Need Help Starting A Business!

By crysboo on Jan. 12, 2010

Hi guys,
I'm brand new to this site but it looks extremely helpful. I recently purchased a yudu machine (at home screenprinting) and I absolutely LOVE it... I enjoy making shirts and its the best creative outlet I've ever found! Well my dad suggested that I use his building to start my own business. I love this idea but I have NO IDEA how to get started. Of course I would need a bigger machine and better computer software (right now I'm using an old version of print shop) Plus I have to find vendors and ink, etc... Can anyone lead me in the right direction as far as what software you are using (and is it easy to use). Also what kind of machine is best for a startup company? How much is this going to cost me?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks guys!

Submitted by brothersprinting on Tue, 01/12/2010 - 10:01

The software that we use is Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. They are not the easiest programs to use but in my opinion the most efficient. As far as machines and other equipment they sell at ton of stuff on this site. You should get at least a 4 color 1 station press. For supplies check out silkscreeningsupplies.com. I would say before making the plunge into the business check into it a bit first. Watch videos on youtube. If you do decide to do it, I have a lot of equipment that I don't use because I upgraded. I have a light box, 4 color 1 station press, ink, and screens I would be willing to sell if you are interested.

Hope this helped
BCP
brotherscustomprinting@gmail.com

Submitted by crysboo on Tue, 01/12/2010 - 10:18

well I've been looking online at startup packages but like I said I have no idea what kind of machine to use (also meaning which brands are good?). What brand is the one you are willing to sell?
Also I was looking into Corel Draw. Have you ever used that one? I'm sure no matter which software I pick I'm going to have to take some sort of class on it just to get familiar with using it.
Also, I noticed equipment like dryers, flash units, wash out booths, etc... would it be a good idea to purchase these things from the beginning if I can?
Thanks so much for the reply I appreciate it!

Submitted by brothersprinting on Tue, 01/12/2010 - 10:53

The press I have is a Hopkins. Corel is ok and is a little easier to use. You don't need to buy all that stuff at first. I use a slop sink and a pressure washer to wash out my screens. You will have to get some type of dryer. When I first started out I used a flash dryer for the whole process. You will have to buy a temp gun so you know when your ink is fully cured. But I definitely recommend getting a conveyor at some point.
BCP

Submitted by crysboo on Tue, 01/12/2010 - 11:26

So Hopkins is a brand you would recommend... are there any others? And also I was wondering if there is such a thing that does screen printing along with viynl cutting. Like if I wanted to make decals and stickers as well...

Thanks for all the great info!

Submitted by brothersprinting on Tue, 01/12/2010 - 18:05

Hopkins is a good name brand as well as Atlas, Harco, Workhorse and Vastex. And to do vinyl decals you will need a vinyl cutter. There is nothing to do screen printing and decals. Alot of time depending on how much you are doing save yourself some headache and sub contract the stickers and decals out.
BCP

Submitted by fwscreener on Tue, 01/12/2010 - 19:16

We use Corel for just about everything we do, we have Adobe and I am proficient at Adobe, but too hard for employees to learn and train on. If later on you end up hiring help they will demand more monies because of Adobe. We hire our art staff out of tech school, high school and train on Corel Draw, life is good! We do half dots all the time, what you need is a good inkjet printer.

Equipment M and R, M and R, M and R, as far as wash booth, go to your local home depot, lowes and buy a damaged fiberglass bathtub and build your own, again Life is good....

Hope this helps

Submitted by crysboo on Wed, 01/13/2010 - 08:16

Thanks for the advice.
I'm now wondering what will I make a year? How do I even estimate that? (attempting to put together some sort of business plan) I want to know how soon can I expect a profit, and how many customers I need to stay afloat....

Submitted by fwscreener on Wed, 01/13/2010 - 10:24

Now you need more help.

I don't where you are, but if you are around a larger city you can go to a business called
SCORE they are free!!!!! Senior C?? of retired engineers.

Google SCORE

Or many cities have business centers to help you put together business plans or have business models to follow for very little monies.

Hope this helps

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