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So I am not starting my own clothing line, I am just screen printing. But I want to be a contract printer, does anyone have any tips on how to get contracts or what kind of paperwork I need for the contracts I get?
How to get contract printing jobs
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599 Posts
Scott:
Obtaining a steady client base of contract printing requires a lot of dedication, customer service, quality work, and understanding of your capabilities. There isn't an "on" switch that you can just throw and work flows to you like a river.
Your first step is going to be essentially understanding the qualities that you bring to the table and can offer someone. I'd start with a robust business plan. There are tons of websites and books dedicated to this, so I won't belabor the point, but this should be your primary focus when starting out.
Contract printing is based on handling the work for someone else, knowing that they still need to mark up the order to make money. That being said, the margins are quite low and people will leave you for a penny or a nickel less than the other guy. The only way to do it right is to understand completely EXACTLY how much money every step of the process takes, and where you can add more money to your margin in that process.
Large contract printers have highly automated and efficient shops. I should know, I run one in Milwaukee - Visual Impressions. Take a look at my Pinterest board for some pics of the shop to get a glimpse of what I mean - Behind the Curtain at a T-shirt Shop
Not saying you can't get into this market, as there's plenty of work to go around. However, you need to make sure you comprehend all the facets of this market before you set yourself up for failure. Don't compete on price - instead offer the intangibles that are going to be difficult to ignore: Excellent customer service, outstanding artwork, able to hustle and do things that other shops can't or won't. Build your stable of clients one at a time and knock their socks off.
Good luck,
-M
Obtaining a steady client base of contract printing requires a lot of dedication, customer service, quality work, and understanding of your capabilities. There isn't an "on" switch that you can just throw and work flows to you like a river.
Your first step is going to be essentially understanding the qualities that you bring to the table and can offer someone. I'd start with a robust business plan. There are tons of websites and books dedicated to this, so I won't belabor the point, but this should be your primary focus when starting out.
Contract printing is based on handling the work for someone else, knowing that they still need to mark up the order to make money. That being said, the margins are quite low and people will leave you for a penny or a nickel less than the other guy. The only way to do it right is to understand completely EXACTLY how much money every step of the process takes, and where you can add more money to your margin in that process.
Large contract printers have highly automated and efficient shops. I should know, I run one in Milwaukee - Visual Impressions. Take a look at my Pinterest board for some pics of the shop to get a glimpse of what I mean - Behind the Curtain at a T-shirt Shop
Not saying you can't get into this market, as there's plenty of work to go around. However, you need to make sure you comprehend all the facets of this market before you set yourself up for failure. Don't compete on price - instead offer the intangibles that are going to be difficult to ignore: Excellent customer service, outstanding artwork, able to hustle and do things that other shops can't or won't. Build your stable of clients one at a time and knock their socks off.
Good luck,
-M
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1,113 Posts
Holy cow, your alls set up is crazy impressive. I don't think I could ever imagine myself operating an operation as large as that one.
But on the other hand third pictures inspire me to see what can be achieved with a great deal of everything.
I was thinking more along the lines Of contract printing with people who wanted to start a clothing line, or sporting good shops that need things printed (I'm not sure if contract screen printing is the correct term when I am using it). But I have been brought up on providing customer service and going that extra mile for the customer. So that part I have no problem with, well, not a big problem at least.
I see a problem, and I have an idea on how to fix it, but I just don't know the best way of going about reaching the people who have the problem so I can fix it for them.
But on the other hand third pictures inspire me to see what can be achieved with a great deal of everything.
I was thinking more along the lines Of contract printing with people who wanted to start a clothing line, or sporting good shops that need things printed (I'm not sure if contract screen printing is the correct term when I am using it). But I have been brought up on providing customer service and going that extra mile for the customer. So that part I have no problem with, well, not a big problem at least.
I see a problem, and I have an idea on how to fix it, but I just don't know the best way of going about reaching the people who have the problem so I can fix it for them.
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599 Posts
Scott:
Your first step to analyze what you have to offer. What are you capabilities? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Can you print a 12 color design? Can you hangtag, polybag, price sticker, relabel?
