Randall Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 I'm thinking about starting one making signs with mostly vinyl lettering-vehicles and store signs. I had to stop working because of my back so I'm debating a new business. I'm good at layout and design and this may work. Can anyone recommend 24" systems and vinyl startup kits that would work? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiley Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 You're limiting yourself with 24" systems. You need 48" min to make any real money IMO. I guess if you're looking for side money 24 is good but ANY sign business can do 24". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocknrobn26 Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Can't offer any info, but good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiley Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 (edited) I'll also add that you won't be able to compete with companies that print on an HP with 4C process UV ink. Max size is 52" and you get full coverage waterproof ink with unlimited color. Vinyl lettering (trapping issues, color limitations ) vs. Full color ink Good luck. Edited January 28, 2009 by twiley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted January 28, 2009 Author Share Posted January 28, 2009 You're limiting yourself with 24" systems. You need 48" min to make any real money IMO. I guess if you're looking for side money 24 is good but ANY sign business can do 24". Thanks. This is a small town so there isn't much competition but I'll look into it.Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
driveby Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Thanks. This is a small town so there isn't much competition but I'll look into it.Thanks. How much business do you anticipate since you live in a small town? If they need signs they must already be getting them someplace or just doing without? Not trying to rain on your parade just wondering if the payoff would be worth the investment? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted January 28, 2009 Author Share Posted January 28, 2009 How much business do you anticipate since you live in a small town? If they need signs they must already be getting them someplace or just doing without? Not trying to rain on your parade just wondering if the payoff would be worth the investment? It's like Martha's Vineyard for Minneapolis. People are hired from 100-200 miles away. A lot of signwork is done 8 months a year. No you're not raining on my parade it's a good question. Work generally here is mostly seasonal. In winter the town is pretty dead because the people with money are basically gone. The business wouldn't be worse than what I used to do. Just researching it now. I'm researching moving too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caveman_Nick Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Hewlett Packard Large Format Inkjet is what you want to look into. You'll need a cutting set-up, even though for some basic signage you can have the plotter cut along the length of the roll. You'll want to price out a laminator, and of course a computer with appropriate design software. You can probably put all of that together for less than 30K to get started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gbpfan1231 Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Randall where are you living? I have a good friend of mine who used to be partners in a sign business in Milwaukee but sold his interest a few years back. He has now moved to Green Bay and did Sales for a local (but large) sign company but changed jobs again and is currently not in sign business. He may be able to help you if you have other issues. Not sure if you are close to GB?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 Randall where are you living? He may be able to help you if you have other issues. Not sure if you are close to GB?? Near the Apostle Islands by Lake Superior Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twiley Posted January 28, 2009 Share Posted January 28, 2009 (edited) Hewlett Packard Large Format Inkjet is what you want to look into. You'll need a cutting set-up, even though for some basic signage you can have the plotter cut along the length of the roll. You'll want to price out a laminator, and of course a computer with appropriate design software. You can probably put all of that together for less than 30K to get started. I forgot about the laminator. Edited January 28, 2009 by twiley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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