Making Your VersaCAMM Work For You – Part 2
Tweet There’s a lot to your VersaCAMM. This machine does it all, not the least of which is expanding your business to an extent you may never have dreamed of before. As I look back 20 to 30 years ago, I realize how the graphics markets have changed so dramatically. These changes are due in large part to the computer technology available now, starting with special graphics software, the first sign cutter, and now, digital printers like the Roland VersaCAMM. Nearly every graphics shop today owns a cutter of some kind. Many of these graphic shops specialize in screen printing, embroidery, signage, or advertising. Some of these shops have expanded from their original, mainstay business to include more services and offerings. For example, many sign shops have expanded their services to include garment decoration because of the multipurpose capabilities of their digital printers (like the VersaCAMM), vinyl cutters, and heat presses. The Roland VersaCAMM gives graphics shops like signmakers or garment decorators the opportunity to market themselves as a Complete Graphics Shop to their customers. Today, with the help of a Roland VersaCAMM and a heat press, a typical graphic shop... [Read more]
Garment Decoration With Flock
Tweet SPECTRA Fashion Flock from Imprintables WarehouseGarment decoration with flock is one of the oldest methods of garment decoration and has been used for decades. For those not familiar with flock, it is a heat transfer vinyl material that has a unique velour feel to it. Flock was originally created for its durability, particularly for sports and performance apparel. Now that it’s available from Imprintables Warehouse as heat transfer vinyl, flock application has become a simple-to-use, fashionable, and highly versatile material for garment decorator everywhere. Using heat transfer vinyl makes garment decoration a much cleaner process. The small runs available to heat transfer material users can help a lot in remaining profitable. Early on, before CadCut heat transfer products arrived, flock was applied in a process similar to screen printing. Needless to say, the flock application process was a mess for screen printers and their equipment. And often, the application of the flock to the adhesive was inconsistent, where the graphic would be thicker on one end than the other. When Cad Cut materials arrived, that all changed. Not only was the flock application process a cleaner... [Read more]
Making the Roland VersaCAMM Work for You – Part 1
Tweet Over the next few weeks, I want to discuss several marketing ideas with Roland VersaCAMM owners or those who are considering to one day buy a VersaCAMM. When Roland created the VersaCAMM, they created a technologically advanced, highly complex machine that would allow the graphic shop to create various types of decorated goods without limiting them to signage or decorated apparel. Because of its versatility, the VersaCAMM brings a fast return on investment and, at the same time, provides the consumer with a tool that allows them to compete in different markets–even at different levels. In this first installment I wish to address the sign shop who is currently operating (or would like to operate) with a Roland VersaCAMM. Obviously, your bought it to create multicolor graphics for your own signage. You wanted to take advantage of it’s versatility as a digital printer and cutter for a variety of applications. The thing is, not everyone has made that investment yet, though the market demands high quality digital printing. Why not fill that gap and provide a wholesale signage service? Yes, I said wholesale, and here’s why: many sign shops have yet to partake in... [Read more]
Niche Markets in Apparel Decoration
Tweet Many graphic companies today know what the niche markets in apparel decoration are, yet only a few are taking an active part in milking that niche–and usually because they are only aware of a few of the specialized niche markets in garment decoration are. So you may ask, “How many niche markets are there in the garment decoration industry?” Answer: potentially infinite! Here are a few examples of niche markets in the apparel decoration industry. Some you may be aware of, but you might learn of a couple new ones! - Reflective Decoration - Doming Decoration - Umbrella Decoration - Flag Specialties - Bar Stool Decoration - Aeronautic decoration (For Airports) Obviously it isn’t necessary to try to be involved with every individual niche in the apparel and graphics industry. This is a list of what garment decoration and graphics companies have incorporated into their businesses to increase their market and customer base. Many of these companies started a simple garment decoration business, screen print or embroidery, and are now offering additional services as a result of a customer request–or the business owner’s intuition to look outside the box. As... [Read more]
Sign-Making and Garment-Decoration in ONE Business!
Tweet Often, when a person decides to open a new business, there is a long learning curve accompanied by a tremendous investment. The same can be said for existing companies that would like to incorporate another division into their company—again, more time invested and or course more spending. With that said, there is one great money-making business that you can easily learn how to start or add on to your company with minimal initial cash and time investment, and it can turn a huge and consistent profit. What type of business could possibly have it so good? Answer: Sign-making. (We got what you need right here!) The next obvious question is: what if you already have a sign shop? What then? The answer is of course: garment decoration. (Everything you can dream of for garment decoration is right here.) The public demands one stop shopping, yes, even for the graphic arts industries. But here is the best part. Most, if not all sign shops, already have the equipment necessary to decorate garments either in single or multi color. The same is true vice-versa: T-shirt decorators and signmakers have much of the same equipment. Garment decorators use heat presses, vinyl cutters, and design... [Read more]
Mark is a 30-year veteran of the graphic arts industry. Since 1983 he has been active in screen printing, sign supply distribution and thermal transfer film manufacturing. Mark is no stranger to digital printers and looks forward to helping you choose the right model for your needs.
