Exploring equipment to expand into in-house vinyl

[csiprinting]

I have a small retail print and copy shop and want to expand my services to include in-house production of banners and some simple signs...vehicle mags, corplast etc. Nothing too fancy. I am Mac based and wondering what suggestions you might have for a good basic 30" plotter that won't be a budget buster. Recommendations anyone?

 

[Fuzzbuster]

Better to introduce yourself first and then do a search
:signs101: Welcome

 

[ddarlak]

http://cgi.ebay.com/CRICUT-Expression-Machine-Die-Cut-2-Cartridges-BigLOT_W0QQitemZ120414172031QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Die_Cutting_Machines_Dies?hash=item1c093e737f&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1309%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

 

[Gino]

Welcome from PA.................

 

[J Hill Designs]

Welcome from Cali

 

[Bill Modzel]

Take a look at Graphtec. Top of the line plotter with CuttingMaster plug in to cut directly out of Illustrator on your Mac.

 

[Mikeifg]

Here we go another one stop print shop let the fun begin

 

[FatCat]

Here we go another one stop print shop let the fun begin

Ya' know, I'm not real sure where all the animosity towards print shops comes from by some members here?

I think a print shop looking to expand into signs is a very natural progression - and is what we did. Most print shops already have a good grasp on the required software, understand separations, color theory, CMYK vs. RGB, vector vs. raster images, etc. Far better than the regular noobs wanting to work out of their basement selling illegal knock-off Harley Davidsion logos and peeing Calvins on ebay or at local flea-markets.

Plus, show me where sign shops haven't sold their customers biz cards, brochures etc. How about tee shirts? Should the screen printers and garment folks be mad at sign shops because they're "stepping on toes"?

Just my .02¢

 

[Fuzzbuster]

Actually I havent sold brochures, t-shirts,buisness cards,photocopies,pamphlets, invitations, plans,or whatever copy shops do ,to any of my customers.

I always refer them to people how do that kinda thing.

anyone else?

Now instaling a 8ft high channel letter , backlit sign, 20 stories up, in 30 mph wind... or hand paitin corrugated 48 ft trailers.....now your talkin sign language

I have no anymosity towards any print shop but if your gonna do signs . do signs

SIGNS 101!

 

[MachServTech]

I love helping folks that have a specific question and need some guidance. What I find distasteful is when people are too lazy to do a little legwork for real real basic info and look for magic bullet answers. I know its signs 101, but come on. If you have just come over to our little corner of hell (or heaven) at least make an attempt to browse the posts for the answer, then if you still cant figure it out have the courtesy to say "hey, I browsed the threads for this answer, but couldn't find it...would you mind helping me out?"