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OK so this has taken off a little faster than I thought it would. I am getting orders coming in normally 1-3 shirts a day but have a few that want 10 shirts at a time, all are the same design but there are a few that want multiple colors that would require a lot of carful layering. So i am wondering what would be some equipment to maximize my time? I have been looking as screen printing, DTG(a little too rich for blood right now), and laser/inkjet printing. I want it to last at least 20 washes as these are being worn a lot more than I thought(some every other day) so with them being seen a lot I need it to look good. I see a lot of pros and cons but with the printers I see that I can get one and get dye sub inks for less than $500, a screen printer and ink to do screen prints and plastisols for about the same maybe cheaper if I only want the 4 color option. Space is at a premium for at least another 9 months so that is a big factor right now. Maybe soon I will move to other offerings other than shirts and that is another factor. What do some of you Vets in the biz go with starting out and have been happy with until you upgraded from that? I have been reading and researching but can't make up my mind plus i have a lot on going with work, vacation, and other life stuff so I can't focus on nailing something down yet. TIA for all the tips!

I have an entry level MH cutter and I'm impressed with how well it works for the price paid. I'd like to hear from people that started with an entry level machine and have used several other machines. I'd like to know what the benefits are of a higher end cutter.

I'm getting ready to launch a new website http://www.tendollarsidewalksigns.com It's going to sell blank a-frame hardware for $10. I am also going to start carrying a line of pre made designs and was thinking about making them $29. My goal is to get a lot of volume so I can keep my (already paid for equipment) moving at night and generate a 2nd revenue stream. How much would you pay for a sign like this?

hi all. i have an odd question, if you are starting a sign business, t-shirt business, or any side/full-time business where you will be using decals, what do you guys think is a more viable and sustainable business model: 1. - buy all your own equipment, learn the software and market yourself? - OR - 2. - outsource all your cutting needs to a cut store and then use the decals for whatever your venture is? i know it depends on quite a few factors but let's assume you have someone who knows how to operate the software and equipment if you're going the "on your own" route. i'm not sure the long-term costs of continually purchasing your own vinyl roles and machinery upgrades/maintenance, that's why i'm posing this question. any feedback is appreciated! fyi working off mac and have posted same question in mac discussion forum.