Packages

You do realise thats a sublimation package?

Have a look at these t-shirt transfer kits.
ChromaBlast Heat Transfer Starter Kit | Printing Starter Kits @ GJS Machinery Australia
T-Shirt Business In A Box

You will be able to print on wide variety of substrates, not just t-shirts - as you said, mugs, stubby holders, mouse mats, puzzles etc.

With dye sublimation set up you will be limited to polyester garments - this method doesn't work on cotton t-shirts.

If you want to decorate cotton t-shirts, you can also use this heat press for vinyl, rhinestone transfers and for other types of heat transfers (but you would need to get a second printer)

Upon further inspection yes you are right.
That chromablast starter kit looks good.
What are the costs for the ink etc and how much ink does it go through (I know that is a misleading question, just want to know a ball park of how many small designs you can do before needing replacements

It looks ok but looks expensive @ roxcell

I am starting to think I should start with a good press and good printer and go from there. Maybe just add a cap press and mug press later on down the track.
That does seem expensive for the printer though.
Also I looked up some things on Chromablast and found some threads about it on here. Most of the posts weren't too kind. That was back in 2008, has it changed now?

If you are serious about printing business, you should definitely start with good quality equipment and a clear idea of what you are going to do and who you are going to sell to.

When taking short-cuts in quality of the equipment and substrates, people sometimes get disillusioned, frustrated and give up.

I personally can't comment on Chromablast as I'm a large-format dye-sub printer; hopefully, someone who is familiar with the system will chime in.

When it comes to small format dye-sublimation, I read a lot of good reviews on Ricoh gel printers - apparently they are not clogging like Epsons.

With any equipment you buy, it's important to make sure the seller will support you if there is anything wrong with it.

I can personally comment on the Heat Master heat press. It's a good tough press, I've been using the same one for over 2 years and I bought it from the same place. Good service and there is a lot of support if you ever need it!

I agree with Tania, definitely get yourself good quality equipment. It will last and the quality of your products will be consistent.

thanks for all of the replies, they have been extremely helpful.
what about Chromablast?
Does it have the feel of paper on top of the t shirt like some transfers?
How close to screen printing is it?
I am thinking of getting a plotter as well and going with vinyl as well.
How thick is your average vinyl and what is the feel on the t shirt like.