posted
I've sold-off all the big stuff (30" gerber, blasting equipment, big power tools, the works) and I'm focusing on small stuff only. I've got a lot of demand for short run decals, helmet flames, bike, boat and car detailing, stickers, "T" transfers and such. I can't afford an Edge or the pricey large format units. I'm considering a PC12 by Roland. Any opinions or advice? Any other alternatives for print/cut ability?
Thanks much, Howie
-------------------- Rob Hoban Look 2R Designs Grimshaw Alberta Posts: 18 | From: Grimshaw Alberta | Registered: Nov 1998
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Where is Grimshaw? Closer to Calgary or Edmonton? Have you discussed your needs with your closest ND GRAPHICS branch?
A Gerber EDGE (or perhaps a used Gerber EDGE) might be more affordable that you might think. The EDGE also happens to have far lower production costs, better print quality, and is far (far) more versatile that the PC12, 60. or 600...truly a better investment. Get a thourough demontraton of each machine and ask some tough questions.
BOB: You are a great spokesman for Roland. I wish Gerber would give you an EDGE...once you've had both machines in your shop, you would never look back (and would ultimately make a great spokesperson for Gerber - like Glenn Taylor, for example).
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
Jon, I would LOVE to have a FREE EDGE and all that goes with it! What the hell....I'm not stupid (I think)! But I LOVE my PC-60. It does everything I need it to. It works with everything I've got and puts out a very profitable product. Why would I need to change? From what I've seen as far as output from the EDGE, I'll just stick to what I've got.
posted
Either the Edge or the PC600 would be my choice... Had the PC12, actually 2 of them, and not worth the 50 bucks to ship them... I would lean towards the PC600 personally, being a Roland guy myself, but that it prints and cuts... Seeing as how you are not going to be doing fullscale production on the machine, it would work great... my 2 cents.
-------------------- Eric Patzer A.S.A.P. Design Lafayette, CO epatzer@earthlink.net Posts: 208 | From: Lafayette, CO USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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A machine that prints and cuts... At first glance, I can see why this would be appealing to just about anybody - it's almost like you're getting two machines for less than the price of one, doesn't it?
Sometimes, first impressions can be misleading. If you are still considering your options, consider this...Machines that print & cut in one neat package are only ever a printer or a cutter (not both) at any given time.
Limited production capacity
Slower turnaround / less flexibility to slip "rush" jobs for good customers into your production schedule
Unless your vendor provides on-site service, you are going to be shipping your sometimes printer / sometimes plotter (both of them) away for service/repairs...then what? How will you produce work for your customers?
I always strongly recommend that people understand each system's potential for Return on Investment, then make their buying decision based squarely on that. Factors influencing ROI (these can influence one another - once again, please do consult with your ND GRAPHICS representative):
Capital cost
Operating costs
Production (output) costs
Production capacity / throughput
Market opportunities / sale-ability of product
Profit potential
Learning curve / training
Tech support / service contracts / "Up Time"
ND GRAPHICS also offers an expanding selection of sales & marketing tools to help Gerber EDGE owners be more successful. Real value added you can take to the bank...
[ September 24, 2002, 11:18 AM: Message edited by: Jon Aston ]
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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I suggest taking your own file to one of the big shows. Have the Gerber guys run you through the print process and output your file. See if the Roland guys will do the same. Chances are slim, wonder why? From my experience, they usually have the same file printing over and over. The same file that they have dialed in to a T. The same file that won't show any banding on the show floor. I've taken a file and had it printed at the show by the Matan people as well. If they won't print, they must have something to hide. It would almost be like a car salesman trying to get you to buy a car without letting you test drive it.
-------------------- Bruce Evans Crown Graphics Chino, CA graphics@westcoach.net Posts: 913 | From: Chino, CA | Registered: Nov 1998
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-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
I read that Howie is looking for a simple (single unit) answer to his question. I understand the economics of the Edge/Roland debate, I also understand the Edge/Roland love affair some people have (Dodge/Ford/Chevy). It doesn't sound like Howie is going to have 25 orders for 500 stickers to get out in 2 days... (least not yet!) A machine that does the occasional print job with a contour cut is what he wants, so I would STILL recommend the PC60 or more so the PC600... Limited production, inexpensive up front cost and if you watch what you do (no 24x36" posters here...) you can make money... Just stay away from the PC12....
-------------------- Eric Patzer A.S.A.P. Design Lafayette, CO epatzer@earthlink.net Posts: 208 | From: Lafayette, CO USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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