Exploring print shop opportunities
jess2009 (6 points) | Sun, 2009-06-28 12:53I'm posting this topic at the risk of sounding absolutely naive but here goes..... I live in a very remote community who's current print shop does not meet customer needs. I feel there is an opportunity to start competition in this field and want to explore any opportunity to give to our community a service that is reliable, professional and understanding of their needs. I am looking for advice on where to start researching on the equipment needed to be able to offer print jobs like; business cards, letterheads, fliers, brochures, menus and newletters. Can anyone help?
I think you should think digital printing only. It gives you more flexibility.
Even a cheap digital press can cost thousands per month to lease. Then you'll need a jogger, cutter, folder, packaging material, boxes, supplies, etc... This is something you don't just jump into. You're talking about a startup cost that can run up to a quarter million dollars, depending on how much equipment you need to get. And that's just for the hardware/software - you're going to need a place to keep all this stuff - it's not something you run out of your garage. Office space, and people to run the equipment... blah, blah, blah.
-----------
Visit The Graphic Mac for graphics and Mac OS tips, reviews, tutorials and discussion.
There are conventions across the country where the big names go to show off their presses, bindery equipment and digital printing solutions, usually in the lobby of a nice hotel. Any one of those vendors can set up an entire shop.
Another idea is to partner up with an experienced pressmen who can scan through used equipment sales and put your shop together on the cheap.
Frankly, a super duper Color Laser Copier that can handle very thick paper and duplex it as well could handle most of what you want to print.
Then there is the bindery department. A print shop isn't much unless you can fold, cut and bind the projects.
thanks everyone for your input. It has given me more to think about. Just to reitterate that the jobs that would be processed wouldn't tend to exceed around 200 prints. Like I said, it is only a small operation as the couple of large businesses we have source their printing needs from larger organisations on the mainland. I want to offer people a quick turnaround with the personal service that bigger businesses can't or needn't. For items such as invitations, sports club newsletters etc. etc. Thanks again.