| Setting Up Your Own Custom
Heat Transfer Business
Much like making a yummy bread or cookie recipe, there is a recipe of sorts
that you will need in order to create personalized products with custom
transfers. Here, we will go over the basics and some of the specifics as
well.
There are many variables as far as brands, types, etc. You should consider
this book as a starting point for determining which items you will purchase
for your initial setup. Your own budget and equipment needs should be
considered for your specific business.
1) Computer
2) Software
3) Heat Press
4) Printer
5) Inks
6) Papers
Quick Summary
1) Computer - This one is probably the simplest of the required
items. Many families have a computer already and as long as your computer
can handle a basic to sophisticated graphics program, you should be fine.
With modern technology, you might even be able to get started without a
computer if you purchase a special printer that will print directly from a
media card. This can produce a very basic photo transfer to get you started.
2) Software - There are a lot of different graphics programs
available but you can start with something as basic as a freebie program
that came with your printer or scanner or you can opt for one of the more
professional drawing or painting programs such as Corel Draw® or Adobe
PhotoShop ®.
There are even some programs available that provide t–shirt, mousepad, or
puzzle templates to help you get started. Be careful with these “canned”
designs however since to generate an income from their artwork might be an
infringement on the copyright.
3) Heat Press - Some people ask me, “Can I use a home iron instead of
a heat press?” The answer to that is difficult. Yes, you probably can,
but... you will almost certainly experience inferior quality, poor
washability, reduced longevity, and much more frequently botched jobs. I
strongly recommend against using a home iron for professional use.
If you want to make a few shirts for your family reunion, a home iron might
do the trick. However, if you intend to generate an income by selling shirts
and other items for profit, you will be expected to provide a professional
quality product that stands up to repeated washing. I strongly advise that
you start off with the proper equipment so that you don’t risk tarnishing
your reputation and ruining your business before you even get started.
4) Printer - This will likely be your most important single purchase.
While many inkjet printers aren’t too expensive, getting a top quality
compatible printer for the job is imperative. Most of the best custom
digital transfer creators use Epson® brand printers.
Be forewarned, though, not all Epson® printers are compatible so be sure to
research the full system setup prior to buying a printer. (For more details
please see the Supplies Directory in the back of the book.)
5) Inks - While many home users or hobbyists find that using the OEM
inks that come with a printer are sufficient, most professionals who make
custom commercial transfer products insist on using a quality pigmented ink
set. There are several available through Internet supply houses. (Again, you
can get more information in the Supplies Directory in the back of the book.)
6) Papers - A visit to a local office supply store will likely show
you what type of paper many home or hobby users might find to print their
transfers. Most of these are not of an adequate quality (in my opinion) to
use for a professional product although they may be fine for low volume,
short-term use, like for a family reunion or a gift/gag shirt. You can find
commercial quality transfer paper easily on the Internet at prices that are
likely much lower than the papers at the office supply stores.
We will cover these items in depth in the next chapter. If you are
comfortable searching online, please reference the “Supplies Directory,”
“Resources,” and “Stay Up To Date” sections at the end of the book.
You will also be able to get answers to your questions online through our
Internet forum at:
http://xxxxx.com (to disclose in the book)
Please feel free to use the forum as often as you like to find additional
resources, suppliers and equipment information and updates.
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