Screen Printing Startup Guide: Plan, Print, and Grow

Step 1: Picture Your Shop Before You Build It

Maria stood in her friend’s garage, watching a simple white shirt transform into a vibrant piece of art. The squeegee moved across the screen, and brilliant colors appeared like magic. That moment changed everything.

Your journey starts with understanding what screen printing really means. This craft turns blank fabric into custom designs. Schools need spirit wear. Local businesses want branded apparel. Events need commemorative shirts. Demand is steady but seasonal—peaking around school starts, holidays, and events.

Before you invest a single dollar, spend time learning the craft. Visit local print shops. Watch online tutorials. Touch different shirt fabrics. Feel how quality ink sits on cotton versus polyester. This hands-on research matters more than reading about it.

Screen printing combines technical skill with artistic vision. You’ll work with mesh screens (mesh count = threads per inch), specialty inks, and curing equipment. Each print must meet high standards. A single mistake can ruin an entire order.

Think about your printing specialty. Will you focus on small custom orders or large corporate batches? Do you want to create your own designs or print customer artwork? Your answers shape everything that follows. For more guidance on choosing the right path, read How To Find a Business That Is a Great Match for You.

Step 2: Master the Fundamentals of Quality Printing

Quality separates thriving print shops from struggling ones. Your reputation rides on every shirt that leaves your workspace.

Start by learning proper screen preparation. The mesh count (threads per inch) affects detail quality. Finer meshes capture intricate designs. Coarser meshes work better for bold graphics. Understanding this relationship takes practice.

Ink selection matters. Plastisol inks offer vibrant colors and durability. Water-based inks provide a softer feel. Each type requires different curing temperatures and techniques. Using cheap ink to save money often backfires. Poor quality ink fades quickly, cracks after washing, and damages your reputation.

Practice on sample shirts before accepting paid orders. Test different fabric types. Experiment with color layering. Learn how cotton absorbs ink differently than polyester blends. Master the curing process and verify with wash tests—properly cured prints can last 50–100 washes.

Take a weekend workshop if possible. Many equipment suppliers offer training programs. Working alongside experienced printers accelerates your learning curve. You’ll discover shortcuts and avoid common mistakes. This investment pays for itself many times over.

Step 3: Research Your Local Market and Competition

Jake thought his college town needed another print shop. Then he discovered five competitors within three miles. His research saved him from a costly mistake.

Drive around your area. Note existing print shops. Visit their websites. Check their pricing. Read customer reviews. What do people praise? What complaints appear repeatedly?

Look for gaps in the market. Maybe local shops focus only on large orders. You could serve individuals wanting just a few custom shirts. Perhaps competitors ignore sports teams or nonprofit organizations. These niches can become your specialty.

Talk to potential customers. Visit small businesses, schools, and sports leagues. Ask what frustrates them about current print shops. Do they want faster turnaround? Better quality? More design help? Their answers reveal opportunities.

Research pricing in your area. Call competitors with sample orders. Note their quotes, turnaround times, and minimum order requirements. This information helps you position your business strategically.

Understanding the complete landscape is crucial. Review An Inside Look Into the Business You Want To Start to see what successful shops actually deal with daily.

Step 4: Decide Whether to Start Fresh or Buy Existing

Building from scratch gives you complete control. You choose every piece of equipment. You develop your own quality standards. You build customer relationships gradually.

Buying an existing shop offers instant infrastructure. You inherit equipment, supplier relationships, and existing customers. However, you also inherit any reputation problems or outdated equipment.

Starting fresh typically costs less upfront. A basic manual press setup runs $2,000–$5,000. You can begin in a garage or spare room. Growth happens at your own pace as revenue allows equipment upgrades.

Purchasing an established business requires $50,000–$150,000 or more. You’re buying their customer list, brand recognition, and trained employees. This path works best if you have significant capital and want immediate cash flow.

Consider franchising as a middle option. Screen printing franchises provide training, systems, and brand recognition. However, they charge ongoing royalties and limit your creative freedom. Learn more about this path at Here’s What You Need to Know About Owning a Franchise.

