With personalization being a common theme in products nowadays, it isn’t surprising that the printing business is thriving. From mugs, shirts, USB drives, to notebooks—dipping your foot into the printing industry can be a logical and financially rewarding step. Here are some tips to keep in mind if you’re considering this move:
1. Go with a Franchise
A printing or signs franchise might be the best way to go if you want to obtain not just the amenities but also the goodwill that comes with the franchise name. With a franchise, you’ll be able to get all the basic equipment for printing that usually comes with the price of the franchise. The goodwill, however, is the most valuable item of all as it makes it remarkably easy for you to get clients—even if you’re new in the market.
2. Find an Excellent Graphic Artist
A good graphic artist can make or break your printing business. You’d want not just someone capable of making layouts but also someone who has advanced Photoshop skills, thereby allowing you to provide something no one else is capable of. You’ll find that studying this skill yourself can help your business grow even faster as this is the single most important aspect of printing. While most customers come in with fairly good ideas of what they want, it takes skill and creativity to turn their ideas into something that looks good in real life.
3. Get the Basic Equipment and Expand
Of course, not everyone can afford a franchise with all the bells and whistles that come with it. If you’re not ready for the whole package, then just start with the most basic and gradually expand your offering. For example, you can start with T-shirt printing or printing signage or posters. Once you’re known in the industry and getting profit, you can extend to mugs, caps, bags, and various other products.
4. Find a Partner, Not a Supplier
Look for a partner to help you grow and not just a supplier of the things or materials you’ll need. Being a supplier evokes feelings from a strictly buyer-seller relationship. On the other hand, with a partner, you can enjoy compromises that allow you both to grow and expand together. Find those who have an excellent supply chain and are willing to innovate for the benefit of their customers. It is vital to maximize the use of the printing machine. To impoove the business scenario, you can plan tote bag printing. The business expansion will help you foster your printing business. Remember that with the speed of changing technology, you need to work with those who are willing to grow and move with you as demanded by the market.
5. Build a Portfolio
Don’t forget to build a portfolio with every new client you bring into the business. Create a collection of items that will give your clients the chance to see exactly what you have to offer. You might have to spend more during the initial promotion stage, but this will definitely be beneficial in the long run for the growth of your printing business.
Of course, these are just some of the things you’ll have to remember when starting a printing business. Keep in mind that while businesses inherently come with risks, it helps to perform due diligence beforehand to make sure that you’re not biting off more than you can chew.
