Best Startup
If you’re looking to start a business with services that will virtually always be in demand, a printing business is a great option. This is because print media advertising is a large field and continues to be one of the most effective forms of advertising. Whether on business cards, mugs, T-shirts, brochures, or flyers, print media advertising helps businesses build brand awareness.
As a result, many people looking to start their own businesses are opening their own printshops to capitalize on this continuing demand. If you’re looking to make consistent income and be your own boss, opening a print shop may be right for you. However, before you get started, let’s take a look at the essential equipment you need to invest in to open a print shop.
Design Software
While you may not be the one creating and editing designs, you may have to tweak a file or two to make sure it’s compatible with your printer and computer. However, if you do have some design experience and knowledge, you can offer it as an extra service. Regardless, you will need design software.
Which software you choose depends largely on the clientele you intend to work with. You can use programs like Adobe Creative Suite for simple projects like brochures, posters, and business cards. For more complex graphics and designs, you’ll need more advanced software like QuarkXPress, and there’s a learning curve that comes with these applications.
A Cutting Plotter Printer
If you’re looking for a printer that can do it all, a plotter printer can print out massive, vibrant, detailed designs. There are plotters that print and do the cutting for you, and most plotters can print on a wide variety of materials. This means that if you wanted to offer a wide variety of printing, you wouldn’t have to invest in a fleet of different printers to offer a range of services.
Essential Printing Supplies
In the printing business, projects typically have a quick turnaround time, which means you need to stay stocked up on supplies. If not, you risk running out in the middle of a project. Paper and ink will be your two most important supplies, but they’re expensive. You’ll want to work with a wholesaler to purchase these things in bulk and get a good price. That being said, you also want to invest in multiple types of high-quality paper and other printing substrates, such as coated paper, uncoated paper, cardstock, and fabric.
This is just the basic essential equipment you need to open a print shop. You may want to offer different services, such as binding or lamination, in which case you’ll need the respective machines. However, with these pieces of equipment and materials, you can start your printing business on the right foot.
