well it finally happened...

[mk162]

So, Sam can go on the record with the following quote:

"I will take a$$hole any day of the week."

Does Jill know this?

[Socalfmf]

what are you the media now cutting out important info and reselling it as the truth?  just sayin....

hahahah

you got me on that one Brad..

[mk162]

 

[Prosperi-Tees]

lmao!

[Dottonedan]

HAHA!  Brad got Sam.

Jason,
You know my situation!  Congratulations on your first new day of FREEDOM!  Don't look back. Be your own man and don't work for anyone. Well, technically, I still work for a bunch of printers, just not any one in particular.     The good thing is, we have a lot less butt holes in the business. Now, we DO have some, but not as many. I think it's because we all know what we go through.

I suggest to keep doing art and seps if you do seps, so you are diversified and not relying on one method of income. Dont make your life outof doing art. Thats my tip. Ask yourself this, "How many screen print artist have reached $300,000 as a personal income a year? $200?  How about 100?  Just say'n.

FOCUS on apparel SALES. Print them yourself (when you can) but don't rely totally on your own small business capabilities. Sell yourself BIG. You can take on any order (as long as you can back it up) financially when you have to eat an order. Consider that one.

If you do run across a huge order, get one of these larger guys to join in with you on the deal.

Ever watch the Shark Tank show? These guys are your sharks.

[Socalfmf]

another thing is to offer more than screenprinting...how about embroidery, how about banners...how about promo products....you need to find your unique selling proposition...once you have that you will do well

sam


yes Brad...I said proposition do get all excited....

[sportsshoppe]

another thing is to offer more than screenprinting...how about embroidery, how about banners...how about promo products....you need to find your unique selling proposition...once you have that you will do well

sam


yes Brad...I said proposition do get all excited....
we have an engraving machine and it runs constantly and never calls in sick... Pretty good money too.

[mk162]

engraving is an excellent thing to offer.  I had friends that started with a diamond and went laser, they made serious money with that thing.

[sportsshoppe]

engraving is an excellent thing to offer.  I had friends that started with a diamond and went laser, they made serious money with that thing.

Mine is not laser, it is just the metal and plastic engraver. I am really busy after youth sports cause all the kids wants trophies and the mark up is pretty nice. We also do plenty of plaques for business and churches. I would say it is a market to look into if your in a area that has this type of work needed, of course the internet is loaded with bargins but I compete without a problem. Mine is a New Hermes and a real work-a-holic!

[Quaddaddy]

Sam, interesting you say read, read and read.  I think you and I are the same in that manner.  I don't comment too much, but I read and research everything as much as possible.  I've read many times about "Unique Selling Proposition".  What is your USP?  Just curious.

[Im-Magic]

I got laid off from a position of State Manager of a large International Computer Company in 1999 and could not find a job as I was over 50 and overqualified, so I took my 2 computer degrees and 30 years experience into this business and although I make less than half what I used to make I am much happier.

[RICK STEFANICK]

I would consider possibly doing some contract printing for a few promotional product distributors in your area. the margins are thinner but its decent income and cash flow while you are making decisions about what direction to take your company. I would never even consider a job. you know the potential of what you have printing and doing art.

[Prosperi-Tees]

And go auto, the sooner the better.

[Socalfmf]

quad...not a snowballs chance in hell letting you all know what I do....but I will tell you it is marketing marketing marketing....

sam

[royster13]

Can you sell?......Sounds like you can print but if you are not a sales person, printing skills are useless.....Most of the money is in sales....