For deeper analysis of this crucial decision, check Buy a Business or Build One From Scratch.

Step 5: Write a Focused Business Plan

A business plan isn’t just paperwork. It’s your roadmap through the startup chaos.

Define your quality and service standards:

• What guarantees will you offer?
• How many wash cycles should your prints survive?
• What turnaround times will you promise?

Calculate startup costs realistically:

• Screen printing press, exposure unit, flash dryer, and screens
• Quality inks, emulsions, and cleaning supplies
• Blank shirts, marketing materials, and insurance

Project your first-year expenses:

• Rent (if using commercial space) and utilities—dryers use significant power
• Internet, phone, and accounting software
• Insurance premiums

Estimate conservative revenue:

• Example: at $8 per shirt, one 72-shirt order per week ≈ $30,000 yearly
• Expect at least six months to build steady business

Your business plan should address Critical Points to Consider before starting your business, including seasonality. Schools order in spring for fall sports. Businesses want holiday apparel by October. Plan cash flow accordingly.

Step 6: Choose Your Business Structure Carefully

Your business structure affects taxes, liability, and paperwork requirements. Choose wisely before filing anything.

A sole proprietorship is simplest. You and the business are legally one entity. Setup is easy and inexpensive. However, your personal assets remain at risk if someone sues your business.

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) protects personal assets. Your house and savings stay separate from business debts and lawsuits. Many screen printers choose this structure. It offers protection without excessive paperwork.

Forming an LLC costs $100–$800 depending on your state. Annual fees and filing requirements vary. California charges $800 yearly. Delaware charges $300. Research your state’s specific requirements carefully.

S corporations may offer tax advantages once you’re profitable. They require more complex accounting and regular formalities. Start simpler, then convert later if your accountant recommends it.

Partnerships work if you’re starting with someone else. Get everything in writing. Who owns what percentage? Who handles production versus sales? How do you split profits? Clear agreements prevent future conflicts.

Understanding both the advantages and challenges matters. Read The Pros and Cons of Running A Business before making your final decision.

Step 7: Register Your Business and Get Your EIN

1. Choose a memorable business name and confirm availability in your state.
2. Search the USPTO trademark database to avoid conflicts.
3. Reserve/register the name via your Secretary of State site.
4. File your LLC or corporation paperwork (many states allow online filing). Save the confirmation for banking and licenses.
5. Apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) through the IRS website. This free process issues an EIN immediately online.
6. Register for state taxes (e.g., sales tax permit). Costs and frequency of remittance vary by state.

Requirements vary significantly by state. California demands extensive documentation. Wyoming has minimal requirements. Check your specific state’s small business portal for exact steps.

Step 8: Secure Necessary Licenses and Permits

Maria opened her print shop with enthusiasm. Three months later, a code inspector shut her down for missing permits. Don’t let this happen to you.

• Business license: City or county. Fees often $50–$500. Processing may take 2–6 weeks.
• Zoning/home-based rules: Some areas restrict signage, parking, and hours. Verify before buying equipment.
• Resale certificate: Buy blanks/supplies without sales tax; you collect/remit when selling to customers.
• Environmental permits: Some jurisdictions regulate chemicals and fumes. Check with your local agency.
• Certificate of Occupancy & fire permits: Confirm your space is approved for screen printing before you sign a lease.

Step 9: Get Proper Insurance Coverage

Insurance feels expensive until you need it. Then it becomes priceless.

Core coverages:

• General liability: Customer injuries/property damage. Typical $300–$600 annually for $1M coverage.
• Commercial property: Equipment and inventory (e.g., presses, dryers, supplies).
• Professional liability (E&O): Printing mistakes and reprints. Often $400–$800 annually depending on revenue.
• Workers’ compensation: Required once you hire employees; budget roughly 2–5% of payroll.
• Business interruption: Covers ongoing expenses if you must close temporarily.

Shop bundled policies. A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) combines general liability and property at reduced rates. Get quotes from at least three insurers that understand small manufacturing.

