One of the best examples of this strategy can be seen by the success of franchise sign printing businesses, which target budget-minded business owners who only need occasional signs and banners, which can be spotty (inconsistent demand) or loaded with competition. They do not attempt to offer anything but quick-turnaround signs and leave brochures and envelope printing to traditional offset printing businesses. [3] X Research source
Product match, excellent quality – very precise color, hue, and tone for high end products. Color match, excellent quality – usually precise Process Matching System (PMS Colors) by screen values (tones created by dot sizes) of the 4 process colors (cyan, magenta, process yellow, and black). Or just pleasing color, of medium quality – which is not so precisely matched. Caution: that means pleasing to the customer, not to you. Commercial quality printing is probably a cut above desktop publishing, done in your-office (above typical office printer, copier, or duplicator quality). It requires sharp line art and text – fineness of line work does not vary from page to page, screen color or halftone detail is consistent. Any choice of printing process (or brand of paper) shown on a quote to your customer is for them to choose. No, you can not substitute a more profitable method or material. Unless they agree in writing to a change, they can demand that it be redone at your expense – if you did not follow written specifications precisely.
At the very least, you’ll need a desktop computer, some design software, and a high-quality digital printer that is able to handle jobs up to 11in x 17in. [4] X Research source
You should familiarize yourself with Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) requirements, including their and other agencies such as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) “postings” (required posters about safety and employment opportunity, etc. ). Record keeping, tax withholding, reporting, and paying taxes and social security quarterly for employees (including part-time) are necessary. If you only use independent, outside printing contractors to do occasional printing that you cannot do personally, then you could be a “printing broker” (non-affiliated, wholesaler) and not have employees. Quarterly estimates of income, record keeping, reporting of actual proceeds, and paying your personal proprietorship or corporate (limited liability corporation [LLC]) taxes and social security for yourself is your responsibility to learn and complete each year.
After you become established and have enough credit and show volume and potential, you might be able to lease equipment, which can bring flexibility, but leases may have penalties and balloon notes, etc. to return or to keep the item, respectively.
You can look at locations online via realtor websites or hire a realtor to help you find the perfect location for your new printing business.
