[20vK]

I run an 8 colour manual and work LONG hours.

I have a potential investor who is looking to buy me a new shop - 10 colour auto, the works....

Getting the right auto will transform my business and allow me to drop prices significantly .... Thereby allowing me to win more business.

How did an auto transform your sales in the first year after getting one? How about the years after that?

Did the jobs start to change? More big jobs, or did you still get the same mixture as you did with your manual?

I need to look at how much of my company I can afford to give up in return for the extra growth an auto will offer.

I would really appreciate hearing your experiences.

 

[Ghoster32111]

I don't handle screen printing in our shop but I was there when we changed from a manual to an auto. The first one we got was a 8 screen auto. Which allowed us to take larger orders because it's way faster. Since we were able to take bigger jobs and doing everything else we were normally getting we were able to add another press, same thing. Which doubled productivity. So we were able to take more and do it quicker. After two years we have 5, 8screen autos and one 10. We ended up taking a contract with a company that wanted 20,000+ shirts a month. So all the presses were maxed out in speed for that. And on top of all that we were getting our normal business. And some how we managed to get it all done. Even though we lost that large account things are still busy. And none of it would be possible with out making that switch. from manual to auto. It allowed us to be more competitive in our pricing. So what ever works in the space you have will definitely make a difference.

 

[20vK]

Thank you for your story - that's encouraging to hear. Anyone else please chime in with your experiences, good or bad

 

[sben763]

Haven't had mine long enough. I actually am back to using the manual. It took up way too much room in my shop and I was having difficulties getting it to print hoodies but man it made printing T's easy and quick and the smoothest prints I have ever done.

I am scrambling trying to save for a addition to the building. Don't like financing anything. Wife needs a car so I hope I can still do it this year as I already miss it.

 

[20vK]

Yeah, I'd rather have waited to save up for one, but circumstances for me mean I may not have an option but to accept or close down....

On the flip side, I was hoping that getting a servo auto and pre-reg system would absolutely transform the business efficiency and not only increase my profits (even taking into account that I would have to give a portion of the company away), but also make life a hell of a lot better for me! Mainly some time off at weekends and easier on my body, with the added benefit of being able to go for some of the bigger contracts.

 

[OSSKOBRET]

Haven't had mine long enough. I actually am back to using the manual. It took up way too much room in my shop and I was having difficulties getting it to print hoodies but man it made printing T's easy and quick and the smoothest prints I have ever done.

I am scrambling trying to save for a addition to the building. Don't like financing anything. Wife needs a car so I hope I can still do it this year as I already miss it.

What auto did you end up getting
Im looking for one now . I really like the saber but I think I will go the used route

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[sben763]

What auto did you end up getting
Im looking for one now . I really like the saber but I think I will go the used route

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I got a 1995 Lawson vector. its old and I set it up printed t shirts with it. that thing hold some impressive registration. I've seen Javelins that don't hold as good registration. I was trying to set up for other garments and with such a tight space I couldn't deal with it. Its stored till I can get a addition or new building built.

I wish I could afford a new press. It either be the Saber or a M&R.

 

[OSSKOBRET]

Yeah the saber is nice
I think im going to look for a smaller auto for now .
I dont want to have to get rid of my manuel press. What do you think about the trooper . I am limited on space for now

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