Step 10: Find Your Workspace and Set It Up

Your workspace directly impacts print quality. Poor ventilation ruins expensive screens. Inadequate space slows production. Choose carefully.

Home start: A two-car garage can fit a manual press, exposure unit, and drying racks. Basements can work with proper ventilation. Check local zoning first.

Commercial space: Offers professionalism and room to grow. 800–1,200 sq ft is a useful target as you scale (many startups use less). Plan distinct areas for design, printing, curing, and storage. High ceilings help ventilation and larger drying racks.

Electrical: Flash and conveyor dryers draw significant power. Verify the space has adequate amperage. Service upgrades often cost $1,000–$3,000—budget for it.

Ventilation & safety: Screen printing releases fumes from inks and cleaning chemicals. Install exhaust fans or upgrade HVAC. Make sure your exhaust meets OSHA exposure limits and your local code. Requirements vary.

Workflow zones: Place the exposure area away from natural light. Keep screen washing separate from clean printing. Store chemicals per product labels.

Lighting: Use bright, even illumination. LED shop lights provide coverage without excess heat. Position lights to eliminate shadows.

Step 11: Invest in Quality Equipment From the Start

Tom bought the cheapest press he could find. It wobbled. Prints misaligned. He replaced it within six months. Buy right the first time.

• Press: Manual 4-color, 1-station units are $400–$1,000 and handle small orders. Automatic presses start around $25,000 new (used $15,000–$20,000) and boost capacity later.
• Exposure unit: Transfers designs to coated screens. LED units typically run $1,500–$7,000; larger pro units $7,000–$10,000 for faster, consistent results.
• Flash cure & final cure: Flash units $300–$800. Final curing via conveyor dryer (~$2,100–$5,000) or heat press ($300–$1,500). Verify cure with wash tests.
• Screens: Start with 110, 156, and 230 mesh counts. Aluminum frames outlast wood. Pre-stretched screens are $15–$30; buy at least 20 to prep multi-color jobs.
• Squeegees: Stock different durometers (hardness). Harder for detail, softer for heavy deposits. Replace nicked blades early.
• Design/output: Use Adobe Illustrator (single-app plan) or CorelDRAW. Add a quality inkjet printer for films (RIP as needed).
• Consumables: Emulsion, screen tape, cleaning chemicals. Budget $500–$1,000 initially.

Step 12: Source Premium Inks and Materials

Ink quality defines your reputation. Use cheap ink, lose repeat customers.

• Brands: Wilflex, International Coatings, Union Ink, and Rutland make pro-grade plastisols. Starter kits often $200–$600.
• Plastisol: Thick, opaque, vibrant, and won’t dry in screen. Properly cured prints can withstand 50+ wash cycles (verify with wash tests).
• Water-based: Softer hand and often more eco-friendly but dries faster in the screen; curing differs.
• Color stocking: Keep white, black, red, blue, yellow. Add a mixing system for Pantone matches to reduce inventory.
• Blanks: Open wholesale accounts with S&S Activewear, Alpha Broder, and SanMar (license + EIN required). Stock Gildan (budget), Bella+Canvas (premium), and Next Level (mid-range) in core colors (white, black, navy, heather gray, royal) and sizes S–2XL.
• Emulsion & chemicals: Pro emulsions ($40–$80/qt) last longer and expose reliably. Add emulsion remover, degreaser, and haze remover.

Step 13: Build Supplier Relationships Early

Your suppliers become partners in your success. Treat them well.

Contact major apparel distributors before your first order. Request account applications. Most require business documentation, tax certificates, and trade references. Processing takes one to two weeks.

Start small to build credit history. Order modest quantities initially. Pay invoices promptly. Suppliers reward reliable customers with better payment terms and pricing.

Establish local connections when possible. Regional suppliers offer faster shipping and personal service. Visit their locations. Meet the sales representatives. These relationships are invaluable for rush orders.

Join supplier loyalty programs. Many distributors offer rewards points, volume discounts, or free shipping thresholds. Track these benefits carefully. Strategic ordering saves significant money over time.

