Looks like I'm getting an auto (Finally)

[Nation03]

I'll try not to make this too long winded.

I happened to stumble upon a deal I couldn't pass up, just a few minutes down the road from me. A lightly used 2008 Workhorse Freedom. Comes with the compressor, chiller and flashback for $10k. Got the install/relocation quote from Workhorse and a rough estimate on the electrical work and it looks like all in I'll be under $15k.

Even at such a low price, my chest feels a little tight to drop that much money all at once. I was a part time printer up until a few months ago when I decided to go full time with running my business. My cash flow situation will still be in good shape, but I can't help but wonder if this is the right move.

Just a little background, I don't have a whole lot of volume just yet. I'm getting by with a manual just fine, but like my old mentor once said, it's better to plan for success then to plan for failure. My body has had enough printing on the manual. So even with the lower volume, I feel like the purchase is justified. I know the all air presses and the V-Squeegees aren't ideal, but I personally think any auto at this point will be better then not automating at all.

I guess I'd just like to hear some other experiences with how autos have changed your business. Has anyone here bought an auto before they were bursting at the seams on a manual press? Has anyone automated from the start and just built the business around it?

Forgive me for my excessive questions. This will be one of the biggest purchases I've made even though its a used press. My nerves are just through the roof right now.

Thanks!

[mk162]

You're chest feels tight, but your back won't anymore.

If you build it, they will come.  You will have more freedom..pun intended.  Honestly, though, you will NEVER want to go back to manual printing.

[Sbrem]

Just do it, and don't look back...

Steve

[GraphicDisorder]

Congrats!

If I ever give advice to new printers anymore it would be to buy a auto right away. Regret nothing.

[Homer]

we have all been there. I remember when we got our first one, I never saw an auto before until I opened the crate, no clue what I just bought.... And I bet with in a week or two, the larger orders started to show up. Funny how that works.

Congrats! You'll be happy you did it.

[scott316]

Looks like a real good deal. Almost too good of a deal to be true. I would just make sure to pay when you pick up or  when its delivered. Unless you know the person selling it is 100% legit

[Inkworks]

Nothing like getting an "emergency" call for 1000 shirts, 3 col. and think "yeah we have an extra 3 hours tomorrow, no problem."

As long as there is business to be had in your area, you'll be very happy and probably never look back.

[Nation03]

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. I've been wanting to print on an auto ever since I started.

Looks like a real good deal. Almost too good of a deal to be true. I would just make sure to pay when you pick up or  when its delivered. Unless you know the person selling it is 100% legit

I don't know him personally, but I went to his shop this morning. It was only 10 minutes from my house. Looked super clean and lightly used. He said heads 3, 4 and 5 were never even used because he didn't print more then 2-3 color jobs. Compressor and chiller didn't look like they had a lot of wear either. His space was pretty small and he wants to focus more on the embroidery side of things and semi-retire.

[scott316]

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. I've been wanting to print on an auto ever since I started.

Looks like a real good deal. Almost too good of a deal to be true. I would just make sure to pay when you pick up or  when its delivered. Unless you know the person selling it is 100% legit

I don't know him personally, but I went to his shop this morning. It was only 10 minutes from my house. Looked super clean and lightly used. He said heads 3, 4 and 5 were never even used because he didn't print more then 2-3 color jobs. Compressor and chiller didn't look like they had a lot of wear either. His space was pretty small and he wants to focus more on the embroidery side of things and semi-retire.

Very cool just wanted to make sure you weren't dealing with one of the bad brokers.

[Nation03]

Thanks Scott.

I appreciate the quotes you got me a little while back for the Sabre and Freedom Express. I just couldn't justify going brand new at this stage in our business. I'll get a nice new shiny press one day though!

Until then I'll definitely be getting some 23x31 s-thread frames from you guys. Best statics out there.

[3Deep]

Congrats, like everyone has mention already jobs will fly out the door giving you more time for sells etc, and yep big jobs will land on your door step

darryl

[tonypep]

I would visit again and check those heads that have never been used and be sure they work. They probably do but sometimes un-use can cause hidden problems
best of luck tp

[Nation03]

Headed back with a deposit tomorrow. I'm gonna have him run the press to make sure everything is in working order.

[alan802]

AWESOME!!!  Congrats bro.

[Nation03]

Thanks Alan. As always, I appreciated the info you've given me over the years. Keep up the videos! I love watching footage of that G3!