I race gokarts and want to start doing vinyl lettering on them as a side job to make some extra racing money. The guys that do this and really make it, (make them bling). I dont have a lot of money to get started, about $ 1000. I will need to buy a cutter, software and enough vinyl to get started. I have tossed around the idea of buying a cutter off of ebay and the flexi starter program. I will also need a design program like flexi design to be able to do all them thing i want to do. I really need help to insure i buy what i need and not waste my money on something i dont. Please Help
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I need major help!!!!!!!
- Thread starter Moon604
- Start date
lil Details
New Member
for what you are describing you could look at the Vinyl Express Endura Cut from Signwarehouse Retails at like $699. That is with Lxi Apprentice which will do the lettering you are looking for well enough. You can get some starter packages that will have some different vinyls and tools in them.
briankb
Premium Subscriber
I don't think you will be able to get started for $1,000 if you need everything.
Beyond just the cutter, software, and some starter supplies. You also need to have a place to handle all the final and prep it for your installation or to your customer. You'll need at least a 4x8ft table IMHO. I'm working on a smaller one right now with our 24" cutter and it's crowded.
You would be better off using that $1k into business setup and outsourcing your design and vinyl work to other people.
Beyond just the cutter, software, and some starter supplies. You also need to have a place to handle all the final and prep it for your installation or to your customer. You'll need at least a 4x8ft table IMHO. I'm working on a smaller one right now with our 24" cutter and it's crowded.
You would be better off using that $1k into business setup and outsourcing your design and vinyl work to other people.
S
SignTech
Guest
wow ......... no wonder reputable sign people are getting their butts kicked in this industry ......
Dave Drane
New Member
Cadmn
New Member
hobbyToo true... I am fed up with this kind of shite..very true every Tom Dick & harry is Starting their own vinyl graphic company & lowballin just to make money for their other
lil Details
New Member
4 x 8 table was nothing to construct....I had $36 in the wood with 2x4 legs and framing and a 5/8" plywood sheet for the top. Add the self healing cutting mat at $100....simple and not outrageous in price either...
Bigdawg
Just Me
Moon - I really am sorry for my smart aleck reply. But I obviously couldn't help myself.
Seriously - what skills - besides just WANTING to - do you have that would make you think you can just jump in and start making decals? What programs do you already use? What do you know about the business at all except that you want to save a few bucks... and maybe make a few bucks?
I realize that I was harsh in my reply... as others have been too... it's that we see this mindset that you don't have to know anything about cutting vinyl in order to just jump right in and rake in the money. So I guess you could buy ya' a cheap cutter and go from there - but really - find someone to outsource until you learn what you are doing.
Seriously - what skills - besides just WANTING to - do you have that would make you think you can just jump in and start making decals? What programs do you already use? What do you know about the business at all except that you want to save a few bucks... and maybe make a few bucks?
I realize that I was harsh in my reply... as others have been too... it's that we see this mindset that you don't have to know anything about cutting vinyl in order to just jump right in and rake in the money. So I guess you could buy ya' a cheap cutter and go from there - but really - find someone to outsource until you learn what you are doing.
WhiskeyDreamer
Professional Snow Ninja
im still an avid believer that before you just jump into this trade, you need to have actual experience and have worked at a sign shop....i personally, don't feel that even a graphic design degree is enough....nothing is better than experience....you LEARN what's right and wrong from someone who's learned it before you.....
Toplinepro
New Member
Use a local guy and have him sell it to you at a whole sale price then mark it up and charge for the install. thats where the money is. Or just find a contract printer that will work with you on getting started. need help finding someone e mail me.
How strange to read all the help you are giving this guy, are you seriously suggesting that you have all served your apprentice ship. I remember when all the software and cutters come on the market and everyone was a sign maker, a professional bs'er, come on give people a break, they come on a site like this for help so why not give help and be more positive!
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J Hill Designs
New Member
I know I've 'served my apprenticeship' more than twice over...
"I drive go carts and want to make stickers for them -- help me out" just don't sit right here...
"I drive go carts and want to make stickers for them -- help me out" just don't sit right here...
Pat Whatley
New Member
I'll trade you a plotter and a legal copy of Corel Draw for a go-cart.