targettransfers or ja-int and get plastisol or other transfers, don't be afraid to outsource the job, that way you can make a bit for doing very little. If he wants embriodery then contact someone who does it and get a quote.

Put together a list of the good companies you use for use at a later date.

If you look at all these resources as part of your business you can provide anything.

Fbomb · February 9th, 2009

Just like mentioned, you can always order plastisol transfers if needed. Also, explain/exploit the press advantages. Explain how he can reorder a one or a few at a time or if he need a special size it can be quickly produced (vs. screen printing)...That is a strong selling point!

Also mention ordering extra transfers if that is the route you go...

monkeymoon · March 9th, 2009

You need to find out your customers expectations. If quality is uppermost then possibly he needs a screen printer and he must be prepared to pay the cost.
If he needs reasonable quality at a great price then transfer should be fine esspecially if the shirts are for a promo etc.
I call this process Commercial Heat Transfer, and I have examples of what can be expected on both white and coloured shirts.
Always be honest with your customers within the requirements of their expectations, if they are only using the shirts for a short time, they don't need to know that the shirts may not be at their best in 2 years down the line after 100's of washes.
Good luck and be confidant.

PositiveDave · March 9th, 2009

Hi Hotwheels, how did this go?

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