Coming back to close up the series on starting a decoration business in 2024, hosts Terry and Aaron dive into the crucial topic of equipment selection. Drawing from their extensive experience in the industry, they offer valuable insights and practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to invest in the right tools for success. This week it is about digital equipment. DTG/DTF, heat printing, and sublimation, they explore the latest advancements and considerations in each decoration method. Join us as we discuss key factors when choosing equipment, including budget, scalability, and technological advancements. Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to upgrade your existing setup, this episode provides essential guidance for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of decoration business equipment.

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created for our employers but rather for our industry. Since February 2013, The 2 Regular Guys have been the first and the most listened-to garment decorating industry podcast on this planet! We are humbled by all of you tuning in each week. We work hard to bring you information that will improve your business and our industry. Take a look at our incredible weekly guest list, and you’ll understand where this industry goes for news, interviews, and the heartbeat of garment decorating. Thanks for listening!

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News

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r-k9vmPm2Y

Dad Joke

Terry: Know what to put on the form at work when it says Emergency Contact?

The police, EMTs, fire department. If it’s an emergency what the heck is my mother going to do?

If I Knew Then What I Know Now.

Sublimation - Aaron

If you are new, avoid the 3rd Party Ink systems

Find something that has a full warranty, and high-quality inks

Not all inks are the same, and with sublimation, even with the most expensive cartridges, ink is one of the smallest costs of the process.

If I were starting today, I might look harder at a wide format system. Maybe not a 44”, but 24”

If you do go wider format so you can make use of roll printing, invest in a RIP - Nesting

We will cover it shortly, but the heat press really matters with sub more than any other method

Even heat and pressure are key to easy production

DTG/DTF - Terry

As I mentioned in screen printing, I’d at least start with a DTG printer to do both DTG and DTF while I build my business… because I’m a screen print snob… and because DTG printers can be more forgiving on how often they run

As a side gig, I’d probably start by jobbing out DTF transfers

I would steer clear of repurposed paper printers as my DTG option (It’s like a heart transplant)

Most stand-alone DTF printers use Epson I3200 print heads. That’s as close to purpose built as we are right now.

Don’t base your purchase decision on size of the machine, but on the throughput of the machine

DTF is an ideal decoration method since it’s a short learning curve and you can adhere to almost any fabric, but this as your only option can be tricky in a competitive and more and more crowded market

I would purchase/subscribe to an online store option… DTG and DTF are the perfect decoration method for this selling technique

I’ll jump back to Erich’s point from last week, I would buy from someone who offers real training and real support… this is all fairly new, even DTG at 20 years old

Heat Presses - ALL

Terry: Buy a good quality heat press!

Crucial for Sublimation

Aaron: Difference Between the Styles

Clam | Swing a Way | Drawer