If not, no big deal - but you need to know before someone asks you.
Do you have a website? Business cards? Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media accounts? Are you at the peak of professionalism - or do you look amateurish?
Contract printing is all about trust...as you are performing a task for someone else and then delivering that project to THEIR client, so they don't have to do the work. If they don't trust you, it doesn't matter what you quoted, you won't get the job.
Look to your area. What are the big contract printers there? You don't have to reinvent the wheel here. You don't have to be a big shop either... All the big companies, once started out small.
Your first step is to understand what you bring to the table, and work on marketing THAT. This is why a business plan is so crucial. You want - Ready, Aim, Fire....not Ready, Fire, Aim.
Good luck,
-M
Your first step to analyze what you have to offer. What are you capabilities? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Can you print a 12 color design? Can you hangtag, polybag, price sticker, relabel?
If not, no big deal - but you need to know before someone asks you.
Do you have a website? Business cards? Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media accounts? Are you at the peak of professionalism - or do you look amateurish?
Contract printing is all about trust...as you are performing a task for someone else and then delivering that project to THEIR client, so they don't have to do the work. If they don't trust you, it doesn't matter what you quoted, you won't get the job.
Look to your area. What are the big contract printers there? You don't have to reinvent the wheel here. You don't have to be a big shop either... All the big companies, once started out small.
Your first step is to understand what you bring to the table, and work on marketing THAT. This is why a business plan is so crucial. You want - Ready, Aim, Fire....not Ready, Fire, Aim.
Good luck,
-M
Do you have automatic equipment?....
Do you have direct to screen making equipment?....
Do you a highly discounted freight rate for out bound shipments?....
Do you offer free pickup at wholesalers?....
Are you willing to to work at very low rates compared to retail work?....
Do you realize that contract clients will want it now (or sooner...lol)....
Unless you are highly optimized for volume work, my suggestion is to focus on retail work....Good luck...
Do you have direct to screen making equipment?....
Do you a highly discounted freight rate for out bound shipments?....
Do you offer free pickup at wholesalers?....
Are you willing to to work at very low rates compared to retail work?....
Do you realize that contract clients will want it now (or sooner...lol)....
Unless you are highly optimized for volume work, my suggestion is to focus on retail work....Good luck...
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1,113 Posts
All I have is a Vastex v2000hd 6x6 and a conveyer dryer (as well as all of the other equipment needed to produce screens and aid in the production process). So no I don't have any of the fancy automatics or auto screen machines, yet.
When you say retail work, do you mean making my own T-shirts and selling them to retail shops?
When you say retail work, do you mean making my own T-shirts and selling them to retail shops?
I mean doing custom work for your own clients....But even wholesaling your own line to retail outlets should give you better margins than doing contract work....So for custom work, go knock on doors.....And for wholesale sales of your own line just knock on different doors....
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897 Posts
Scott,
I am going to disagree for the most part with the rest of the members who have replied.
You do not need a fancy automatic to do contract work. You do not need to be able to produce 12 color designs, label, poly bag or any of that other stuff.
Most who think of contract printing think of the shops that produce for ASI or other high volume customers and of course you cannot compete with that but it does not mean you cannot become a contract printer.
The term "Contract Printing" as it is used today simple means printing for someone else who is doing the selling. 99.99% of the time there is no actual "contract" involved. Think about that. A free sales staff with no commission.
We started out contract printing years ago with a 6 color Odyssey manual press. I still have that press today although we do have an automatic now. But you do not need an automatic to start.
Here is the secret to doing contract work with a manual press. First off, know your limitations and use that to your advantage. How you may ask? Well it is quite simple. You go after a niche in the contract printing market and that niche is small runs done fast. There are tons of customers out there who do not sell the volume needed for most large contract shops to even both with. And even if they will mess with some of the smaller jobs they are usually not close to the people who need the jobs printed. Start with the customers close to you and offer them personal service along with a quality print job.
To start digging those customers up, just start looking for small embroidery shops, small sign shops, Spirit Wear shops, Custom Chopper shops and the list goes on. Heck, go to the local schools and find out who is on the PTA, ask them who does there stuff and then approach them and offer your services.
