Do any of you use your Edge or Roland to do heat transfers? If so, would you tell me what device you use. I've been looking at the Knight and the Mighty press and thought I'd check with you guys to see what your preference was. I kind of like the Knight setup as you can add attachments for hats, cups and plates. Also, if you do that type of work what the going rate is for a typical full color t-shirt or hat goes for in your area. I know quantities would effect the price and also the type of art applied, but just trying to get a rough idea of what kind of margin one could expect.
Thanks a bunch!
Posted by Chuck Gallagher (Member # 69) on :
bumping up my own post!
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Chuck,
I really don't have an answer for you since I don't use digitally printed heat-transfers. I know some shops charge about $20 per transfer regardless of color.
After doing a "Cost / Benefit" analysis, doing them would cause me to lose money based on my hourly rate needs and the type of clients that type of work brings.
Posted by VICTORGEORGIOU (Member # 474) on :
Chuck, the fellow who bought my shop also bought a shop in a nearby town that had a heat press and Edge. The former owner said he had tried to compete with the screenprinters and abandoned the effort.
The new owner got some foil and printed a few jobs. He says it works fine, but his business plan is taking him in another direction.
The only people who ever came to me for tees were people looking for very short runs that made screenprinting cost prohibitive. It generally meant they were looking for a one-off at a volume price. In our area there are screenprinters everywhere. I could never figure out what would make me distinctive from the pack, and without that, it would be a straight price competition.
But you did not ask about business plan, you asked about heat transfer technology. It gets quiet around here on weekends. You might want to bump your post up on Monday.
Vic G
Posted by Chuck Gallagher (Member # 69) on :
Thanks Glenn & Vic,
Just trying to find a way to make more money and hoped that would be one of them.
Hey Vic, I talked to Ron Percell the other day so thanks for the idea to call him.
Also thanks Glenn for the UK site link I saw on one of your posts too. Another place for information.
Take Care you guys!
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Chuck,
As a money-maker, heat transfers can be limiting. But, that isn't to say you shouldn't do it. Several thermal-printer owners use it to print a free t-shirt for a customer who spends X amount of money with them. It makes for a great marketing tool.
I also use my Edge to print on SmartBlocker for numbers on team shirts. I'm the only guy in town who can give them any color numbers they want.
Posted by Chuck Gallagher (Member # 69) on :
Thanks Glenn,
Still agonizing over what to do with digital stuff. I wonder if anyone else has this much trouble or maybe I'm just idiot..............ok I've answered my own question!
he he he
Posted by Steve Purcell (Member # 1140) on :
I do some limited run stuff with the LT foils, and I find that it can be quite profitable in a niche market.
Screen printers can't provide the custom, multicolor design work on the short runs, nor can they provide the ancillary products like custom print & cut decals, etc..
I've sold as much as a gross of 2 color at $15/per. And I've charged as high as $90.00 for a custom single.
If you do nice designs, they will pay.
Posted by Chuck Gallagher (Member # 69) on :
Thanks Ron!
Time to shapen a pencil............
Posted by KEN SCOTT (Member # 2979) on :
Well, I might be able to help you.. We make screen printed transfers, direct print, and own a edge 2. The edge is great for the customer who wants 10 shirts with 5 colors.. But if you are going to try to compete with a screen printer with the edge, Don't try. It will only help you if you already screen print. You can of course order custom transfers from numerous companies. This might be the way you wanna go.
I have found that short runs ( where we already have there logo finished ) is a good way to advertise our company too. I have a template where we drop in there logo onto a sign and print it onto the customers shirt. example: I got my sign ( picture of the sign we just finished for them ) at Ken's Custom Tees & Signs.
Makes a cool little gift for them and advertises for us...
Don't know if this will help you, but I hope so. Ken
Posted by Ernie&DianeBalch (Member # 1301) on :
We have the Stahls heat press, wonderful machine. Make sure you get a digital temp indicator/controller. You have to know the press temperature. Also get a 16x20 press don't bother with the small ones.
As far as the Edge process transfers go... they work ok on light shirts. Your shirt will cost $3 and the color print materials will be $5 so you have to get a good buck for the shirts.
One thing we do is edge print full color on white plastisol film we get from Hyatts. It works great for hats and left chest logos in full color. The thick material with full color works just like the Stahls system based on the Roland printer. Material costs are much lower and screen printers just can't do it cost effectively.
My screen printer equipment supplyer told me of 2 customers he setup that print 10,000 fishing hats a month in their garage working only on saturdays. Their markup is $5 each and they sell them to bait shops around CA. So you can make money if you find a niche.
ernie
Posted by Glenn Taylor (Member # 162) on :
Ken,
You are 100% correct. I also like your idea about promoting yourself with the t-shirt. A very smart idea, indeed.
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