BIZ: BUSINESS PRINTING FROM HOME EXPOSE

How to Start a Printing Business at Home

While the Internet may be taking over many aspects of printing, some things are still preferred on paper. Banners, programs for special functions, birthday and holiday greetings are all still popular on paper. It's not exactly socially acceptable to hand someone a laptop to look at when they enter the church for a wedding, after all. Niche printers, those who specialize in certain areas and create unique and interesting designs, are also becoming more popular.

Step 1

Research your local market. Find out if there is a demand for printing services in your local community. A lot of competition does not necessarily mean you shouldn't start your printing business, but you may want to narrow your focus or try to do most of your business nationwide on the Internet.

Step 2

Call your county or city clerk's office. Find out if you need a license to operate a business from your home. If you won't have a lot of traffic coming to and from your house and won't need a lot of parking, this shouldn't be a problem.

Step 3

File your business name with the Secretary of State. You should be able to find this form on your Secretary of State's website. If not, give the office a call, and it can send you the appropriate forms to fill out when filing a new business. In Harris County, Texas, you need to walk into the county clerk's office at 201 Caroline St. in Houston or download a copy of the Assumed Name (for a business) off the county clerk's website. You and any other owners of the business need to bring government identification, such as a driver's license, and you can fill out the form at the clerk's office. As of June 2010, there is $15 fee for the first owner and 50 cents for any additional owner. You can also have the completed form notarized and then mail it to: County Clerk, Harris County, P.O. BOX 1525, Houston, TX 77251-1525. No other licensing is required for a printing business in Texas. This information only suitable for the mentioned area. In Malaysia, its a bit different but the process is pretty much the same. 

Step 4

Purchase your equipment. At first, you may not be able to afford a lot of equipment, so you will need to create a relationship with a local or Internet-based commercial printer. This is essential if you will be selling banners and other large printed items. However, for smaller items, you will be able to perform your duties with a computer and the necessary design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. A digital printer will be expensive but the most valuable piece of equipment you own. Not only will you be able to print your proofs, but many small jobs can be done from there. You will also need toner, paper, a paper cutter, other tools and materials if you personally cut or design the paper.

Step 5

Build a portfolio. You can start sending the word out about your business by volunteering to do print work for area organizations and charities. Offer to create and print their newsletters, business cards, invitations and event programs. Ask if you can use what you've created in your portfolio. This will give you experience as well as something to show potential clients.

Step 6

Promote your new business with your expertise. Create and print your own business cards, newsletter, brochure and flyers. Use these to promote your business. Hand them out to friends and family, and bring them to events that you participate in. Advertise in local publications to promote your design and printing skills. Perhaps develop an insert to go inside your paper to really illustrate what you can do. A website will also be valuable, particularly if you create interesting and unique announcements, programs and invitations. You may need to consult a web programming professional to enable your customers to input their specific information and order online.

Things Needed

• Computer
• Internet access
• Telephone
• Design software
• Digital printer
• Paper
• Paper cutter
• Toner

In the interest mood of starting my own business. I am not planning to build an empire but to build just enough business company for my son and family. I found this is good read and its might be also good for you reader out there.

Credit to Michelle Hogan

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BIZ: PRINTING BUSINESS EXPOSE

What Equipment Do I Need to Start a Printing Business? 

Operating a printing business requires few specialized pieces of equipment, and can be operated as a home-based, storefront or Internet business. Printing businesses can be specialized and cater to different needs. Types of printing businesses include vinyl sign printing, screen-printing T-shirts, printing of business cards, brochures and documents, election ballots. Know what type of printing you want to specialize in and plan accordingly.

Printing System

Probably the most important investment you can make for your printing business is the printer. The type of printing you plan on performing will dictate the type of printer you need. Basic printers are divided into inkjet, laser, screen and offset. If you are wanting to print vinyl signs, you may want an extra-wide sign and label inkjet printer. If you are printing business cards, it may be better to select a laser printer while an offset press will lower your costs if you are printing a large volume of high-quality documents. A screen printer is necessary if you plan on printing to fabrics, such as shirts.

Design Software

To design print items for clients, you will need a design software and a computer that can run it. Your choice of software and computer will depend on the type of printing that you intend on specializing in. Your options can range from simple desktop programs—good for designing business cards and documents—to high-end specialized design programs—for drawing graphics. Whichever program you choose, make sure your computer can run it smoothly. Also make sure it comes with a wide variety of fonts. Customers may be picky on their font and it can lose you customers if you have a limited selection.

Inventory

You need something to print on, whether it be document printing, T-shirt screen printing, vinyl signs, business cards or any assortment of items. You must have enough inventory on hand, and enough variety, to meet customers' needs. For instance, if you are printing business cards, you should have enough variety of cardstock to allow customers to select the quality and texture they are seeking.

Cutting Equipment

You will need to have a cutting system. If you are printing business cards, you will need a hydraulic cutter or a hand-operated cutter to cut the cards. If you are printing vinyl signs, you will need a cutter that can cut out letters and graphics from adhesive-backed vinyl.

Accounting Software

Whether you are running a business from home or from an office, you need to keep track of your sales, track expenses and inventory as well as make accurate quotes. To do this you will need an accounting software program. If you choose to operate over the Internet, you should pick software that can integrate with a website, allowing you to take orders online.

Credit to ;- Daniel Walker, Demand Media

I am planning to venture myself into printing business, so I found this a good read so I share this into my blog for my safe read and future reference. 

Hope this will also you readers out there. 

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