For me personally I find we make more money doing contract work then we do printing retail. I felt so strongly about it that about 10 years ago I took my truck and pulled down our sign. You can drive right past us and never know we are there. And I love it.
Why do I like contract and why do we make more money? Simple, we do not have to deal with retail customers. We hardly ever supply the garments, the artwork comes to use pretty much ready to use, customer send me an email with the art in instructions, they bring the shirts and all we do is print the darn things. Our terms are COD so no cash or check and you do not get your shirts back.
With retail you have to dilly dally around with a customer who brings a piece of clipart off the web and they do not want to pay anything for you to fix it, then they cannot make up their minds just which shirts they want, next they give you the old "I can get them cheaper of the web" bit. Then you have to get a deposit, send their artwork back and forth until they are happy with it and the layout. Then when you only have one day left before their deadline, they approve it all and wonder why you are cursing. Next they pick up their shirts and tell you how great they look but then call later and say some shirts were missing or come back and need 5 more for the same price after you have already reclaimed the screens.
For me I do not have enough patients anymore to deal with the retail customers and I like being hid out because we can get more work done faster and make more money.
So to recap. You sure can become a contract printer with a manual press and you can make some good money doing it.
I am going to disagree for the most part with the rest of the members who have replied.
You do not need a fancy automatic to do contract work. You do not need to be able to produce 12 color designs, label, poly bag or any of that other stuff.
Most who think of contract printing think of the shops that produce for ASI or other high volume customers and of course you cannot compete with that but it does not mean you cannot become a contract printer.
The term "Contract Printing" as it is used today simple means printing for someone else who is doing the selling. 99.99% of the time there is no actual "contract" involved. Think about that. A free sales staff with no commission.
We started out contract printing years ago with a 6 color Odyssey manual press. I still have that press today although we do have an automatic now. But you do not need an automatic to start.
Here is the secret to doing contract work with a manual press. First off, know your limitations and use that to your advantage. How you may ask? Well it is quite simple. You go after a niche in the contract printing market and that niche is small runs done fast. There are tons of customers out there who do not sell the volume needed for most large contract shops to even both with. And even if they will mess with some of the smaller jobs they are usually not close to the people who need the jobs printed. Start with the customers close to you and offer them personal service along with a quality print job.
To start digging those customers up, just start looking for small embroidery shops, small sign shops, Spirit Wear shops, Custom Chopper shops and the list goes on. Heck, go to the local schools and find out who is on the PTA, ask them who does there stuff and then approach them and offer your services.
For me personally I find we make more money doing contract work then we do printing retail. I felt so strongly about it that about 10 years ago I took my truck and pulled down our sign. You can drive right past us and never know we are there. And I love it.
Why do I like contract and why do we make more money? Simple, we do not have to deal with retail customers. We hardly ever supply the garments, the artwork comes to use pretty much ready to use, customer send me an email with the art in instructions, they bring the shirts and all we do is print the darn things. Our terms are COD so no cash or check and you do not get your shirts back.
With retail you have to dilly dally around with a customer who brings a piece of clipart off the web and they do not want to pay anything for you to fix it, then they cannot make up their minds just which shirts they want, next they give you the old "I can get them cheaper of the web" bit. Then you have to get a deposit, send their artwork back and forth until they are happy with it and the layout. Then when you only have one day left before their deadline, they approve it all and wonder why you are cursing. Next they pick up their shirts and tell you how great they look but then call later and say some shirts were missing or come back and need 5 more for the same price after you have already reclaimed the screens.
For me I do not have enough patients anymore to deal with the retail customers and I like being hid out because we can get more work done faster and make more money.
So to recap. You sure can become a contract printer with a manual press and you can make some good money doing it.
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599 Posts
Preston:
I wasn't implying that he needed autos to contract work, just that he needs to prepare himself to get into the market. Understanding your own capabilities and limitations is the first step to being able to knock on some doors and bring in some business.
However, he's going to compete with shops just like you in his area that are knocking on those same doors. How he differentiates himself from them (and not necessarily lowering the price - but that could be part of the equation too) to get the business is supremely important.
