Impressions - September 2013 - (Page 67)

Tech Tips talking SHOP Moving Up b ringing automated equipment into your screen printing shop is a big decision, but one that can take your business to the next level. While extensive planning is required prior to making a large investment, here’s a quick checklist to get you started. 1 Do your research. Peruse online forums such as T-shirtforums.com and screenprinters.net before you purchase a high-quality automatic press, to learn about the quality of equipment from other screen printers. 2 Compare your options. Decide which machines you think are best and narrow it down to two manufacturers. Will the manufacturer take your old equipment as a trade-in? How long and what kind of service will it provide after your purchase? 3 Go see the presses in action. Distributors will gladly take you to other print shops to witness the equipment in action. 4 Use your best judgment. Consider the type of printing your company does and factor that into your decision. How does your shop’s volume compare to the price of the press? Will you be able to maintain the machine if your largest clients backﬁre? How long will it take until you will see the return on your investment? — From the Impressions archives Upgrading your manual screen printing shop to include an automatic press requires precise planning and research. The Value of Proofs m Offering screen printed proofs is an important service, but one that can cost you production time (and money) if not factored into the price of a job. Image courtesy of Mind’s Eye Graphics, Decatur, Ind. impressionsmag.com any customers ask for or require screen printed proofs of ﬁnal products before releasing orders. Make sure you completely understand who has approval authorization before you determine whether you will offer this service. Also, associate a value with proofs — even if you intend to waive or forgive the cost at some future time. A preproduction proof, by its nature, means you will set up the job, print it and tear it down to allow production to continue at some future time. Always charge art, screen prep and materials fees for this service unless you view this as a speculative marketing opportunity. A press proof implies someone will be on site to approve the art, color, placement, etc. It always is best to schedule these at the end of the day so if the customer tries six different shades of red before it’s “just right,” you won’t have a production team of three trying to look busy while the press is occupied with prooﬁng. Make sure the client is aware that if the job is not approved on press, additional charges will be incurred, as well as time delays for each change requested. Most importantly, let him know that if he does not show up at the assigned time, there will be a signiﬁcant no-show service charge. It is best not to set up the job until the client is on site to avoid the no-show service charge situation. — Information provided by Greg Kitson, Mind’s Eye Graphics, Decatur, Ind. September 2013 | Impressions 67 http://www.T-shirtforums.com http://www.screenprinters.net http://www.impressionsmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - September 2013

Impressions - September 2013
Contents
First Impressions
From the Show Director
FYI
Product Gallery
ISS Conferences
Outdoor Outfitting
Beat the Heat
Today’s Textile Ink Options
Shop Spotlight
Shop Spotlight
Embroidery Technique
Embroidery Production
Tech Tips Embroidery
Screen Printing Production
Screen Printing Graphics & Design
Screen Printing Technique
Online Directory
Tech Tips Screen Printing
Digital Decorating
Classifieds
Ad Index

Impressions - September 2013