Impressions - Build Your Business 2024 - 10

Another way to expand your business is by adding new markets
while using the equipment you're already running. As an example, if
90 percent of your current business is schools, why not try pursuing
lawn and pool services, as well? As you are doing so, try off ering a " kit "
consisting of, say, a hat and three T-shirts. Th at way when it comes
time for reorders, a company like " Jim's Lawn Service " can simply say,
" I need to order two more kits, size large. "
Smaller businesses, especially, don't want to have a bunch of boxes
of T-shirts sitting around in some room out back. If you make your
products easy to buy, price becomes less of an issue. Instead of buying
boxes of T-shirts, your customers are now buying a service. Book one
pool service business with your reorder program, then repeat-again
and again. Th ink about the other businesses in your area-or wherever
the internet reaches-that would also appreciate these kinds of services.
Expanding Your Business Off erings
Not sure if you have the business to keep a new machine busy? My recommendation
to those decorators feeling timid about their potential
sales is that they start by contracting out the work. Th at way you can
build a customer base at the same time you are learning about the processes
and possibilities. Yes, it will cost more to buy a DTF transfer, for
example, than to print one yourself. However, doing so will aff ord you
an opportunity of getting a much better feel for the market as a whole
before making the leap fi nancially.
Once you're ready to buy, make your purchase from someone you
trust. It's OK to ask for references. A reputable equipment seller will
not be off ended. Ask questions, look at samples, look the reseller up
online and read the reviews.
As you are doing so, be sure to keep in mind the fact that any venture
with a completely new technology is going to require training and ongoing
support. Contrary to what some sales pitches might have you believe,
there are no plug-and-play garment or product-decorating machines.
When you're shopping for new equipment, ask what kind of training
comes with it or if there is any qualifi ed training the dealer can recommend.
Be sure to also ask the kinds of ongoing support you're eligible for.
Especially if you are branching out with a kind of machinery you
have no background in, I always recommend buying new. Sure, you can
save money on a used setup, but there are all kinds of unknowns you
will likely fi nd yourself having to deal with. Are you struggling with the
equipment because you are making errors or is the equipment itself defective?
Again, new equipment acquired from a reputable dealer comes
with ready-made knowledge base you can tap into. When you are learning
to use new equipment, it's hugely benefi cial having someone you know
is going to answer when call with any kinds of questions or concerns.
Also bear in mind the fact you're already engaged in some level of
production before branching out in an all-new direction. Take a serious
look to see if you or your staff have the time to add to your current production
load, not to mention the time to learn how the new equipment
or processes you're thinking of implementing actually work. You may
fi nd that executing your plans means hiring new workers who more
likely than not will be learning how to operate your new equipment at
the same time you are. Hiring new employees means additional expense
beyond the cost of the machine itself.
Even if you won't be physically operating the new equipment, it's
always good to have a complete understanding of all the machines
and processes at work in your shop. In my screen-printing classes, I
regularly have students who are existing business owners and simply
want to understand the processes they're managing even if they won't
be involved in actually doing it day-to-day. It's a form of " keeping the
employees honest " in terms what they and the equipment can and can't
be expected of to get done.
For most technologies there are hands-on or online training options.
As with anything else you invest your money in, check to see if the per10
Don't
be afraid to take on new products and
decorating methods to attract new customers.
Photos courtesy of Impressions Expo
In providing company uniforms your decorated apparel company can
become a kind of service provider. Photo by Geber86 - stock.adobe.com
http://stock.adobe.com
Impressions - Build Your Business 2024

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