I need some tips on starting a new business

Style Direction · February 20th, 2007, 10:51 PM

Hi I'm new here, this place appealed to me, I thought I might get some good advice, I like the vib here.

I'm new to the self-entrepreneur thing, but I have 12 years experience working for the low-level mass-market tear of fashion. I've moved around in the industry and I'm comfortable doing all sorts of graphics for almost every customer in the fashion industry, repeats, screen-print creation and production art, branding, etc.

I'd like to start up my own thing; I could use some veteran advice.

I'm looking to start up my own screen-printing business; I'd like to begin by printing my screen prints on junior's long shirts/tunics. I've taken a basic course on screen-printing, stamping, batiking many years ago. I need to produce prototypes/strike-offs and get them copy written. I'm a hands-on kind've guy/manufacturer and my screen prints range from 2-6 colors, with foils, flocking, and other refinements. I'd like to print them on cotton-poly blend, of some sort or maybe even something "organic". I have an apparel design background (translation I can sew if I have to).

How might you start out to get a nice protype and eventually replicate the print, on a low budget, if you had very good computer know-how.

I have an old epson 1280, which feeds thin sheets of 11-17 poorly. Money isn't impossible to get a hold of but I'd like to keep my investments small until I see demand. I have fairly good website design knowledge and I know a few salesmen in the mass market, a lot of people find me to be creative so, I'd like to know how to start small and build as demand grows eventually and purchase better equipment.

What I'd like to know is what technique/process is good for non-overlapping colors, in which the prints have moderately to high intricate detail. Dye types, fabric choices, manufacture by hand or send it out?

J

JuBilee · February 21st, 2007, 11:02 AM

Here goes, In my honest opinion, inexpensive equipment is not going to turn out the product that I think you have in mind. It's kinda like the old computer programming saying, "Garbage in, garbage out." The better the equipment the higher the quality of the finished product. My first step would be to go to an SGIA or ISS show and look at equipment. This will give you an idea of what machines can do and what they cost. You will also get a chance to see how they work. Usually the manufacturers has specials and sales on stuff. You can also find a distributor and sometimes they have used equipment they have taken in on trade or know of a shop that is looking to upgrade as soon as they sell of the old stuff. You can also talk with garment vendors and manufacturers at the events. By the end of the day it will be possible to have established your entire supply chain.

This should get you moving in the right direction. Hope it helps.

destin87 · April 27th, 2007, 09:41 PM

My company can assist with financing your equipment. We do start up Embroidery and Screen Printing business quite often. Give us a call if your interested? We also have relationships with certain vendors and can maybe help with your negotiations.

Thanks,
Ken Harrison
Destin Commercial Leasing
Phone 704-238-9226
email: [email address]