Diversify your supply chain. Don’t rely on a single distributor. Equipment failures, stock shortages, or shipping delays happen. Having backup suppliers prevents customer disappointments.

Attend industry trade shows when possible. Events like the PRINTING United Expo and ISS shows let you test equipment, compare inks, and negotiate deals. Many suppliers offer show-exclusive discounts on bulk purchases.

Step 14: Develop Essential Business Skills

Technical printing skills alone don’t guarantee success. You need business fundamentals too.

• Learn basic accounting and track every expense from day one with software like QuickBooks or Wave.
• Master customer service with clear, patient communication.
• Develop time-management systems and use a simple project tracker.
• Study color theory and design basics to advise customers.
• Practice accurate estimating (ink, screens, setup/teardown, print speed, reprint risk).

For a comprehensive look at what you’ll need, review Essential Business Skills You Need To Succeed.

Step 15: Test Everything Before Launch

The moment before your first customer order feels exhilarating. But premature launching causes expensive mistakes.

• Run test prints on cotton, blends, and performance fabrics. Wash multiple times to verify durability.
• Practice multi-color registration (alignment) until you achieve consistent results.
• Time your workflow: screen prep, prints per hour, realistic daily capacity.
• Test your pricing on sample orders and compare to competitors.
• Create sample pieces that showcase detail, bold text, multi-color, and specialty effects.
• Have friends and family place small test orders to stress-test your process end-to-end.

Step 16: Set Up Your Business Banking and Accounting

Mixing personal and business finances creates tax nightmares. Separate them immediately.

• Open a business checking account (bring EIN, formation docs, and ID). Compare fees and limits.
• Get a business credit card and use it only for business purchases. Pay in full monthly.
• Set up bookkeeping: record every transaction, categorize expenses, and save receipts.
• Choose software that fits your size (Wave, QuickBooks, or Xero).
• Set aside 25–30% of net profit for taxes (federal, state, sales, and self-employment).
• Consider hiring a bookkeeper or accountant to set things up correctly.

Step 17: Create Your Launch Marketing Materials

Before accepting orders, prepare professional marketing materials.

• Design a simple, printable logo that reflects your quality focus.
• Print professional business cards (name, business, phone, email, website).
• Create a basic website with samples, services, pricing ranges, and a quote form.
• Build a physical portfolio binder with photos of your best prints.
• Develop pricing sheets for common quantities and color counts with turnaround times.
• Create social media accounts; post process and finished work regularly.

Step 18: Plan Your Soft Launch Strategy

Don’t announce your grand opening immediately. Test operations first.

• Offer discounted rates to your first few customers and ask for feedback.
• Start with simple, single-color jobs and add complexity as skills improve.
• Collect reviews and photos; post them on your site and social channels.
• Network with local businesses in person and leave pricing info.
• Join local business groups for referrals.
• Wear your best printed shirts as everyday marketing.

Step 19: Understand Why You’re Doing This

Starting any business requires sacrifice. Late nights, uncertain income, constant problem-solving—these challenges test your resolve.

Understanding your deeper motivations helps you get through difficulties. Do you love creating visual art? Does the idea of building something of your own excite you? Do you want control over your schedule and income?

Screen printing offers genuine creative satisfaction. Transforming blank fabric into finished products provides tangible results. Unlike many businesses, you see immediate outcomes from your work.

This business builds community connections. You help local teams, schools, and businesses express their identity. Your work appears at events, games, and celebrations throughout your area.

Financial potential exists for quality-focused shops. Print shops regularly generate six-figure revenues. However, this takes time, skill development, and persistent marketing.

Reflect on The Reasons for Getting Into Your Own Business. Your specific motivations will carry you through challenging startup months.

Step 20: Prepare for Your Official Launch

After weeks of preparation, testing, and networking, you’re ready.

• Schedule a soft opening for friends, family, and first supporters. Show the space and your process.
• Announce your business officially via social, email, and local boards. Make your availability clear.
• Plan for slow periods. Many shops take 3–6 months to build consistent clientele; keep reserves.
• Stay strict on quality. Every order represents your reputation; don’t compromise for quick sales.
• Keep learning: forums, tutorials, and industry publications introduce new inks and techniques.
• Document your journey. Note what works and what doesn’t to guide future decisions.

