[brice]

I usually screen print, but have an opportunity that dictates plastisol transfer to reduce my risk. IE, it's an event. I don't want to screen print shirts ahead of time without hard product counts (whcih I won't have), therefore if I at least press on demand at the event, I can always use the shirts for future events.

I've pulled pricing data from FM, Versatrans, TransferExpress, Ace Transfer, and First Edition. I created a spreadsheet to compare that pricing data and the prices are all over the board. A couple of vendors stand out at quantity in regard to price.

I wonder about the old adage: "You get what you pay for."

My comparison is for a youth press (9X11). My findings:

FM is 45% of the average price
VersaTrans is 124% of the average price
TransferExpress is 112% of the average price
Ace is 110% of the average price
First Edition is 108% of the average price
​

512 transfers at 6 colors were used to determine these average percentage of the average of all prices.

50 pieces at 3 colors in contrast is:

FM is 68% of the average price
VersaTrans is 133% of the average price
TransferExpress is 128% of the average price
Ace is 73% of the average price
First Edition is 85% of the average price
​

Looking at this from a pricing point of view only, FM is consistently the price performer. What value does VersaTrans, Transfer Express, Ace, and First Edition offer that justifies the added cost? Your thoughts please.

 

[sabrina]

What does FM stand for and what is their site?
Thanks

 

[ShirlandDesign]

It looks like everyone falls into the average with F&M skewing the curve. So, yeah...why are they so affordable? Call and ask.

 

[brice]

I'd really appreciate independent opinions over the sales pitch by the vendors.

 

[brice]

What does FM stand for and what is their site?
Thanks

It's a heat transfer manufacturing company. F&M Expressions

 

[splathead]

Are you pricing F&M spot colors, or process? The process method is cheaper for multiple colors, but the print is too thick for my tastes. It's like wearing a slab on plastic on your chest.

It pays to order samples and press before ordering.

 

[American logoZ]

Ace offers unbelievable customer service - not just good, but really off-the-charts-fantastic. I am not affiliated with Ace and I have no experience with other transfer companies. Someone I trust recommended Ace, so I tried them. I called numerous times before ever placing an order. They were helpful and friendly EVERY time. I just remembered - I have experience with one other company - I called to find out the process so I'd be ready when it was time to order something - they were not interested in educating me. They told me to call when I had an order. Ace didn't - they told me all about the process, explained their ordering procedures, etc. I recently placed 3 orders with them - 200+ custom transfers - and the whole experience was first rate. They responded to my every request for samples - and when my customer had a specific question, they immediately sent an additional sample. The transfers I ordered came in and pressed without incident - peeled like butter. My customer changed their mind about a design - so I again had to call Ace for guidance. Again, fantastic service. They were willing to work with me so I didn't lose my shirt on that portion of the job which required me to order yet more transfers. I cannot say enough good about Ace. If their prices are anywhere in the ballpark, I say go with them hands down. Customer service means a lot to me. I've tested Ace (mostly due to whatever can go wrong, will go wrong, and did go wrong) and they remain considerate, fair, and a joy to do business with.

 

[brice]

Are you pricing F&M spot colors, or process? The process method is cheaper for multiple colors, but the print is too thick for my tastes. It's like wearing a slab on plastic on your chest.

It pays to order samples and press before ordering.

I was just pricing spot colors. I've heard some of their products are heavier. Do you have any experience with SPOT and FM? How do they feel? I've heard some of their products feel like vinyl, it's so thick.

 

[brice]

Thanks for the feedback. Always good to know who provides the best customer service. I requested samples from Ace, FM, and Versatrans (already have TransferExpress samples). It will be interesting to see who responds fastest and who's products I like.

Ace offers unbelievable customer service - not just good, but really off-the-charts-fantastic. I am not affiliated with Ace and I have no experience with other transfer companies. Someone I trust recommended Ace, so I tried them. I called numerous times before ever placing an order. They were helpful and friendly EVERY time. I just remembered - I have experience with one other company - I called to find out the process so I'd be ready when it was time to order something - they were not interested in educating me. They told me to call when I had an order. Ace didn't - they told me all about the process, explained their ordering procedures, etc. I recently placed 3 orders with them - 200+ custom transfers - and the whole experience was first rate. They responded to my every request for samples - and when my customer had a specific question, they immediately sent an additional sample. The transfers I ordered came in and pressed without incident - peeled like butter. My customer changed their mind about a design - so I again had to call Ace for guidance. Again, fantastic service. They were willing to work with me so I didn't lose my shirt on that portion of the job which required me to order yet more transfers. I cannot say enough good about Ace. If their prices are anywhere in the ballpark, I say go with them hands down. Customer service means a lot to me. I've tested Ace (mostly due to whatever can go wrong, will go wrong, and did go wrong) and they remain considerate, fair, and a joy to do business with.