I got close to getting an auto.

[Prosperi-Tees]

Got close but no cigar. After getting a nice quote for a 6/8 Diamondback and the leasing company actually giving me good terms I really started looking at hard costs and after shipping, compressor, chiller, electrical work, forklift rental and new screens I would go flat broke doing it. So I am just piecing stuff together to be ready when its time to pull the trigger. I found a nice barely used 5HP IR 2 stage compressor for cheap and have started to build up my 23x31 screen stock. I may have the electrical work done just to have it done. I need a chiller still so I am in search of that. I guess I didnt really analyze all those costs which added up to almost 10K which would leave me flat broke which I cant do. I have to have some cushion before I pull the trigger.

[RICK STEFANICK]

That is smart thinking but there is also the lost sales while waiting.. another consideration would be to add a new compressor, chiller, and frames into your lease.If the lease rate is good that really is a viable option. i would also think really hard about a 8/10 also. the veratility really makes a difference and the payment wont be much more.. just my .02

[Prosperi-Tees]

I am considering an 8/10 even though I have not sold anything over 3 colors. The problem would be space as my shop is only 20 ft wide. If I do a lease I want it to be as short as possible, I cant stand having payments.

[royster13]

Sometimes having payments can make you way more money over time than not having payments.......Because it allows you to have equipment that increases your productivity and bottom line......Payments are not always a bad thing...

[Prosperi-Tees]

The monthly payments was not the issue, it was all the supporting components and the down payment and shipping.

[shirtz]

You are smart for weighing all the cost, it can really add up. You will be amazed at what having an auto will do for your biz. It opens up all kinds of work. We bought a 8/10 guantlet in 2002 that had 2 million prints on it and we use it everyday. We just added a 8/10 sporty all servo 2 weeks ago. Getting an automatic is one of smartest things we have done. Good luck

[GraphicDisorder]

Well I am not sure your exact situation but I will for sure tell you that you will have a lot of extra costs that you wont even think about.  We spent about 10k installing our equipment.  Consisted of several things like new Electric for Press/Flash/Compressor/Dryer.  Tap in and run gas line for the dryer.  Exhaust for dryer through the roof.  Air lines from compressor to press and additional hook ups in shop.  Fork lift, Pallet Jack, lift for work up high (we have very high ceilings).  We also at the time put in new lights in the warehouse.  It just went on and on.  In the end though, we are a small small operation but we weathered the storm and it was the best move we have ever made as a business I would say. 

Payments on a auto in my opinion are the easy part.  Let's be honest, often the profit from 1 or 2 jobs can pay your payment on a press. 

[Printhouse]

I am in the same boat as you are.  I was looking to move up to an auto and wanted to be able to do it with cash out of my account.  I looked into several options.  I know that buying new would have been so much easier and quicker to get up and going but I ended up picking up a used 8/10 javelin for very littler money... and I mean VERY little.  It was owned by a former tech I believe and appeared to be in overall good shape.  I figured after replacing all the things I would need too I would still be at the 10th of the costs of a new one.  The added benefit is that I will know every square inch of this press when I am done.  There is really not much too it and it has went well so far.  Since I don't have any real money into it I don't mind letting it sit here while I push squeegees on the manual presses.  I work on it when I have a chance and will eventually get it going.  As my business grows each day I do wish I would have been able to just get an auto installed and get up and running but this will be a debt free solution in the end that I can live with easier.

[Socalfmf]

Man,

I really wish you guys were in my marketplace.  You guys are not looking at the lost money you can be making on an auto...or better yet the quality of your prints and life. 

Having a note an auto is called good debt...you will make more in a moring than your payment is thus leaving you more time sell bigger and better more profitable jobs....I would ask you guys what is your business plan and how do you think you can grow? 

Sam

[Sbrem]

Sam's got it. Having the machine puts you in a whole new league. You say you haven't printed over 3 colors, so set a few jobs up at a time, run them one after the other, then shut your dryer down for the day, save that electricity, much less down time between jobs. That makes the decision a little easier, when you see the possibilities. Also, making timely payments is very good when you want to go for a bigger press, or bigger dryer, or both later on. Good debt, like Sam said.

Steve

[RICK STEFANICK]

its really a no brainer .. even if its 30% interest.!!!!   your quality of life, cash flow etc will all improve.and as stated it only takes a few jobs to make the payment. TAKE THE PLUNGE ..GET PRINTING AND MAKE SOME CASH.

[3Deep]

I saved a bunch on cost by doing most of the work myself electrical, air lines etc....plus I shopped around for the best deals.   Now on printing Sam is right you can knock out a job in the morning and have all afternoon to do other things, or take a last mintue job and get it done in a hour or so.

[Scobey Peterman]

Have you ever thought about an electric press??  No compresser, no chillers.
I have a Brown 6x8 and like it a lot.

[Prosperi-Tees]

I have thought about Brown and have had lengthy discussions with Mike Harpold and we just could not come to terms. They are a great company and great people to talk to.

I dont have a problem with the monthly payment but like Brandt said it was all the supporting details that would make me flat broke and I am just not willing to do that. I need to have some cushion.

[GraphicDisorder]

I have thought about Brown and have had lengthy discussions with Mike Harpold and we just could not come to terms. They are a great company and great people to talk to.

I dont have a problem with the monthly payment but like Brandt said it was all the supporting details that would make me flat broke and I am just not willing to do that. I need to have some cushion.

Brown were really nice to me several years ago when I stopped by their booth.  I just couldn't see myself in a all electric press. 

Trust me I had a number in my head of what all the stuff would cost me to support the auto, and it was higher than that.  Like I said we spent 10k just on all the random stuff.  But it is far worth it.  Lets put it like this, I am a designer that prints, not a printer that designs and I was able to justify it.