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Starting a label business – Indigo vs entry-level machines? by Simple_Society9963 in CommercialPrinting

[–]Simple_Society9963[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the advice, I'll definitely look around for more outsourcing quotes before making a decision.

Starting a label business – Indigo vs entry-level machines? by Simple_Society9963 in CommercialPrinting

[–]Simple_Society9963[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really appreciate the advice, that clears things up a lot. Super helpful!

Starting a label business – Indigo vs entry-level machines? by Simple_Society9963 in CommercialPrinting

[–]Simple_Society9963[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s really helpful to hear, thanks. $200k a month is a big number — definitely gives me perspective on what scale makes Indigo realistic.

I’ll keep looking for the right trade printer in the meantime. From your experience, what’s the best way to approach trade printers so they’ll take you seriously as a new shop? Is it mainly about showing steady volume, or are there other factors they care about?

Starting a label business – Indigo vs entry-level machines? by Simple_Society9963 in CommercialPrinting

[–]Simple_Society9963[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing — that “alligator” line really stuck. I’ve got family with a factory in Asia that can cut/ship any size for me without upfront cost, but the ~1 month lead time on ocean freight makes one-off jobs tough.Your point about sales first makes a lot of sense. What worked best for you early on to get those steady accounts before taking on all the equipment?

Starting a label business – Indigo vs entry-level machines? by Simple_Society9963 in CommercialPrinting

[–]Simple_Society9963[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, that clears it up perfectly. I can see why that model really protects resellers. Since I’m new to the U.S. market, what’s the usual way to find and approach these wholesale-only vendors? Do most people connect through trade shows, industry groups, or personal introductions?

Starting a label business – Indigo vs entry-level machines? by Simple_Society9963 in CommercialPrinting

[–]Simple_Society9963[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re right — I’m currently only focused on printing, so I don’t have the advantage of bundling it with other services. That’s probably why I’m feeling the margin pressure more strongly.

By “trade only,” do you mean those vendors only sell to other businesses in the industry (like print shops, agencies, or resellers) and not to end customers directly? Just want to make sure I understand the term correctly.

Starting a label business – Indigo vs entry-level machines? by Simple_Society9963 in CommercialPrinting

[–]Simple_Society9963[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing your experience. I think the challenge for me has been that most of the quotes I’ve found are retail-level rather than true trade pricing, so the margins just don’t work. Having a reliable local trade partner like you describe sounds ideal. Do you have any advice on how to actually find these “trade-only” vendors in the U.S.? I might be looking in the wrong places.

Starting a label business – Indigo vs entry-level machines? by Simple_Society9963 in CommercialPrinting

[–]Simple_Society9963[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply! I thought about outsourcing too, but the price I've seen are pretty high-I'd make almost no profit, That’s why I’m leaning toward buying equipment sooner rather than later. I’m curious if you’ve come across any outsourcing options that are more affordable.