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Jakeofmn · August 23rd, 2009

Hello forums, heres the deal...

This local place wanted about 50 shirts made for their staff, nothing fancy, just text across the back of the shirt. The only thing I've done is do heat transfers, so by printing, it would be more economical amirite?

Anyway, what should I do... Its just one color. White. On a red tee. So screen printing will be so much cheaper.
Should I create my own screens from scratch? I have no supplies besides somesort of near flimsy wood. If I order mesh, and emulsion. I can create one, but would it work? . . . Don't you need to tighten the 110mesh?
Also, where can I get mesh. I cannot find it. All I keep finding is this hobby stuff that isn't what im looking for.

So, create or buy. Its just one color.

If I do, I spoke to them about charging 15$ per shirt. They paid 750$ already, nice huh?
so wheres the best place to get shirts.. ?
jiffyshirts I liked, getting some 6.1oz guildans...
BUT: should I wash them before I give them to them?
The feel is kinda weird.

Now. Im just a stright up novice, but once I get the shirts, and the screen.. which I hope to god I can burn the image on correctly... where do I get the white ink...

I heard theres no such thing as white ink?
Its going on a brightish red shirt.

CURING! I have heard thats the most important thing for screen printing...
What are the tempratures to cure..
325F?
Also, when you do it, I have a teflon sheet... I have NO idea what its for.. do I put it over the shirt on top of the ink... and press it? Wouldn't it stay on the sheet?

I think I should get platisol ink, because I have a heat press and it would work well... would it work?

What do?

Order is due in a week. I know you guys have the answers. I love you guys. You guys have helped me so much.

too long; didn't read

1: should i make my own screens from scratch? would it work well? and where are the materials to do so..

. . or order pre-coated ones online...

2: should I wash the shirts before presenting them?

3: Where can I get the white ink? They dont make it?

4: Curing. How.

5: Teflon. What are you.

6: Any tips? also again, THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH
inb4 15$ ea for screen printed is too much.

veedub3 · August 23rd, 2009

This is my suggestion because printing white ink can be a bit tricky and being that you are not set up for screen printing instead of going out to buy all the supplies I would suggest you look into ordering plastisol transfers and heat press them on the shirts yourself.
Here is a list one of the forums members posted.
Custom Plastisol Transfer Vendors, a list

Call a few to check on prices, and see if they can meet your deadline.

Katrina

Jakeofmn · August 23rd, 2009

But isn't that stuff expensive???
I have a person who can make me vinyl transfers for about 5$ ea because I'm a rookie. should I go for that? its what I set out to do.

wonubee · August 23rd, 2009

$5 is way to much plastisol transfers would be much less expensive

pukingdeserthobo · August 23rd, 2009

15$ per shirt for a 50 order?

Jakeofmn · August 23rd, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by pukingdeserthobo


	15$ per shirt for a 50 order?

yes...

they already paid

pukingdeserthobo · August 23rd, 2009

thats crazy w would never pay that, lol but i guess some one would

TshirtGuru · August 23rd, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakeofmn


	yes... they already paid

Stick to what you know, because experimenting with screen printing right now doesn't seem realistic for your due date. Learning how to screen print doesn't happen overnight.

MotoskinGraphix · August 24th, 2009

Use the vinyl or get gang sheet plastisol transfers. Most important get the order out on time.

veedub3 · August 24th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jakeofmn


	But isn't that stuff expensive??? I have a person who can make me vinyl transfers for about 5$ ea because I'm a rookie. should I go for that? its what I set out to do.

You were given a list of vendors, how do you now what the price is until you pick up the phone and call them. I really doubt a line of text will be expensive for plastisol transfers. And like David said they can gang the design on one sheet. (Meaning placing as many designs on one sheet of transfer paper that will fit which will cut the cost some)
You have posted this same question many times on the boards and have been given some great information, I think it is time for you to put it to use.

Katrina

Colorfast · August 24th, 2009

I agree with the others...50 1 color text only is a piece of cake with plastisol. Check with F&M or Versatrans.

Congrats on the $15.00...I could never sell for that amount.

jtannerc · August 26th, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorfast


	Congrats on the $15.00...I could never sell for that amount.

I was starting to think I structured my pricing wrong. But it sounds like I did it right.
$15.00 each.. more power to ya if they are gonna pay that.

Good Luck

ecreations · August 26th, 2009

Start calling the vendors as Katrina mentioned and get quotes for what you need. Gang sheets in case you don't know is putting as many design on sheet of paper which end up saving you a lot of money, if you have cutter as you've mentioned you had done heat transfer, start ordering your supplies so you have time to nail your order on time. If you don't have a cutter then plastisol transfer is your choice. REMEMBER, delivery time is what you're main concern here since you pretty much don't have even a shirt to produce your customer order, most of vendor has at least minimum days to produce your transfer although they can do it in a lot faster time but it will cost you, also don't forget the shipping time, the longer you wait, the more problem it will cost to you and by rushing everything, you will end up with very little on your very large profit that you have right now. I agree with everyone's input that your customer paid you a fortune to produce their shirt. So last thing you don't want to do is call them that their order will be late. Not a good business practice. So go and pick up your phone and start calling and ordering your supplies. Goodluck!!

pwapparel · August 26th, 2009

$15 bucks is HUGE... I know other's have said that but you are going to be bringing in some great profit on this order.

Don't try to learn screenprinting over night, leave it to the pros. Google "contract screen printing" in your area and let them do the order for you. 50 prints should not cost you more than $0.95 each. Pay the $20 setup fee, order your blanks at $1.75 each and your total costs before any freight fees will be approx. $3.10.

Try this route first, it will probably be the cheapest, and the results will be amazing! You definitely want this $15 /shirt customer coming back, and reffering others!

Good Luck!

pwapparel · August 26th, 2009

Actually if you want them to think highly of you as a business person, do the method i mentioned above and also refund them $5 per shirt.

Trust me, $10 a shirt is still great, AND they will absolutely adore you as a vendor. You will easily makeup the $250 in additional sales and referrals!

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