[tkbdesigns]

Hi guys
My husband and myself are in the process of starting a screen printing and graphics business. There are none in our area and I have a background in graphics so it just fit. We are starting out in our basement. We are in the process of getting funding for the start up costs. We plan on going through Ryonet for our initial shop set up. I have a degree in Graphic Design and Advertising and my husband is in the furniture production business.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I also have a few questions. Where is the best place to purchase t-shirts wholesale? Also, we have had several people ask about embroidery, if we was to look into getting embroidery equipment, where would we begin to start, are there any affordable machines out there, that will not raise our start up costs too much.

Any information that the seasoned pros have would be greatly appreciated!!

 

[JAF]

With a graphics background you have a nice start. It will be helpful for sure.
I personally would get going with the screen printing, contract out the embroidery, for now. You don't want to take on too much at one time.
I do both and I feel that screen printing is harder to learn but cheaper to start up. Embroidery is easier to learn but more expensive to start up. I prefer embroidery because I've been doing it longer.
Subscribe to some of the trade magazines.
For garments you can open accounts with SanMar, Broder, Bodek & Rhodes, Alpha, ACC, those are a few of the basic distributors. The trade magzaines give you more ideas.
Good luck in you business. You have joined a great forum.