Why you should consider ordering custom printed transfers!

Are you one of those people who are struggling to cope with the workload and wish that during the night some supernatural beings might complete all your outstanding printing work, so that you get a good night’s sleep? Of course, in reality, that’s not going to happen – BUT you can get outside help! If you are an established screen printer, an embroiderer, or other garment decorator, then why not consider developing a partnership with a reputable heat transfer manufacturer?

You will need to make the final decision whether or not you intend to decorate your garments exclusively with pre-printed heat transfers, or use them as part of mix suitable to you and your customer’s business needs. So let’s consider (a) what types of transfers are available (b) what they can do for your business and (c) how to choose the right supplier.

Types of Transfers available

Custom heat transfers are manufactured using the customers own artwork and specifications. This offers you far greater opportunities to be flexible, although you will need to be able to produce artwork using software such as Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator. Some larger transfer companies may be able to produce the artwork for you, though this is generally an additional cost. The minimum quantity for a design will vary both from the supplier and the transfer system used, but generally can range from 10 to unlimited number of pieces. Lead or turnaround times can be critical, but for most requirements an average turnaround time would be about 5 days, although if a very large quantity is required, it may be longer.

The majority of custom heat transfers are produced by screen printing, but there are also a few specialist manufacturers who use litho printing which can produce photo quality images, often to a very much higher level of sharpness, and offering an immense range of colours. Both these methods use plastisol inks. Digital print-and-cut transfers are produced by printing (using CMYK) onto a special media which can be heat applied to the required substrate. This method is particularly suitable for lower quantities.

There are a wide range of heat transfer systems available which a specialist transfer manufacturer can supply, such as Flock, Puff, Glitter, Foil – as well as the more novelty processes such as Glow-in-the-dark, UV and reflective.

Of course, it is important to be aware the makeup of the product you intend to decorate. Most tee shirts for example are 100% cotton or a Polyester-Cotton blend, which should present no problems. But if you have to decorate more difficult materials such as Nylon, Lycra®, or Neoprene®, then your choices of transfer system will be very narrow, and you will probably need to go to an experienced specialist transfer printer. A reputable supplier will be only too willing to advise and guide on the right system to be used.

What can heat transfers do for your business?

There are a number of advantages in buying custom printed heat transfers. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, a serious transfer manufacturer is able to offer a variety of different systems to suit most fabrics, opening up other opportunities perhaps not viable when you do it yourself!

It can be a very effective low cost way to start up a decorated garment business. There would be no need to purchase the equipment needed to produce the transfers, and no expert knowledge of the software would be required. The only investment would be the relatively modest outlay for an initial heat press, and it is possible to purchase a brand new heat press for well under £1000.00. Remember that you do get what you pay for – you might be able to buy a press very cheaply but there will be a reason why it’s cheap! Buy a reliable brand from a reputable dealer – you are investing in your future, so don’t make elementary mistakes!

Because you are using a supplier, you keep your overheads lower. You are not covering the cost of the payroll, equipment and buildings necessary to manufacture the transfers. In addition, you can keep your inventory to a minimum. By using heat applied custom transfers, you only have to buy stock as needed, you don’t have to pre-print any item which may, or may not, sell. Careful stock control, and applying the “just-in-time” rules, helps keep costs low and cash flow flowing!

Choosing the right supplier

If you are intending to embark on a long term, business relationship, then it makes sense to check out your intended supplier and ensure that you are satisfied that they are the right partners for your business.

When you contact the supplier ask yourself a number of questions. Firstly, how long was it before your call was answered? Was the person helpful and friendly? Did the member of staff have a proper understanding and knowledge of heat transfers? Were they able to answer all your questions without having to refer to anyone else? Did the member of staff give you enough time to explain your requirements, and listen carefully to your needs? And finally, were they able to provide you with a custom transfer solution for your needs?

Assuming that you are satisfied with their response, you should ask the potential supplier to send you samples of the product you are interested in, together with product details and confirmation of any pricing given to you. Make a note of how quickly you receive this information.

When you receive the samples, you should carefully and thoroughly test and evaluate them.  Apply them following the instructions provided. How easy was it to apply? If it was easy, then you can be sure that you can be more efficient. What does the finished print look like? Is it clean and easy to see? Is it totally opaque so that no colour from the garment is showing through?

Then carry out the washing tests, again following the instructions provided. Wash it several times and each time, inspect it for any sign of degradation or failure. Remember, your customers will be doing this and it is important that you have confidence in the products that you are selling.

Check pricing carefully to ensure that if you are comparing pricing, that you really are comparing on a “like for like” basis. For example, some companies charge for screens, film work, wash-ups etc separately from the unit price – others prefer to provide an “all in” unit price. So sometimes a low unit price can be misleading!

Build up a working relationship with your supplier, they are often valuable sources of help and information, and even if they can’t help you, they will often know who could. You need a long term business partnership that will not only support you, but should share the same goals and aspirations of your own business. Custom heat transfers can make a sensible and profitable way to grow your business. Make the right choice and you will never regret your decision!