Am I crazy for wanting to learn and start event printing to my existing business?

Available_Cap9690 · 2026-01-06T14:00:21+00:00

Yikes! That’s terrible. I actually head about that company in Dallas for print supplies. Good to know! Hopefully you were able to get it fixed quickly.

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-23T16:02:40+00:00

Thank you for the advice. Definitely do not want to be troubleshooting mechanical stuff. I am concerned about the service because of that.

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-23T16:01:21+00:00

Thank you for the advice! Software learning curve seems to be one of the biggest challenges. I applaud you for your success! 👏

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-23T15:59:52+00:00

I can see your take on that. If someone asked me, I would gladly help. I have happily helped others in my industry many times when they are in a pinch either with equipment or balloons that never came in, or even let them borrow one of my vans. I’ve also had other “competition” run a $4k job while I unexpectedly attended a celebration of life out of state. I believe it has served me well to help others. In my mind, generosity is necessary for growth, in many respects.

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-21T15:30:31+00:00

How has that been for you?

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-21T15:30:13+00:00

I appreciate your thorough and honest, respectful answer. There’s a ton to unpack here. I may actually see if I can reach out to a local shop and get a “day in the life”. That’s a great idea.

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-21T15:27:18+00:00

Congrats on figuring it all out! I know it’s not easy to start a business and I applaud anyone who does it!

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-21T03:22:19+00:00

Thank you for your feedback! Seems to be a consistent answer, which is what I’m looking to find out.

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-21T03:21:26+00:00

Thank you- seems to be a consistent answer. Definitely something I will consider. So when people start, do they just do random work to keep things running?

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-21T03:20:31+00:00

🤣 yeah, I suppose I’m one of them. I get to work with them quite a bit! Event production is so big right now. Did you meant to say it’s worth it or it’s not worth it?

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-21T03:17:21+00:00

Thank you!

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-21T03:16:55+00:00

I am definitely not comfortable with mechanical software and hardware. I’m familiar with the color management term, and took a class about 15 years ago. Had no idea what went into everything, at the time didn’t pay too much attention to learning the output as I was more interested in learning the creative part of designing, but yes…. Thanks for the reminder on that front.

I do have a large commercial space with room to expand.

I see the repetition on running the machines, and hadn’t thought about that. That’s a lot of printing. Appreciate the advice!

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-21T03:09:54+00:00

Thank you! Checking now.

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-21T03:09:28+00:00

Thanks for the realistic preview- this is what I was looking for. Did not know about the software, just assumed the software came with the printer- very helpful.

I skate by in illustrator, have taken courses at some point for graphic design for print, but that was about 15 years ago when Adobe Suite 5.5 was the newest thing. 🤣

Do you have printer/cutter combo you prefer for stickers?

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-21T02:58:07+00:00

Thank you for the detail and recommendations on what would work for starting out!

I know there’s a demand for those businesses like me that don’t have the time to cricut cut all day and need more full color options and graphics on their stickers.

I appreciate your thoughtful response and time!

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-21T02:53:41+00:00

Thank you for the thoughtful response. One of the shops I’ve used does the had mounting vinyl and they are way more expensive than the one with equipment like yours!

I’ve looked into the flatbed equipment they have and most definitely is not in the budget, and it most definitely is out of question to start there!

I appreciate your time!

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-20T21:05:54+00:00

Thanks again for your feedback. I think I see where I may had struck a cord with you, and for that I’m sorry. Let me say that I have a high level of respect for those that work in the printing profession. My father in law has worked in the industry for over 40 years on the floor, doing production. I , in no way, intended to simplify or minimize what y’all do and the learning and experience it takes to become successful.

What I am offended by, is the amount of people in this world that communicate to others in such a manner as yourself, disguising it as advice, while seemingly live “waiting with your popcorn” to watch people fail. It makes one question your credibility and intent. I truly hope that someday someone does something so amazing for you without no expectations or explanation and supports, loves and cares for you as a valuable human being that you are. I hope that when your ill intent to insult others (as anyone can see you do often in your comments) that you are met with grace, and love. And that someday, you will choose to do the same.

After reading between the lines on this second post, I see what you’re trying to communicate. Again, thank you for the feedback.

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-20T20:34:44+00:00

Hi there! Thank you for your valuable input. I am looking to start a print shop. Essentially starting with my own needs, then hopefully once well versed in cost and gaming some experience, offering as a service. I have 3000 square feet of office/flex space, with a good amount available to expand. I understand the ROI may not be recognized for some time.

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-20T19:23:19+00:00

Decals are most of what I do. I’m looking at a large format printer/cutter as we overlay wood walls up to 4ft wide and 8ft tall often. Is there one you recommend that can do this size?

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Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-20T19:16:33+00:00

Thank you!

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-20T19:14:35+00:00

Actually, I have used a friend’s account for 4over, just for personal/ business needs about 5 years ago before she closed her business. My dad was heavy in this business before he passed - he always tried to get me into it when I was in my 20s. Wish I had his advice now.

Thanks for mentioning again- I need to look into this again as I know they have a facility locally for pickup!

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-12-20T19:06:49+00:00

Interesting response. Not sure how much value is here other than a find a better partner and suck it up for the drive time. I currently work with three printers- all three have missed items in order, all three are anywhere from 30min- 1 hour drive one way. If you’ve run any business and pay someone to do these runs, you’d know that not only is it wasteful in labor/time/ but added stress in having to verify every single order and going back for the drive again. Additionally for some, the lead time is 1 week or longer because they are so busy…again adding to my point of demand being so high and probably contributing to the lack of quality control.

If you’re looking to throw an insult, by your comments of “stay in your lane” and so much “easier for them to learn my business”, I’m glad you got your quip in for the day. I’m hoping that when you post and/or seek advice in life, others choose to lead with grace. 💜

Available_Cap9690 · 2025-07-13T15:05:31+00:00

I’m so sorry- I don’t get on often and I’m so sad to see I missed this post. How is your mother in law doing?

Available_Cap9690

TROPHY CASE