Howdy

[Habu]

My wife and I own a hobby that turned in to a business. I started with a 15" Graphtec cutting custom stickers for RC cars and planes as a hobby. Then people asked if we could do coro signs, banners, shirts, etc. Next thing we knew we were a full blown business which became our full time jobs a few years ago. We upgraded to a 24" Graphtec cutter then got a Roland BN20. We evolved to become more of a promotional products company that did a few things in house like HTV shirts and small sticker runs. Just last week decided to go big and bought a 54" Roland SG-540 print/cut machine. I've been lurking here on and off over the years learning about basic vinyl cutting and such but now I'm ready to really learn how to use this SG-540 to it's full potential and I feel this is a great place to get that knowledge. I really look forward to learning as much as I can from all of you gurus.

 

[The Big Squeegee]

2 from OK

 

[Derekaztec]

I would love to see this post get traction as we just purchased a BN-20 ourselves. Been doing decals on a Camieo 3 and shirts.

 

[Gino]

Well, there's another thread going, just like this one and I'll tell you the same thing. You'll need a laminator to finish off the signs properly or they'll basically just be junk and you'll get a reputation real quick. Are ya working outta your house or are you renting ?? Do you have all of your business licenses in order and proper insurances in place ??

Anyway, good luck. ​

 

[Derekaztec]

We just finalized all certs and licenses needed last month. we are renting a location and i made a 24" cold laminator. Our main business is small things like decal and promotional stickers so its all we need. Would like to pick up a larger laminator that does hot and cold as well as slices the vinyl length wise so i can roll it. But those are a nother 8K. I will mostlikley make one as well as i have accesses to a full cnc machine shop every day. Aerospace Machinist by day, Decal shop by night lol.

 

[myront]

I'd say if you're looking to go "all in", speed is everything. Clients want it now and if you can out pace the big production places within your area then you'd be 1 up on the competition. We've been told that we're actually faster than the popular chain FastSigns. Our policy is 2-3 business days

The owner has been here for over 30yrs. We employ 2 sales staff, 2 designers, 1 accountant, and 4 production specialists. Oh and 2 shop pets.

 

[The Vector Doctor]

Hello from Central Ohio

 

[Gino]

We just finalized all certs and licenses needed last month. we are renting a location and i made a 24" cold laminator. Our main business is small things like decal and promotional stickers so its all we need. Would like to pick up a larger laminator that does hot and cold as well as slices the vinyl length wise so i can roll it. But those are a nother 8K. I will mostlikley make one as well as i have accesses to a full cnc machine shop every day. Aerospace Machinist by day, Decal shop by night lol.

I was actually talking to the OP, but good for you doing the necessary things to get rolling.