I would love to open my own business, “A printing shop”, any suggestions?

8 responses to “I would love to open my own business, “A printing shop”, any suggestions?”

1. 
   skinnedcat2xxxx

   March 12, 2011 at 11:54 am | Permalink

   Good luck competing with places like Office Max and Staples.

2. 
   Christine E

   March 12, 2011 at 12:28 pm | Permalink

   Hi Nina,

   I work with a company that does alot of what you are trying to do…email me and we can chat. You wouldn’t have to open your own business, but you could be your own boss…less hours, and no overhead.

   Christine

3. 
   Sheila M

   March 12, 2011 at 12:30 pm | Permalink

   Those businesses are a dime a dozen. I have that exact same type of business and have an awesome clientle. It is all in the advertising and how you present the business. Pay attention to detail and you will keep your customers coming back. There are hundreds of sites and work at home business that do that very same thing, make yours stand out, offer it in a way they can’t refuse.

4. 
   shana n

   March 12, 2011 at 1:13 pm | Permalink

   Research the market. If you’re going to be doing the printing yourself, make sure that you have top of the line quality equipment. If you’re going through a printer (customers would place an order with you and you would place an order with a printing company) find their pricing guides for different services so you’ll be able to charge your customers accordingly. Sit down and figure out your expense totals on time, equipment use (ink if you’re using your own stuff), card stock, etc and use these numbers to set your pricing accordingly. Just remember starting out that less is more- advertise as introductory rates and don’t go overboard with the markup. Then as you establish a consistent customer base, you can increase the prices. Be sure to have everything out in writing, and try to think of answers to the questions that will inevitably pop up and you may not be ready for.

5. 
   RAY

   March 12, 2011 at 1:30 pm | Permalink

   It’s a very competitive industry. I worked in it for 15 years before the downsizing took the job away. Make sure you work up a realistic business plan before buying equipment and supplies. Most businesses are printing those kinds of things as needed on their computers rather than sending out to have hundreds or thousands printed at a time like in the “old days.” Look before you leap. The big boys have pretty much taken away the need for the small business with personalized service. Let’s face it… money talks. It’s gonna take alot of volume at five or six cents a copy to pay your salary and overhead.

6. 
   jay_jay

   March 12, 2011 at 1:36 pm | Permalink

   Find a building, figure the cost to open the business, get a loan from a bank or a grant from the government, then get your occupation license.

7. 
   boscatman

   March 12, 2011 at 1:47 pm | Permalink

   Agree…research your market. I have been selling paper to print shops for over 20 years. I have seen them come and go. You need to make sure you are going to be needed. Too many people buy into franchises only to realize there is a lot of competition that is well established all around them.
   The equipment is expensive and its an industry that you have to keep up with technology to stay alive. That technology cost money. If you do decide to do this, make sure you have a few things.
   1. some kind of digital color copier (12 x 18 size)
   2. Someone who is proficient with the software programs (Adobe, Corel, etc.)
   3. Good relationships with some printers

   Good luck, and if you have any questions please email me at my name.yahoo.com

8. 
   lisalisarussell

   March 12, 2011 at 2:42 pm | Permalink

   big printing places do these things so very cheaply, I don’t think that home publishing is really cost effective.