It is now August so now is the time to get into gear on Fall holiday events. I have some in mind for November I just haven't paid registration for them yet.
Participating in events is not cheap. Even the small $30 - $45 event fees add up. Then you have to consider your stock!! hmmm do I have enough for all the events, what if I run out of stock before the event?... those are things to consider.
I have ordered more stock just in case and various items as well such as picture frames, koozies, mugs, cups, puzzles and things like that. Going to also be getting some key chains and flags in soon.
With the sublimation business it's hard to know just what to have at an event. I usually take a variety of my work and some already on hand (made) items. I try to do a few inspirational, funny quotes on items. Like my cutting boards I have cute sayings. Those usually sell well. Same for my beer mugs.
The other items I usually have to display only and it give me the opportunity to explain all the products I can make.
My husband is my best PR person. He loves to talk and usually knows most or not everything there is to know about the sublimation business and products. I am usually right there to answer any other questions or take orders.
He leaves the pricing and actually designing and technique up to me.
Our sublimation/shop business has been a journey for the last 5+ yrs. From starting our a fairly inexpensive clamshell heat press and cameo silhouette cutter to now several machines and a new heat press but my little silhouette cameo has done the job ever since we started out and it's still going strong. I see now that silhouette has come out with a new Silhouette Cameo 3... wow.. I think I still have the first one.
Regarding heat presses. I would highly, no, I wouldn't get anything but an adjustable heat press if you are starting out. It is so much better in the long run to spend the extra $500 or more on the regular non clamshell press. Also best to get a large size one, atleast 15x15 or larger.
Same goes for the sublimation printer. If you are willing to spend the money, get an Sawgrass 800. At Least a wide format printer that can be converted to sublimation ink.
I recommend the SG800 only because you do not have to mess with the ink. You will need to also purchase the bypass try to print larger format size paper.
See the difference in size. The smaller one is an Sawgrass 400. It is a great machine but can only print of to 8..5x11 and with a bypass tray, larger in length but not bigger than 8.5"
The SG800 is wider so can printer up to 13" x 21" (with a bypass tray). The bypass tray is an extra cost but well worth it especially if you are going to want to press larger items such as lunch totes, tote bags, and flags with full ink bleeds.
