Purchasing an automatic press is a large investment for any shop, especially if you are running a small business. Before you get a nasty case of sticker shock, it is important to understand the benefits of owning this machine. There is a general misconception that you have to run an automatic all day every day to afford it. That is not true.

New article from atkinsontshirt.com. Have you ever tasted a bowl of freshly served gumbo, hot and steaming and brimming with so much goodness you can’t wait to shove your spoon in and take a bite?  That rich and savory deliciousness starts dripping down your chin, as you can’t even eat the right way it’s so fantastic.
Mmmmm.  I’ll need an extra napkin please.
A great business is just like devouring that bowl of gumbo.  People are excited about doing business with them, and will always tell  their friends about their experience.

Many screen printers have a moment where they realize their shops can’t keep up with a requested turnaround time. That’s when some will start to look for an automatic screen-printing press that they can fit into their shop setup to increase their production. But, when it comes to finding a press to suit their shop’s needs, some owners might know where to start. 

New article from atkinsontshirt.com. There is a quote attributed to the Chinese philosopher Confucius that reads, “He who chases two rabbits, catches neither.”  Meaning, it’s vital that you

focus your attention on one primary target.
Think about your shop for a second and your customer base.
Are you chasing one rabbit, or a field full of customers hopping all around?  Imagine how much simpler and easier your business might be if you winnow down your customer base to just one type.
One rabbit to chase.
That rabbit could look or move anyway it wanted…but it’s going to be easier to hunt as the distractions of all of the other types of rabbits will fade away.  It will become your core focus.

Ever wonder how that multi-color print can feel so soft?  One of the secrets the printer used may be an extra screen.  Here is Kieth Stevens with a tip, recently published in Impressions, on how it’s done:

Against the creative wall?  Feeling like you aren’t getting anywhere and nobody is noticing?  Everyone around you talks like they are against your idea?  Scared?
You aren’t alone.
If that’s not bad enough, there are those negative thoughts that are constantly running through your head like a never ending horror movie.  In fact, most people have self doubts at one point or another.  Am I good enough?  Am I making the right choices?  Do I have what it takes?

Small shops constantly deal with the challenge of trying to compete with larger companies. Bigger companies are able to buy shirts in bulk and inventory them to use as needed. Not only does a small decorator not have the space to keep inventory in this manner, it also doesn’t have the capital to invest in shirts that will be sitting on a shelf.

Small businesses must find creative, resourceful ways to keep shipping costs down, allowing them to remain competitive in their pricing. Here are a few ideas that may work for you:

Regardless of the size of your shop, your employees are the lifeblood of the company.  Without them, you would cease to perform or exist. 
So what happens when you find yourself in an organizational crisis where one employee is holding your company “hostage”?
This can be in several forms.  

Organizing garments for your production team is crucial since it streamlines efficiency and ultimately will keep your customers' orders filled in a timely, accurate manner. Try these techniques out to improve the overall workflow of production: 

Sales dragging and you need some customers?  Guess what?  The good news is that they are out there…you just need to lasso them into your world and get them to notice you.  How to do that you may ask?
Using the power of of social media.  Not just any-old social media though.  Content rich, powerful, and accurate to what you do in your shop every day.  The goal is to directly connect your post with the needs of your audience.
But first, let’s talk about what social media is and isn’t.  For a lot of busy shops, they’ve tried to post things on Facebook or maybe even Twitter with little success.  It just sits there like yesterday’s pizza.  Nobody wants to touch it.