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The $47,476 Overtime Question

The $47,476 Overtime Question

New article from Marshall Atkinson at Atkinsontshirt.com. Last week the Department of Labor officially announced the new FLSA overtime exemption salary cap at $47,476.  This rule is going to force many shops to choose between raising the salary of certain employees or granting them overtime pay.
This new ruling is expected to affect about 15 million workers in the United States.  Previously, companies could get away with not paying overtime by stating that the employee was an executive or manager, and not covered by the law regarding overtime.  Companies could have employees work over 40 hours not not have to pay them for their extra time just by citing they were executives.  In the decorated apparel industry, many “managers” actually handle a lot of the daily work load as well.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016/Author: Anonym/Number of views (1313)/Comments (0)/
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Nazdar SourceOne and MagnaColours Host Special Effects Printing Webinar

Nazdar SourceOne and MagnaColours Host Special Effects Printing Webinar

The print demands of today’s fashion trends continue to grow as consumers want more customization and uniqueness to the apparel they wear. As the demand grows, so has ink technology to create diverse effects that provide new and distinctive graphics. If you’re interested in learning more about special effects and how to print them, join Nazdar SourceOne and MagnaColours on Wednesday, June 15.
Friday, May 27, 2016/Author: Anonym/Number of views (1397)/Comments (0)/
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Tips for Leasing Shop Equipment

Tips for Leasing Shop Equipment

While owning your shop's equipment outright can be beneficial, it can be a major investment to start out with. As an alternative, some business owners and start-up entrepreneurs are choosing equipment leasing as their choice for financing their equipment. 

A statement once uttered by J. Paul Getty was “If it appreciates in value, buy it. If it depreciates in value, lease it.” This information still holds true today. While leasing your equipment may be more convenient than buying machines outright, the financing used to acquire the essential equipment could have a dramatic effect on your company’s bottom line, so it's good to be aware of the pros and cons. 

Wednesday, May 25, 2016/Author: Anonym/Number of views (1351)/Comments (0)/
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Warning!  There is a Thief in Your Shop!

Warning! There is a Thief in Your Shop!

New article from Marshall Atkinson at Atkinsontshirt.com. Don’t look now, but you are being robbed blind and you don’t even know it.  This particular thief is sneaky, devious, and is virtually invisible.
If you could somehow make out the face of this culprit, would you recognize it?  Maybe.  Maybe not.
Here’s a tip: the thief has hands, but no arms.  He lacks a head, but has a face without eyes.  He can run, but never walks.  Sound familiar yet?
The thief is time, and looks like a clock.
Everyday in your shop, regardless of size, time is against you.  The better you manage your time, the more profitable the company will be.  Have you ever stopped to think about how your shop manages time or squeezes more into the day?
Probably.  Does this happen continuously?  Probably not.
If you kept better track of hidden time wasters though, maybe you could see the correlation between time and money.  This is worth training your staff to recognize it too.
Here are some thoughts on managing and saving time in your shop.  After all, time’s a wastin’…let’s get to it!

Monday, May 23, 2016/Author: Anonym/Number of views (1486)/Comments (0)/
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Ink Market Trends: Part 2

Ink Market Trends: Part 2

A look at using super bleed blockers and non-PVC inks.

Along with the specialty-ink evolution, it's interesting to see how the advances or applications of other technologies have helped screen-printing industry veterans get where they are today. 
With new fabrics available on the market, ink suppliers are stepping up to the plate to offer new, enhanced products that enable decorators to make full use of their skills. Specialty printing has opened the door to innovative printing techniques, with customers enjoying the benefit of having garments with unique prints they previously couldn't attain. And printers, of course, profit from the diversification they can offer. 
Today's screen printers have many choices to add to their arsenals when it comes to ink, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming or complicated. Let's look at two ink types that currently are trending in the marketplace.
Wednesday, May 18, 2016/Author: Anonym/Number of views (1358)/Comments (0)/
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Why Asking for Help is So Difficult

Why Asking for Help is So Difficult

New article from Marshall Atkinson at Atkinsontshirt.com.

Almost to a shop, the decorated apparel industry is comprised of dedicated self-starters that make up this 

entrepreneurial industry.  People just like you.
You get up everyday and come into your shop.  Coffee is on.  Challenges are ahead of you.  You are ready to face the day.  What are you going to tackle next?
Some shops are lucky in that they have a great staff, awesome employees, and a great supply chain to back them up.  They do all the right things. Customers love them.  Their staff loves them.  The bottom line loves them.
Other shops struggle.
Monday, May 16, 2016/Author: Anonym/Number of views (1479)/Comments (0)/
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Ink Market Trends – Part 1

Ink Market Trends – Part 1

This article by Kieth Stevens, recently published in the April 2016 issue of Impressions Magazine is Part 1 of a 2-part article.  We’ll publish Part 2 later:
When it comes to screen printing — specifically inks — I am often asked, “What’s new?” or “What’s trending?” My initial thoughts are, “What has been forgotten?” or “What hasn’t the customer seen?”
Then, I reflect on discussions I’ve recently had with customers, what I’ve seen in stores and what I’ve discussed with our research-and-development department.The answers often are easy, but sometimes they’re not, because as soon as I think I have an understanding or clue of what’s ahead, I’m blindsided by what I see on the streets or retail racks.

Thursday, May 12, 2016/Author: Anonym/Number of views (2696)/Comments (0)/
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DTG Printing on Fine Jersey

DTG Printing on Fine Jersey

Use these tips to successfully print on these fashion garments

Direct-to-garment (DTG) printing is unique among garment decorating techniques because the garments will, in part, determine the quality of the final image. In other words, printing on a suitable garment will give you the potential for a perfect, bright, vibrant image. Printing on an unsuitable garment will result in a less-than-ideal image, regardless of the other variables you change. 

Wednesday, May 11, 2016/Author: Anonym/Number of views (1524)/Comments (0)/
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Word of the Week: Non-PVC Inks

Word of the Week: Non-PVC Inks

Typically in the form of water base or a non-PVC, inks in this category are those that are engineered without the use of flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resins. 
Monday, May 9, 2016/Author: Anonym/Number of views (1386)/Comments (0)/
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The Basics of DTG Art Prep

The Basics of DTG Art Prep

A review of the different kinds of graphic files available to achieve optimal results.

You probably have seen a variety of shirts with designs that include incredible detail, vibrant colors and beautiful, bright prints. They make you do a double-take and wonder, "How did they do that?"
Unless you are a master screen printer with years of production and art-separation experience, one of the best ways to achieve such incredible results is with digital direct-to-garment (DTG) printing. But the key to success goes beyond the kind of printer or shirt brand used. Starting your job with the right type of art is critical for these "wow-factor" prints. 

To that end, let's look at the basic types of art needed for DTG printing, the correct formats to use and how to optimize files for best results. 

Thursday, May 5, 2016/Author: Anonym/Number of views (1603)/Comments (0)/
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