Starting up a Screen Printing business help

Hi Patricia,

This really not as straight forward as you might think. Pricing/profits really will depend on your overhead expenses. For example, do you have to pay $1000/mo rent or $500/mo rent? I would as a general rule of thumb, add up all your operating expenses for the week, month, etc. and determine how many shirts you would need to sell and at what price to cover your operating costs and then mark-up your shirts accordingly for profit margin. Just a start to get you thinking.....

Create a business plan that phases your products, equipment and growth. Start by building a basic product line and outsource the work. Build a customer base then start looking into equipment. Buy used equipment to start with because you are going to move up to nicer larger equipment in a year or so anyway. No sense in taking a beating on the new equipment. Offer both screen print and embroidery. You can add promo items too but unless you want all of that I would stay away from it until someone asks. Don't buy any equipment until you have read through comments on this and other forums as to quality of the manufacturer and servicability/history of the machines. Stay as far away from debt or leasing as you can in the beginning so your initial profits are going into your pocket. As you build your customer base and sales then consider the additional expenses of equipment and inhouse production. Cash is power!

Bill

This sounds like a cool project!
Screen printing is all about profit.
I'm only 18 and I own my own shop fresh out of high school.

Pretty much START OUT with a cheaper press, don't go for the fancy M&R presses and such unless you have the money to spend for it.
For instance i started out on a old 6c 4s Atlas press i found in the paper shop. From there I started printing bands touring merch and built up my clients; withing a few months i had the money for top of the line equipment!

Price wise, always make your clients seem like there getting the BEST deal!
I get my shirts from Alpha there prices aren't too bad. If not not a known printer start your rates out rather cheap at first, mark them up gradually; but not so drastically that people will notice.

For supplies (ink, squeegees, adhesives etc); I used to print for an awesome screen printing supplies distributer called Pocono Mtn Screen Supply. I haven't really shopped around at other sites besides the first ones that come up on google, but Pocono Mtn. seemed to be the cheapest place for Triangle Ink, high tension wood/alum. screens, and everything else you need! ( poconoscreen.com )

All of that is just my opinion though!
Let me know if you need anything else! :]

-Justin, Ghostwork Ink Printing