New and Need Advice on a printer

[quint1444]

I am currently in the window tinting business. I only do interior film on a decorative or architectural basis. Recently, I have been having clear and frosted vinyls and printing customer graphics on them, then installing on conference rooms. I have given an office to a graphic design guy in exchange for any work I need done. This type of printing is a very small part of my business. Now you have my background, here is my problem.
Typically I have a very slow turn around on getting my product printed. This causes problems for some of my large accounts and customer service. I have decided that it would be well worth the investment to purchase my own printer...used of course. My current guy uses an HP 8000s. Can anyone please advise me on a quality 64" printer that is solvent based? I have found some 9000 series for around $3500-4000, but not sure if that's the right one for me. RIP software? Any advice would be great? Thanks.

 

[OldPaint]

houston area? seems you might be better off finding another provider..........how many are there in your area????

 

[tcorn1965]

Welcome from Iowa!

Terry

 

[2B]

+1 to looking for another vendor, if they a concerned about their reputation then there should be minimal turnaround. there are several quality merchant members here that do print/ship.

When we do wholesale printing typical turnaround is same/next day shipping for our customers.


If you are interested in getting your own, why solvent?
personally Eco-solvent or latex is better no need for a dedicated ventilation system.
This shop is partial to the Roland machines

 

[quint1444]

It really boils down to price since I will not use it much. Eco, and latex are way over priced for my needs as I am not a sign shop. I only print what I need. The main reason is time. Every business has customers, and I am just another one to a sign shop. The delay from concept to install is to long. I run a "jump??...how high" business. If my client wants a printed film, I like know I can get it to them next day or so and at a great price. Why offer poor service on 1 small aspect of what I do and lose an account that is not replacable.

Solvent? Only because I saw the sign company use one. He uses an HP 8000s, and I have found some 9000s for around $3500 with a drier and ventilation. Obviously, I prefer eco or latex from what I have read, but 10-15k just makes it a bad investment for my purposes.

 

[Billct2]

Yea, get the HP for $3500, you'll be delivering prints overnight before you know it.

 

[quint1444]

Thanks. Probably will not be an over night deal, but it will be quick. I see it as a babystep to getting in the sign business for my clients. I am sure I will fall on my face a few times.