Remember, your business grows one quality print at a time. Focus on excellence, treat customers well, and build genuine relationships. Success follows naturally from consistent, quality craftsmanship.

101 Tips for Running Your Screen Printing Business

Launching a screen printing shop takes more than a press and ink—you’re building a production business that lives or dies on process control, safety, and reliable turnaround.

Use these tips to plan smart, print consistently, and grow with customers who come back. Keep notes, test often, and run your shop like a manufacturing line with heart.

What to Do Before Starting

1. Decide your primary niche first—teams, schools, trades, or merch—because it dictates garment types, print sizes, artwork needs, and your price list.
2. Start with a lean, reliable setup: a sturdy manual press (4–6 colors), a flash, a conveyor dryer, a washout booth, and a pressure washer; rent or buy used in excellent condition to keep debt low.
3. Choose mesh counts you’ll actually use (110 for bold plastisol, 156–180 for general use, 230+ for detail and water-based) and stock matching emulsions.
4. Validate power and ventilation: confirm dryer amperage with an electrician and plan airflow to remove heat and fumes from inks, solvents, and reclaiming.
5. Run full-cost math before buying: include rent, utilities (dryers draw a lot), labor, consumables, freight, waste disposal, software, and taxes.
6. Set minimum order quantities and a standard turnaround (e.g., 10 business days) so your pricing and batching stay profitable from day one.
7. Create a basic business plan with startup costs, sales targets, and a break-even date; revisit quarterly.
8. Open trade accounts with two blank apparel distributors to hedge stockouts and compare freight cutoffs.
9. Pick RIP/output workflow (film printer, RIP settings, and density target) and run a registration test to prove you can hold detail before taking orders.
10. Draft core policies—deposit (50% up front), art ownership, revision limits, rush fees, and spoilage allowance—so every job starts on the same terms.
11. Price by time and complexity: screens, colors, placements, garment type, and finishing; build a matrix that covers common scenarios to quote fast and consistently.
12. Set up sales tax and resale paperwork for your state, and document when you must collect tax on goods and services.

What Successful Screen Printing Business Owners Do

13. Standardize every repeating task (coating, exposing, registering, reclaiming) and keep written SOPs at the station to reduce errors and training time.
14. Measure more than you guess: keep logs for dryer temp/time, screen tension, exposure times, and press settings; use them to fix issues fast.
15. Protect margin with deposits and approved proofs before ordering blanks; no exceptions.
16. Schedule production in batches by ink color and garment to reduce changeovers and cleaning.
17. Buy consumables in case quantities you can turn in 30–60 days to avoid expired emulsion or separated inks.
18. Train a backup for each role so vacations or illness don’t stop the line.
19. Track first-pass yield and reprint rate weekly; celebrate steady improvement and investigate dips.
20. Implement daily start-up and shutdown checklists for press, flash, and dryer to prevent avoidable downtime.
21. Use a simple CRM or shop management app to track quotes, proofs, approvals, and due dates in one place.
22. Review job profitability monthly by customer and print type, then raise prices or adjust process where the numbers lag.

Running the Business (Operations, Staffing, SOPs)

