Impressions - March 2019 - 31

Laser engraving can be done on a variety of materials, including metal, plastic,
wood, leather and glass - so you can
diversify the types of custom products
(like awards and jewelry) that you offer.
Selling Tips: Many decorators create
unique apparel designs by combining laser
appliqué and etching with digital printing
and embroidery. For example, you can use
one or more layers of digitally printed
appliqué to add visual interest, as well
as reduce stitch counts in large designs
and elements. You can add small areas of
puff embroidery, whether words or petals
on one flower, for even more of a "wow"
factor. At retail and on the runways, there
has been a recent comeback of patchwork,
novel appliqué and embroidery with 3-D
fabric patches and etched stitching. Think
edgy and casual designs on denim, jackets,
dresses, headwear and bags.

PATCHES
You can offer even more refined and unique patches when you pair
laser appliqué and embroidery for uniforms, athletic apparel, fashion
decorations on hoodies or other apparel, and more. Laser-cut patches
can be cut into any shape a client desires, allowing you to offer totally
customizable designs. You even can create individual leather patches
for custom logos or designs.
Here's how it works: After you embroider a patch, draw out the
exact shape of the patch and transfer that file into the laser-cut machine, which cuts out the patch shape. Use your laser system to produce
highly customized logos for startup companies or even sports memorabilia for a local team. Expand business opportunities by personalizing patches with unique text or names to add value to your designs.
Selling Tips: There are lots of ways to use (and sell) custom patches.
Nametag patches always are in vogue, and you can add details, like
a logo or icon (a coffee cup for a coffee shop, for example). If your
client doesn't want to go the nametag route, suggest custom patches
that include the business name, logo, or even employee certification
or role (like a bank teller or mechanic).
These patches don't just need to be placed on the traditional left
chest, either. Recommend sleeve or back placements on a uniform
shirt. If a business provides bags or carryalls for employees or customers, patches add a great branded touch. If a client's company has
a softball team, competitive events or does charity walks, uniforms
with identifying patches are another great upsell. For educational
institutions, patches are ideal for school crests, Greek organizations
or team logos.

SOUGHT-AFTER AWARDS
If you haven't considered pitching recognition programs for corporations, organizations and educational institutions, now's the time.
In fact, more than 80% of companies report having an employeerecognition program in place, according to the Society for Human
Resource Management.
With a laser system, you can fulfill corporate awards, employee-recognition pieces, student trophies and more. Plus, you can laser
etch glass, crystal, acrylic and wood awards to appeal to all buyers'
and recipients' tastes. While you're at it, consider pitching other items
like desk and door nameplates, and plaques for staffers and VIPs.

Laser-cut patches can be cut
into any shape a client desires,
allowing full customization.

Selling Tips: Nearly every company, organization, school or
athletic team needs - and uses - pre-made trophies that must
be personalized; custom acrylic awards; and nameplates to be added to a perpetual plaque. For corporations, you can pitch awards
to recognize sales achievements, years of service, retirement and
participation - along with nameplates for staff. For schools, in addition to nameplates, you can pitch teacher and student-achievement
awards, and memorial plaques.

WHAT ABOUT WOOD?
Wood will open a whole new world for your decorating business.
A laser offers unmatched capabilities for all types of branded and
personalized wood products. Lots of our decorator customers etch
and engrave all types of wood items that people need, use and love:
cutting boards, serving trays, coasters, picture frames, keychains,
kitchen utensils (think wooden spoons and knife handles), and
even cabinetry and boxes.
Plus, whether you're working with hardwood, veneers, plywood,
walnut or cherry wood, you'll be amazed at how intricately a logo
or design can be etched on them. During the holiday season,
savvy decorators even personalize wood ornaments and other treesourced winter decorations.
Selling Tips: Corporate, retail and direct buyers all are great
candidates for engraved wood products. For example, you can
etch a company's logo on a storage or shipping box, or you can
monogram a cutting board or set of coasters for a retail store or
passer-by at a street fair.
The good news is that you can branch out even further. Have you
considered laser etching phone cases (made of polycarbonate) or
even basketballs (made of leather, rubber or a synthetic composite)?
If you've been thinking about investing in a laser system to expand your repertoire, now is the time. It will allow you to offer a
range of services on the corporate, retail and direct fronts that your
competitors can't match. 
Ed Levy has more than 25 years of apparel-decorating experience. He is director
of software technologies for Hirsch Solutions, an in-demand speaker at trade
shows and regular contributor to industry magazines. For more information
or to comment on this article, email Ed at ed@hsi.us.
MARCH 2019

P.31

Impressions - March 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - March 2019