Dye/Pigment Canon iPF 750

[JMPrinting]

Before any one screams at me, I know this isn't a sign shop machine.

When I opened my business last year I never planned on doing much vinyl. I had all print equipment for paper printing, business cards, brochures ect. Had prior 5 years experience in the field. I bought a GX-24 to cut "small decals" and such

Within the first 2 months I had a huge demand for vinyl signs, vehicle lettering ect. I outsource banners, wrap films and others to 365. I have done well this year with low overhead and 7 months sales of $60,000. I started doing partial wraps, larger projects.

I started getting a lot of people asking for indoor POP displays, banners, posters, blueprint ect. The cost of getting these one item things was expensive to go to 365 and if a customer wanted something that day or next day I would go to a local office max and mark up accordingly. Those with experience with these type of machines know the vinyl and media is limited. Now I pay $120 for a 36"x40' roll of 13 oz vinyl which is water resistance but definitely not scratch resistant. Is there a way to protect these better? I do not have a laminator but maybe purchase laminate? I've used the frog juice spray for precaution and I tell customers it's for short term outdoor use if exposed to elements. Don't get the idea I'm going to buy adhesive vinyl and start wrapping cars lol. It's just to help me feel more secure about the products I put out. Obviously I will not laminate the birthday banner for Johnny's 3rd birthday indoors. Any constructive criticism is welcomed. I'm not at the point yet to get a solvent or Eco solv machine but the time is coming! I'm around Columbus OH FYI

 

[kanini]

You should get a laminator if you can. Don't you have customers asking if you can mount prints on substrates? Matte laminate some of your prints? Even apply masking tape? A laminator is an easy way to upsell your customer and you will need one anyways sooner or later if you expand. If I was to start over today a laminator would be one of my first machine purchases, you can still outsource prints but buy them unlaminated and laminate yourself or mount them easily to substrates etc.
Also, if a laminator is too big or expensive at this point, have you checked out the Big Squeegee? People seem to like it.
Good luck!

 

[Biker Scout]

A laminator is a must regardless if you get a solvent based printer right away. Even if it's one of those desktop school type laminators for paper stuffs, like your posters.

If you are going to continue to offer indoor poster style work, you'll be hard pressed to make much money given how much the Canon inks are. I'd highly suggest investing in something like one of those encad/novajet clone printers that can be had for around $1200. They are 60" wide, print really nice and the ink is super cheap. You aren't going to win any speed awards however. But sq. ft. cost will allow you to actually bank quite a bit of profit to the point you can pay cash for your solvent printer down the road.