Screen printing product and technical news from Stanley's, Canada.

Do you know that website homepages usually receive the least attention when sites are updated? But why? It’s after all the face of your business. When last did you update your homepage?

Mixing the exact quantity of ink required for a job.

Do you know that by using the Wilflex™ ink mixing system (IMS) you can make exactly the quantities you need and keep more of your money in the bank and less in your ink inventory?

Do you know that a concept known as the Wilflex™ Colour Kitchen was developed as a comprehensive tool to improve ink management and guarantee a clean, effortless ink room solution? Ask Stanley’s or check out the Wilflex™ website.

Do you know that sending a gift certificate to an employee’s spouse with a think-you note for his or her support during a busy period of overtime, could do wonders for staff morale and your reputation?

Do you know that Geoffrey James (Business Without the Bullsh*t) writes that if you want to be successful, it’s in your best interest to maintain a positive attitude?

I’ve been waiting for this white for years!

Do you know that Wilflex has a non-phthalate white plastisol that’s good for multiple fabrics (polyester to cotton), is low-cure, non-ghosting, soft-hand, fast flashing, and has great stretch? It’s designed to simplify the supply chain and reduce inventory carrying costs (one-white-fits-all). It’s Epic Single LC White and is available from Stanley’s Cambridge branch. Call Craig at 1 877 205 9218.

Business books – a great source of ideas and help.

Do you know that business authors can be your best and least expensive source for great ideas on how to run every aspect of your business better? Visit your local book stores or search an online bookseller like Amazon.

Expose your shop’s products at fashion trade shows.

Do you know that one of the best ways to expose your shop is to go where buyers, brand owners, and trend setters gather? Go to trade shows.

Retail ready means paying attention to small details for that professional look.

Do you know that the term “retail ready” means being properly prepared to approach retailers with your T-shirt line? This means paying attention to details such as hang tags, packaging (poly bags, tubes, boxes etc.), custom shirt tags (printed or transfers), and any other small detail that will convey a professional image. Be retail ready!

Check your business plan once in a while to make sure you’re on track.

Do you know (of course you do!) that your business plan isn’t meant to line your desk’s bottom drawer? Get off the treadmill once in a while and check progress against your plan. It’s a necessary reality check.

Market one great feature; don’t confuse your customers with too much information.

Do you know that your marketing message should focus on just a few features (say, one or two) to avoid confusing customers and make it simple for them to justify using your product. Better still if that feature differentiates you from your competitors.

Ordering online from Stanley’s.

Do you know that Stanley’s will soon be launching a new online service? The launch will be announced here and by email. Coming soon!

All it needs is a matching design on the cap and tee.

Do you know that offering a matching cap and shirt combo might be a profitable idea for your shop or to suggest to your contract customers?

Do you know that if you’re going to print caps, the most production-friendly way is to use transfers on a special cap heat press? Trying to do it by using a regular heat press is clumsy and time-consuming.

No more peeling nylon prints!

Do you know that most nylon jackets are treated with waterproofing and that plastisol ink will therefore not properly adhere to it? Rub the print area with rubbing alcohol on a clean rag to remove the waterproofing treatment.

Do you know that medium rather than heavy squeegee pressure will give you better prints, particularly on darks? if you want brighter prints on dark, you don’t want to drive the ink deep into the garment.

Okay, but can it be screen printed?

Do you know that before a graphic designer can design for screen printing they need to understand how a multi-coloured print is set up for screening? Graphic designers don’t necessarily know this if they don’t know screen printing. This is why you must ask about screen printing experience before engaging a graphic designer.

Okay, not the greatest example of applique, but you get the picture. imagine it in conjunction with a print.

Do you know that applique combined with a screen printed image can add a whole new dimension to your garment? It’s more work but the result can be eye-catching and sold for more.

Do you know that the assumed value of your products and the quality of your brand is judged on the quality of your online visual presentation? You don’t necessarily need professional photography, just the proper tools and techniques.

Do you know that a sharp edge on your squeegee blade shears off the ink cleanly and will result in a much sharper print than you’ll get with a dull edge?

Do you know how many customers you lose when the phone at your shop is not immediately answered by a human? Current and potential customers do not want to be greeted by voicemail making questionable promises to call back “as soon as possible”. Serious businesses answer their phones, one way or another.

Do you know that Company pets are common in screen shops? The thing is that they need to be managed — they don’t have the discretion to manage themselves. For one thing, they could bother people with allergies. For another, employees and customers are not likely to enjoy cats wondering around on the furniture or dogs growling at them.

I’m too sick to open the shop today . . .

Do you now that good health is good business strategy? A sick and absent you is not much use to your shop. And since your shop needs you to run properly, you need to see your healthcare professional regularly as a preventative measure, and promptly if you’re unwell.

Yes!

Do you know that a good way to retain employees is with recognition and praise? They’ll come for the money but stay because they’re appreciated.

Learn the trade first before you open your own shop.

Do you know that a good way to get into the industry is to take a job in a textile screen printing shop? It’s much smarter than laying out cash on equipment and supplies if you don’t know what you’re doing. And only when you’ve learned what you can and you’re still sure you want to be in the industry, open your own shop.

Don’t ever give up learning new stuff . . .

Do you know that some screen printers are out of touch with the latest advancements in the industry because of a know-it-all attitude: “You can’t tell me anything — I’ve been doing this for thirty years. ” Stay current or fall behind — attend trade shows and read industry journals and blogs.