Finding a printer

[JT51]

Hello,

I'll start off by introducing myself a little. My names Jeremy from Tucson, Az and I started a graphics/wrap business 2 years ago this month. I have been working from home full time. Using resources, I have been able to produce mainly wraps, banners, business cards and such. I currently purchase all my wraps through a company in Wisconsin for wholesale pricing. I roughly send this guy about 30,000 a year in prints. While I know he isn't making that much money, I can't help but feel I could make more money myself, If I owned my own equipment. I pay a decent amount per sqft. around three fifty to five fifty. I'm ready to expand and try to find a printer that is affordable and will get the job done. I have saved up some money, around 4000.00.

My question is.. What is the best way to go about finding a good used printer for around 1000-2500. Or is this just a pipe dream. (I have found printers on ebay, craiglist, amazon, but most of them from the little research I have done seem to only print for indoor use.)

I found an Epson 9600 for around 1000.00. But I really couldn't find any info on the printer.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[grafixemporium]

Keep your cash for materials and expenses. Your $4k isn't going to buy you anything worth a crap. You can't even get a decent quality laminator for that. If you are really ready to take this step, the first step is to make good decisions and invest in your business wisely. A used chinese printer on eBay for $1000 is not a wise decision. Apply for financing on a reputable 54" or 64" printer and laminator... or possibly a lease deal.

My personal recommendation would be something like a Roland VP540 and Seal 54 Base laminator. If you don't anticipate ever using the print/cut option, then look at the RS series for a print only option. If you go with Roland, remember you will need a takeup system too. They are sold separately... and not cheap for the Roland version. The aftermarkets are affordable but clunky.

I'm sure others here will swear by Mimaki, HP, Seiko, etc. They are all good. It's a personal preference thing. Go see what's out there and see what you can afford to spend each month in payments based on your 2 year history of revenue and expenses. I have no doubt you will increase your margins by printing in house.

 

[MikePro]

pipe dream. keep doing what you do well. outsource until you can pickup a printer/laminator that you can trust to make you money. Finance one properly and you'll never regret it if you have the work to keep it running.

 

[signswi]

Have you ever operated a printer? Save your money, 4K is nothing. You'll spend that on materials in two weeks. You can get a good printer for $16k including rip...but then add on computers, tables, cutters, laminator, and you're in for 50k and you still need cash to start vendor relationships. And at that point all you have are some toys and no idea how to use them. If you want to do quality work, that's a problem.

Work in a shop doing production before you start a shop and keep saving...likely by the time you have enough funds or the banks actually start loaning again the industry will have completely changed a few more times.

 

[HulkSmash]

A good printer for wraps is going to cost you over $15,000 - most over $20,000

 

[Jim Doggett]

A good printer for wraps is going to cost you over $15,000 - most over $20,000

We have some great options at under $20 grand, complete with cutter, printer, laminator and FlexiSIGN-PRO: http://www.signwarehouse.com/color-printers/vehicle-car-wraps.html

 

[JT51]

Thanks for all the advice. I forgot to mention I worked in a print shop for 2 years before I went out on my own. As far as the production process I have use a couple different types of printers. I don't know really how to fix anything like that, just normal upkeep.

I did however get a printer from a guy about 3 months ago, the printer is a Mutoh Falcon outdoor 48". The problem is the guy let it sit in his garage for about a year and a half with ink in the system. Also when I turned the thing on it gave me an error and wouldn't read the material for some reason.

 

[FatCat]

If your dream is to have your own printer, and you have a small budget, the Falcon you have could be an option. Just realize you'll likely have to rebuild most of it in order to make it work - and that is only -IF- there is no electronic/board damage. (Wondering why the guy just parked it with ink in it if it was working OK..????)

*I think I saw someone mention one of the parts places has a rebuild kit for like $1000 for Falcons. (New printheads, cap station, pump, etc.) This way you get some hands on experience and learn what makes your printer tick.

 

[Robert M]

New printer

With two years in business you should be able to get a lease. If you are spending 2500.00 a month on prints you may find a monthly payment will work for you.