Cost to open and operate....?

ivescreenedforless · Post by **ivescreenedforless** » Fri Nov 23, 2007 5:14 pm

How you guys doing?

I'm new here so let me introduce myself. I'm Dave, I'm 22 from Baltimore MD. Skateboarding got me into screen printing after learning how hard it is to print skateboards I just stuck with textiles. I work at a print shop that does mostly reversible jerseys for lacross teams, including numbering...which isnt my style. Wheres the art?

I'm more into doing band, club, and company apparel and hope to open my own shop one day. So I'm asking you, about how much did it cost for you to get started? Also how much does it cost to keep you stocked with inks and chemicals? Maybe some tips on where to start in order to expand would be helpful.

Thanks in advance, nice to meet you all.

Post by **ROADSIDE** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 12:46 pm

well... the ART is in you!
That sounds like some JEDI Force talk but its the truth.

As far as how much it cost to start the business....
Thats again up to you.

You can prolly work out of a basement or garage and get up and running manual style with less then $5000 (any less you are a hobbyist)

5 years ago the shop I have now cost me about $105,000 to get open.
I have a commercial building and automatic equipment....
Since then I have dumped at least another $120,000 into the business... added vinyl graphics, embroidery, sublimation, and a host of other servies.

I would suggest starting small and brokering few a little while to learn the business.
If you can avoid actually being the printer full time.... you will make money.
Try to do it all yourself and it becomes a job.... just like any other.

ivescreenedforless · Post by **ivescreenedforless** » Sat Nov 24, 2007 1:07 pm

thanks for the response!

I was planning to operate out of my basement for a while. I have a 4 color press already. I definatly need alot of other equiptment and supplies.

I was just wondering, if I'm successful in my basement, what kind of loan am I looking to take out for a real shop. I was thinking atleast 50,000-75,000 for the basic equiptment and supplies + rent.

I still have alot to learn and it would be a few years before I opened a shop I'd just like to start planning now.

Post by **ROADSIDE** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 1:44 pm

Sounds like a good plan.

Just make sure you figure your rent into your loan estimates.

If your rent is going to be $2000 a month thats $24,000 a year.... you should prolly figure at least 2 years of rent into the loan just to cover your ass.
They call this start up and/or operating capital.

If you stay Manual $50 grand will be more then enough to get you up and running.

Good Luck

ivescreenedforless · Post by **ivescreenedforless** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 2:29 pm

awesome, thanks for the tips.

I def plan to stay manual atleast until things start stacking up. I have a crappy 4 color press now, but it has no micro reg or any other adjustments other than off contact and moving the screen left to right....sucks but it works.

I'll be getting a flash dryer soon, because heat guns are the devil. Could you point me in a the direction of some decent 120v flashes and conveyors?

Thanks alot!

Post by **ROADSIDE** » Mon Nov 26, 2007 5:33 pm

I am partial to the M&R brand (www.mrprint.com) Thats what I use.
There are a few other high quality companies out there.

Also you may want to go to a trade show in your area.

http://www.issshows.com/

ivescreenedforless · Post by **ivescreenedforless** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 5:39 pm

I didnt want to waste space with a new post so I'll just ask in here...

I'm looking for a good distributor for tshirts and such. I made an account with Alpha,but I would like some other options.

Thanks in advance.

Post by **ROADSIDE** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 7:55 pm

Sanmar
Bodek and Rhodes
Atlantic Coast Cotton
NES
Broder Brothers
Alpha