What do you not print?

[JBLUE]

I like doing small runs and I like printing names and numbers.
I don't like to print on dark colored polyester or customer provided garments.

I find these things would conflict a lot in my business. Most of my name business is on league provided shirts.

I am very similar in my business model as you except that I don't like to go too global. I have plenty of work within twenty five miles (be careful, there are some uber negative folks out here who scoff our legitimacy in the industry LOL.)

Dont sell yourself short. You are a player as far as I am concerned.....

[inkstain]

Don't print under 24 pieces.  Been doing that for yrs and I know its saved me some headaches.  Someone just asked me if they could order 10 shirts today and I said, yeah but it'll be $25 each.  They stopped thinking about it right away.  As time has gone by, some of those 24 piece lovers become headaches.  Like 2 weeks later they order the same thing.  Ugh!  So I just started upping my minimum to 36.  We'll see how that goes.  Don't do names and numbers as well.  Also, don't do red/yellow/green prints, haha!  I wish!  Gets old doing those colors here in Hawaii. 

[mooseman]

we have learned to not print anything that has profit in it
mooseman

[beanie357]

Anything that I find offensive.
I like the idea of no white on red 50/50. Will add that to list.

[Doug S]

We don't print hats.  Anything less than a quantity  of 24 shirts.  I'll tell the customer that we will print less than 24 but they will be charged as if they ordered 24.  I'll say it in a joking type of manner to avoid being rude but they know I'm serious.

[Frog]

I like doing small runs and I like printing names and numbers.
I don't like to print on dark colored polyester or customer provided garments.

I find these things would conflict a lot in my business. Most of my name business is on league provided shirts.

I am very similar in my business model as you except that I don't like to go too global. I have plenty of work within twenty five miles (be careful, there are some uber negative folks out here who scoff our legitimacy in the industry LOL.)

Dont sell yourself short. You are a player as far as I am concerned.....

That's what she said, I mean as far as my well over two thousand customers as well!
Do not worry about me worrying about this. The last guy to say it was merely echoing the first guy who said it, our inspiration for this forum. 

[ScreenFoo]

I print 1 garment to multiple thousands on a regular basis.  They pay the piper, they get the song.  There are lots of jobs I don't especially like doing, but hey, it's bread and butter, and I love toast.   

I'm jealous of Frog--I don't even think I've made it to the rank of "playa".   But I'm still pretty young.   

[Frog]

Oh yeah, I forgot Jackets. I don't do lined jackets.

[alan802]

Unfortunately, not much.  We have moved to screen printed transfers for numbering jobs instead of our numbering system, and our minimum is rarely inforced.  There are always problems with having outside sales people and them having to be very competitive in their pricing and what they will say yes to. 

[Gilligan]

Alan, you don't print those transfers yourself do you?

I'm thinking that might not be a bad plan, print up a bunch of numbers.  This would give us something to make up some screens for... give us a reason to "practice" coating screens.

[alan802]

I've thought about doing a big run of the most common colors and having stock, but it's so damn easy to order it from transfer express.  If we ever get a few slow days in a row I might put that on the schedule.  If I were you I'd sure as hell do it.  It will be good practice if nothing else.

[Rockers]

How much money do you make on 24 shirts?...If you price 6 or 12 shirts with that same profit, you can make the same about on smaller orders....

I know. I have been trying to figure out how to price this. I have a strong customer base and I just find the small order guys take too much time to place a order. Ever since I switched to a 24 shirt minimum things have got a lot smoother. Many times clients call and ask what the minimum is and then order 24 shirts. If my minimum was 12 they wound have ordered 12. Plus having a 24 shirt minimum gets rid of all most all the sports guys.

Right on. We have a minimum of 12 pcs and I tell you one thing, if we would have a lower minimum then 12 then half of them would go for that.

[RICK STEFANICK]

ok. it looks like there is a huge niche market for under 24 pieces.  I just cant get my arms around saying no if a customer will pay a fair price. we hate names and numbers but i know another local printer that loves to do them so i just send that part of the job to him.

[Frog]

It's simple. Crunch the numbers, and price any quantity accordingly.

[Inkworks]

It's simple. Crunch the numbers, and price any quantity accordingly.

The amphibian speaks wisdom. If it isn't worth it, price it so it is, then the decision is the customers.