6 Common Mistakes Screen Printers Make in their Businesses
Avoid these mistakes in your print shop. Anyone can start their screen-printing shop given that you have the resources to start printing and selling. However, there is no guarantee of immediate success and ROI in growing your shop unless you do things the right way.
Ready to build your screen print empire and grow the way you’ve designed it in your mind? That’s dope! It can be a super rewarding experience, but it definitely comes with many trips of riding the struggle bus.
Anyone can start their screen-printing shop given that you have the resources to start printing and selling. However, there is no guarantee of immediate success and ROI in growing your shop unless you do things the right way. But you know, there will always be mistakes along the way and there must be a learning curve regardless of what your business may be. You can always take your time to prepare and learn how to make your business have the cutting edge it needs to earn its success.
With roots in the screen printing game, we at Seps.io have gone through the trials and tribulations associated with growing a print shop. It’s tough work but it’s unlike any career path you set forth on and the rewards are limitless. Step foot in the right direction and avoid these pitfalls to elevate your shop to new heights:
1. Jack of All Trades Burnout
Running your screen-printing shop like a one-person army may showcase your work ethic, but it's a fast track to burnout. As a small business owner, it's tempting to DIY every aspect, but this leaves you drained and limits growth opportunities. The remedy? Build a reliable crew and consider outsourcing certain production elements. By freeing yourself from the day-to-day grind, you’re giving yourself the juice and bandwidth to establish meaningful connections, attend industry events, and elevate your business to new heights.
2. The Vibe Check
In the vast sea of potential customers, not everyone is your ideal client. Operating without a clear understanding of your target market is like steering a ship without a compass. Recognize that your products and services won't resonate with everyone and that is OKAY! Instead of casting a wide net, make sure the vibes and energy of the prospect client are aligned with your business. By doing so, you’re not wasting valuable resources and time with a client that isn’t right for you. Afterall, it’s a relationship so make sure the foundation is solid before pressing on.
3. Tune into Trends
The screen-printing realm thrives on creativity, and trends evolve rapidly. Staying ahead of the curve is HUGE. Engage with your industry by connecting with fellow screen printers, participating in forums, and attending trade fairs. Immerse yourself in relevant blogs and magazines. This proactive approach ensures you're well-prepared to showcase what your customers crave. By understanding and adapting to shifting trends, you position your business as a trendsetter, not a follower. At the end of the day, we have a pretty cool and unique industry we are a part of. This industry is super collaborative and connected. Take advantage of that and learn of your screen printing industry homies.
4. Resourcefulness Rules
Embarking on a business journey demands resourcefulness, especially when operating with limited resources. It's not just about making the most of what you have; it's about exploring efficient ways to run your business. If the budget doesn't allow for an in-house graphic designer, seek services that facilitate collaboration without direct hiring. Not so subtle plug time This is where we come in. We can help you tackle the art department hurdle with our industry-proven, hand selected, super certified client success and design team.
5. Equip for Success
Investing in quality gear is pivotal for long-term success. Neglecting maintenance, opting for cheap materials, or relying on outdated tools can tarnish your shop's reputation. Quality is key. Whether it's screen-printing presses or the ink you use, prioritize excellence. Cutting corners on equipment or materials may seem like a cost-saving measure initially, but it often results in compromised product quality, safety concerns, and higher future repair costs. To ensure your shop consistently delivers top-notch prints, make strategic investments in your equipment and materials. Bottom line, don’t settle for subpar equipment and gear and you won’t fumble the bag.
6. Digital Denial? Big No.
In today's digital landscape, an online presence is not just beneficial; it's indispensable. If your shop remains invisible on platforms like social media and Google, you're essentially off the map for a significant portion of potential customers. Modern consumers rely on online searches to discover and connect with businesses. Embracing the digital realm isn't just a choice; it's a necessity for visibility, customer engagement, and overall business growth. Ignoring this aspect means missing out on a vast online audience actively seeking products and services like yours. Establishing and maintaining a robust online presence is the key to staying competitive and accessible in the contemporary business landscape. Gotta get with the times!
So, circling back to mistake 4 (LOL). We know the pitfalls and the mistakes going into running a shop and scaling it. We know them and we’ve made them so you don’t have to. We’ve developed and created the ideal solution to tackling a pivotal staffing solution to run your shop with our ultra vetted, super nimble, wildly efficient all-in-one art department. Run your shop efficiently with us.