23. Map your floor for flow: receiving → staging → screens → press → curing → QC → finishing → packing → shipping; keep paths straight and short.
24. Set exposure SOPs by emulsion and mesh; store exposure test strips with final times so new screens hit the sweet spot consistently.
25. Maintain off-contact (gap between screen and garment) and squeegee specs (e.g., 70-durometer hardness) and replace nicked blades before they cause print defects.
26. Install a humidity/temperature monitor in your screen room; control climate to stabilize coating and exposure.
27. Use a registration system or pins (alignment tools) so multicolor jobs line up quickly and repeatably across reorders.
28. Label every mixed ink with color, formula, date, and job; keep a formula journal for exact reprints.
29. Establish a reclaim workflow: remove ink, dehaze, degrease; verify screens are fully clean before drying to avoid pinholes.
30. Calibrate your conveyor dryer with a probe or doughnut test (heat-probe puck). Verify cure with a wash test, not by touch.
31. Conduct in-process QC: inspect the first 3–5 prints and one from each stack for placement, opacity, and cure.
32. Create a spoilage policy (e.g., 2–3% allowance) and keep extra blanks on hand for each job to cover defects.
33. Document art intake: vector requirements, DPI for raster, print size, placements, and Pantone matches; reject unusable files with a helpful checklist.
34. Train cross-skills: press help learns reclaim; reclaim learns coating; this builds resilience and career paths.
35. Implement a simple Kanban board (visual job tracker) for jobs: Quote, Art, Awaiting Approval, Purchasing, In Production, QC, Shipped; review daily.
36. Back up art and separations to cloud storage with clear job naming so reorders are effortless.

What to Know About the Industry (Rules, Seasons, Supply, Risks)

37. Busy seasons cluster around school starts, sports playoffs, and holidays; build capacity or lead-time buffers 4–8 weeks ahead.
38. Licensing matters: you need permission to print sports teams, colleges, and trademarked logos; keep signed licenses on file.
39. Children’s apparel has extra rules; vet inks and decorations for safety requirements before selling youth products.
40. Some chemicals and rags from reclaim are regulated as hazardous waste; plan storage, labeling, and disposal per local rules.
41. Dryers run hot and draw significant power; confirm circuits, ventilation, and clearances to reduce fire risk.
42. Local laws can restrict discharge to drains from reclaim; use appropriate filtration and check your city’s requirements.
43. State sales tax rules differ on shipping, setup fees, and labor; document your state’s position and apply it consistently.
44. Customers expect size-inclusive options; keep size run pricing and substitutions ready when certain sizes are backordered.
45. Blank apparel brands change cuts and dyes; request current spec sheets to avoid mismatch on reorders.
46. Weather and freight disruptions impact garment availability; keep alternate colors/brands preapproved with key customers.

Marketing (Local, Digital, Offers, Community)

47. Show your specialty with real samples: create a rotating rack of best sellers for schools, trades, or events visitors can touch.
48. Publish a clear price guide with typical packages (e.g., 50 tees, 2-color front) so prospects self-qualify before you quote.
49. Offer an onboarding bundle for new teams or businesses that includes logo cleanup, a brand color match, and first-order credit.
50. Use a fast quote form that asks only for what you need (quantities, placements, in-hands date); reply within one business day.
51. Photograph every finished job in consistent lighting and post to a portfolio with alt-text and niche tags for search.
52. Partner with local leagues, schools, and event organizers; trade a small discount for logo placement on programs or banners.
53. Create reorder cards packed with each job that include job ID, sizes, and an easy “reorder by email” instruction.
54. Run seasonal promos tied to deadlines (e.g., “Order by August 1 for back-to-school delivery”) to pull demand forward.
55. Offer value adds like tag removal, relabeling, or folded/polybagged delivery for a fee; feature them in your quotes.
56. Build a referral loop: a simple “share this quote” email and a credit when new customers place their first order.
57. Host an open shop day for teachers, coaches, and nonprofits to see the process and choose print options in person.
58. Retarget site visitors who started a quote but didn’t finish; send a helpful nudge with your turnaround and proof policy.
59. Keep a “quick-turn rack” of popular blank colors/styles for small rush orders at premium pricing.
60. Publish a “How to supply print-ready art” guide to reduce back-and-forth and position yourself as helpful experts.

Dealing with Customers (Trust, Education, Retention)

61. Use visual proofs with clear dimensions, placements, and Pantone calls; require written approval to lock scope.
62. Clarify in-hands dates versus ship dates on every quote; build in a buffer for freight variability.
63. Offer samples when color or fabric is critical; a single pre-production strike-off (sample) avoids expensive reprints.
64. Explain ink choices (plastisol for durability, water-based for hand/eco goals) in plain English and recommend based on fabric and use.
65. Set reorder-friendly SKUs by customer so future jobs don’t need re-separation or re-approval.
66. Ask for the real event date and work backward to confirm a feasible timeline before accepting a rush.
67. Provide sizing charts and try-on samples for large apparel orders to cut exchanges.
68. Educate clients on garment variables: fabric dye lots, shrinkage, and print feel; realistic expectations reduce complaints.
69. Send a post-delivery note with care instructions and a friendly request for a photo or review.

