[mrf0]

Good morning everyone!

Now, my girlfriend and her family are wanting to start a small heat-press business, problem is, none of us really knew where to start! Unfortunatley I've been put in charge of this so here goes...

I've done some research and gathered as much information as I can without having to ask, but it has come to a point now of annoying little tid-bits that I would need to know.

(I appologies if this is in the wrong section etc., please let me know so I can edit/move/delete(!))

First question is where to buy. I have seen plenty of recomendations for the US but none for the UK. We are idaelly looking for a 5 in 1 unit, or a clam press with room to upgrade (to then print on mugs/plates/caps etc.)
I have looked on eBay but they all seem a bit, well, cheap.
If anyone could give some recomendations then that would be magnificent.

Second question is does anyone have a how-to guide with supplies information for the UK (Where to buy etc.)

Almost forgot, budget is ideally £500 for the press equipement (Not including consumabled). But defintely willing to pay more if it's going to be worth it!

Thank you very very much!

 

[ppts160]

Hi Dan
Firstly good luck in the new venture. Lots of help on here.
Secondly depending on how much your business does cheap is not always best as many of us have learnt to our cost.
There are lots of sources for what you may need but depends if you want something local to you or like most of those on here you are prepared to deal with the bigger dealers and deal by post and phone. Where are you based??

Mike

 

[mrf0]

Hi Mike,

Thank you! Yes I can imagine that in most cases things will be cheap and nasty rather than the cheap and cheerful we all expect! So that's where we would be more leniant to up the startup cost if need be (Espcially for long-term/reliable equipment).

We are based in Staines, Middlesex (Surrey).
With regards to who to deal with, dealing with larger dealers via post/phone would not be a problem so long as good quality stock/support is provided. It sounds like this is the best way to do things?

Again, thanks for your reply.

Dan.

 

[ppts160]

Hi Dan. Ther are others and I am sure others on here will recommend others but these are some I deal with regularly
MDP Supplies | Sign Vinyl - Application Tape - Sign Making Accessories
Hot Foil Printing Machines and Hot Foil Stamping Machines
Xpres.co.uk
The Transfer Press


Creative Printers might be a good place to start. They are in Romford

Hope this helps to get you started
Mike

 

[mrf0]

Hi Mike,

Thank you very much for all that information, it all looks very useful. I'll have a good read through it all.

You've been very helpful, it's much appreciated, thank you!

Dan.

 

[ppts160]

Glad to be of assistance Dan. Another thought is to decide on which route you are going down(vinyl transfer sublimation etc) and check youtube as there is a wealth of information and short videos to help you. A good site for sublimation printing advice is DyeSub.org - An educational site for dye sublimation and digital transfer printing.

if you go down the vinyl route you will need to look at cutters. You really need to consider where you are going to end up.

mike

 

[mrf0]

After having a good think, we have decided on this one: (as you can see the budget has increased quite some!
Low cost Combo Heat Press, T-Shirts, Mugs, Plates, Caps

(Package C1)

Comes with the free Pad printer too (Heat Press, Heat Presses, T-Shirt Printing Machinery, Mug Printers, Sublimation)

Just wanted to get an opinion from yourself as to whether you'd say this is a good purchase?

Thanks!
Dan.

 

[ppts160]

Hi Dan

This would seem to give you an all round option. I can only say it will give you choices as to what to get into but don't try to do it all at once. I have found Creative printers very reliable with their service and help and have been dealing with them for about three years. Any problems just give them a call and they are always glad to help. The bonus is they are within travelling distance of your location. I have never been down to see them but if you are close enough why not give them a call and go and see the press before buying. Get a demo and make sure it is what you want and more importantly need.

Please mention my name to them and give them my regards. We trade as Ribbons and Roses in Morecambe and I am Michael Carson. If you want to talk to me directly look on the website and give us a call. I don't pretend to be an expert but will be happy to help if I can. (Our link is below.) Just click on it and get the phone number on the site

Mike

 

[steve Laming]

Hi agree with everything that Mike has told you he helped me out a year or to ago when i started. As a novice two bits of info i have picked up. Firstly take youre time get to no how everything works. I know this sounds silly but it will save you a lot of stress in the long run.secondly have youre market in mind. I specialise in church Ts and Tarantula Ts and am doing well. People now just tell me what they want without me having to advertise. This keeps me ticking over. This is how i started hope it helps you out