BTW, nice seeing you online - haven't seen a post from you since that "other" forum a few years ago...
Thanks,
-M
I wasn't implying that he needed autos to contract work, just that he needs to prepare himself to get into the market. Understanding your own capabilities and limitations is the first step to being able to knock on some doors and bring in some business.
However, he's going to compete with shops just like you in his area that are knocking on those same doors. How he differentiates himself from them (and not necessarily lowering the price - but that could be part of the equation too) to get the business is supremely important.
BTW, nice seeing you online - haven't seen a post from you since that "other" forum a few years ago...
Thanks,
-M
Joined
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897 Posts
I have my own forums that I get busy with plus I write software for ths business industry now.
Some pretty good responses here.
We find that retail, and a mix of "contract" keeps the money flowing. We still have art issues with the "contract" people, so that doesn't go away. The good part is that a good "contract" customer will be a regular to a degree no retail customer will ever match. Regular=cash flow!.
Fullfillment for some of the folks with lines really needs dtg, as they want a lot of onsies sent all over the place, but don't want to pay for a production run, even if you warehouse and ship. We stopped that end of the biz already. The mantra was "I need one shipped now to East Jabip". Uh yeah, sure. Let's see, you sell one shirt every two months. Hmmm.... interesting business model. If they have a good model, and do enough units, then that's a different story, and there is money to be made.
We find that retail, and a mix of "contract" keeps the money flowing. We still have art issues with the "contract" people, so that doesn't go away. The good part is that a good "contract" customer will be a regular to a degree no retail customer will ever match. Regular=cash flow!.
Fullfillment for some of the folks with lines really needs dtg, as they want a lot of onsies sent all over the place, but don't want to pay for a production run, even if you warehouse and ship. We stopped that end of the biz already. The mantra was "I need one shipped now to East Jabip". Uh yeah, sure. Let's see, you sell one shirt every two months. Hmmm.... interesting business model. If they have a good model, and do enough units, then that's a different story, and there is money to be made.
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Thanks all for the replies. They gave me a lot of good information.
I am currently printing for a sporting goods company so I was really just looking to see how to get more work. Hopefully I will be able to expand quickly with support from family members and other people I know.
I am currently printing for a sporting goods company so I was really just looking to see how to get more work. Hopefully I will be able to expand quickly with support from family members and other people I know.
I'm looking for another contract printer, where are you located?
Feel free to contact me directly
[email protected]
Feel free to contact me directly
[email protected]
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There is a lot of great information on this recent posts. I have a few extra questions regarding contract printing. If contract printing pricing will be provided to a client, should there be a minimum order? and what frequency of orders per client would be consider contract printing pricing?
What is the minimum amount of T-shirts that you would consider contract printing?
What is the minimum amount of T-shirts that you would consider contract printing?
if your still in need of a contract printer feel free to contact me. Our shop phone is 678-696-5155
Https://teelish.com
Https://teelish.com
if your still in need of a contract printer i'd be glad to help out. I run an auto shop in gainesville, ga.
All good points and advice since I have been trying to get large contract s for years. It is really tough to get the large contracts unless you make no money.
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51 Posts
All, you need it a DTG machine or a Screen machine to do contract work.
Put an ad in your local ad services like Kijiji, or other similar ads, Facebook etc
and offer contract printing.
Contract work is usually alot less than retail printing jobs. You can make money
with do contract work. but there are some down falls, you have to do more jobs
to make the same amount of money as retail. If you have an automatic it keeps
the jobs coming.
I got out of doing a lot of wholesale work as advertising for my own clients I make
more money. Often they will want to supply their own shirts.
Put an ad in your local ad services like Kijiji, or other similar ads, Facebook etc
and offer contract printing.
Contract work is usually alot less than retail printing jobs. You can make money
with do contract work. but there are some down falls, you have to do more jobs
to make the same amount of money as retail. If you have an automatic it keeps
the jobs coming.
I got out of doing a lot of wholesale work as advertising for my own clients I make
more money. Often they will want to supply their own shirts.
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