Customer Service (Policies, Guarantees, Feedback)

70. Publish your order minimums, standard turnaround, rush fees, and artwork rules so customers know how to win with you.
71. Guarantee print durability to normal wash when cured per spec; back it up with a quick reprint process if there’s an issue.
72. State your spoilage policy clearly (e.g., we may have up to 2% defects); for customer-supplied garments, clarify limited liability.
73. Create a single contact channel for updates (email or portal) to avoid missed messages across texts and DMs.
74. After each job, log common questions and update your FAQ and templates so the next customer gets clearer answers.
75. Track on-time delivery rate and customer satisfaction; follow up proactively if a job is at risk.
76. Offer a paid proof-with-print option for complex work so customers can touch the result before full production.
77. Make it painless to reorder: include job ID, art file, and garment details on the invoice and in the box.

Sustainability (Waste, Sourcing, Long-Term)

78. Use reclaim chemicals and ink cleaners designed for screen printing and follow label instructions to reduce emissions and skin exposure.
79. Filter reclaim water to capture solids before drain, per local rules; dispose of collected sludge appropriately.
80. Choose low-bleed inks and the right underbase (first base layer) to reduce misprints that become waste.
81. Consolidate orders and ship on reusable garment boxes when possible to cut freight and packaging waste.
82. Offer water-based or PVC-free options when suitable; explain trade-offs in opacity and fabric.
83. Donate misprints to textile recyclers or charities after removing identifying marks when required.
84. Track dryer energy use and maintain insulation and belt alignment to keep cure efficient.

Staying Informed (Trends, Sources, Cadence)

85. Join an industry association to access training, compliance updates, and production best practices.
86. Attend at least one trade show or workshop annually to see new equipment, inks, and workflows in action.
87. Subscribe to a reputable trade magazine and read monthly to spot garment and decoration trends early.
88. Follow manufacturers’ tech bulletins for your emulsion, inks, and dryer; they update cure and use guidelines.
89. Bookmark official safety and business sites for periodic reviews of rules, taxes, and labeling requirements.
90. Schedule a quarterly day to retrain on fundamentals—exposure, registration, and curing—so skills don’t drift.

Adapting to Change (Seasonality, Shocks, Competition, Tech)

91. Keep alternative blank SKUs preapproved with top customers so you can swap during shortages without delaying jobs.
92. Build a rush-capacity plan: a second shift, partner shop, or premium “express lane” for short runs.
93. Pilot new decoration methods (DTF patches, reflective, puff) on internal merch before offering to customers.
94. Offer online team stores for seasonal programs; close stores on deadlines to batch produce profitably.
95. Track competitor offers in your niche quarterly and respond with clearer value, not just lower price.
96. Document a contingency if your dryer or film printer fails—where you can rent time or outsource to keep deadlines.
97. Create a reorder safety file for each major account with approved art, separations, and notes for rapid repeats.

What Not to Do

98. Don’t print trademarked or licensed designs without written permission; fines and reprints can sink margins.
99. Don’t skip wash tests—touch-dry is not cured; confirm cure with time, temperature, and an actual launder test.
100. Don’t promise impossible deadlines; missed in-hands dates lose customers faster than saying no up front.
101. Don’t overbuy gear before your workflow is stable; bottlenecks usually come from process, not press count.

Sources: U.S. Small Business Administration, IRS, OSHA, EPA, FTC, CPSC, PRINTING United Alliance, Impressions Expo, AATCC, Screen Print Direct, Lawson Screen Products, UpFlip, Small Business Chron, Insureon, TRUiC, Growthink, Avient Specialty Inks