Easiway Blog

TOP 5 TIPS FOR RUNNING A SUCCESSFUL SCREEN PRINTING BUSINESS

Written by Easiway | 7.24.2024

Looking to take your screen printing business to the next level? We've got you covered. With over 40 years of experience, Easiway knows a thing or two about running a profitable print shop. Here are our top 5 tips to help you increase your profits and streamline your operations.

1. EFFICIENCY IS KEY 

Let’s get started with the number one key to printing success: efficiency!

Creating smooth processes for every part of your business isn't just nice — it's essential for success.

You can start by making sure you have all the right tools at your disposal before you begin. Let’s do a quick check:

  • Is your dark room clean and prepped? 
  • Do you have enough ink in your most popular or common colors? 
  • How about the manpower to ensure timely deliveries for your clients? 

Once you can safely check all of the above, you can dive into each step of the process and get down to the nitty-gritty.

STEPS TO STREAMLINE THE PROCESS

Here are some Easiway hacks to streamline your workflow at every stage:

  1. Ordering:  Tired of endless back-and-forths about art and colors? Set up an online ordering system. It's a game-changer for quick, hassle-free POs.
  2. Printing: Cross-train your team to keep production rolling, even when someone's out. Pro tip: Throw in some performance incentives. First-time yield bonuses can slash costs and downtime while keeping your crew pumped.
  3. Cleaning: Reclaiming screens doesn't have to eat up your day. Sure, the usual spray routine works for small batches, but when you're cranking out orders, it puts a wrench in your momentum. Ready for an upgrade? Invest in a dip tank. It'll slash your reclaim time, freeing you up to chase new clients and grow your business.

Remember, a smoother process means more time for what really matters — creating awesome prints and boosting your bottom line!

2. MANAGE YOUR MONEY

Smooth processes aren't just about efficiency — they're money in the bank. Here's why:

When orders zip through your shop from start to finish, you're not just saving time - you're making room for more business. It's simple math: faster turnaround = more orders = more profit.

But here's a pro tip: don't forget about your gear. Treat your equipment right, and it'll return the favor. Regular maintenance means you're not dipping into profits for surprise replacements.

Want to keep your production floor humming and your equipment lasting longer? Invest in the right cleaning tools and supplies. Trust us, your bottom line will thank you. Speaking of which, let's talk about those tools...

3. PROLONG EQUIPMENT LIFE 

Here's a secret of successful screen printers: they take care of their gear. Why? Because it matters. A lot.

Dirty presses? They're a recipe for color mishaps and wonky designs. And those ink and emulsion bits you wash away? They can clog up your pipes faster than you can say "print run."

The fix? A solid cleaning routine. It keeps your equipment running smoothly and helps you avoid headaches down the road.

But here’s the good news: Easiway has your back. We’ve got what you need to prevent press problems, clear drains, and simplify reclaiming. Our products help you maintain your equipment effectively, allowing you to focus on producing high-quality prints.

Remember, clean equipment = better prints = happy customers. It's that simple.

4. KEEP CUSTOMERS HAPPY

Let's talk about the lifeblood of your business — your customers. They're not just buyers, they're your biggest fans and best marketers. So how do you keep them happy? It's all about smart, efficient service.

Here's your customer service strategy:

  • Responsiveness: Address inquiries and orders promptly.
  • Multi-Channel Support: Be available across platforms - phone, email, chat, and social media.
  • Knowledgeable Staff: Ensure your team is well-versed in your products and services.
  • Follow-Up: Check in after order delivery or issue resolution to confirm satisfaction.

When your clients are happy, they’re more likely to recommend your screen printing business to their network. Keeping open lines of communication and always having a smile on your face is the best way to grow your business.

5. GO SUSTAINABLE

Let's discuss sustainability — it's becoming increasingly crucial for business success. Here's why:

Customers are prioritizing environmentally-conscious products and services. By adopting sustainable practices, you're not only benefiting the environment but also gaining a competitive advantage.

Not to mention, sustainability can lead to cost savings. Reducing waste and energy use often translates to long-term financial benefits.

Consider adding a dip tank to your reclaiming process for a significant improvement:

  • It uses fewer chemicals compared to spray-on methods
  • Increases screen cleaning efficiency
  • Simplifies the training process

This approach saves time, money, and chemicals while reducing water usage. It's an effective way to improve both environmental impact and operational efficiency.

Remember, sustainable practices benefit multiple aspects of your business — customer satisfaction, employee morale, and financial performance. It's a strategy that aligns environmental responsibility with business growth.