New owner

[Twalker0812]

hi I'm new to the printing business and was inquiring about what's the best beginners flier printing machine to get

 

[keith1]

heh,heh,heh. Who wants to start . . .

 

[Mlevett]

DO you have nay experience in printing?

 

[Twalker0812]

No I actually don't I'm going into this trying to see what's the basics and the beginners printer to work with

 

[HPC]

You need to establish some parameters.. You are talking to printers who produce all kinds of products on all kinds of machinery. Qty, paper, colors, coated or uncoated stock, bleed or no bleed, size (of the flyer) If its folded your gonna need a folder too.. you see where I'm heading. Give us something to work with

 

[maas]

In all honesty if you are interested in learning the actual processes involved (and therefore know what to look for in equipment) the best way to start is to offer your time to an existing shop

 

[BigSi]

AB DICK? not in this part of the world! Lets get the can of worms open!

 

[MailGuru]

heh,heh,heh. Who wants to start . . .

Yeah, I replied with a smart remark, but, then thought better of it and erased my post. I think this guy deserves a fair shot.

If you are new to the industry, and, to printing in general, I think it best to start with a digital press (not an ABDick). The learning curve of operations will be easier, and, you don't need to know anything about mixing inks, water, or, running an offset press. You still have a long way to go, but, most digital presses of today, have automated processes that will control ink (toner) density, etc.

I don't know if you have any graphic arts background, but, you will need the ability to setup the art that will be printed on your press. I think the industry standard right now is Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, etc.)

Like I said, you've a long way to go, but, I hope I have at least pointed you in the right direction to get started.

Good Luck with your new venture (adventure)!

-MailGuru

 

[bmiller4jah]

I think it's important to ask - (and by no means is this a complete list of questions, but only what comes to mind initially)

- If you're completely new to printing, WHY are you getting into it?
- What are your main objectives/goals? Short term and long term. Where do you want the business to be in 1yr, 5yr, 10yrs, etc?
- What markets/market sectors are you trying to serve?
- What all types of projects/solutions do you want to be able to offer your client base?
- What is unique about you in the crowd of already established (and extremely experienced) printers?

 

[keith1]

Yeah, I replied with a smart remark, but, then thought better of it and erased my post. I think this guy deserves a fair shot.
-MailGuru

OK MailGuru, since you force my hand
First plan could perhaps be visiting a couple trade shows. This will showcase available equipment, and sellers can be a fountain of information. Albeit slanted somewhat to the product they're selling.
For someone that's completely new to the business a franchise could be well worth a look. They should have training and offer support for when things go awry. Some people start with a franchise until they figure out they no longer need that support. Franchises are primarily Copy Shop situations.
This brings us to an important decision. Are you wanting a Copy Shop or a Printing Company? Big difference. I'd wager most employees working in Copy Shops (owners too for that matter) have never actually seen a real printing press.
The main ingredient will be your employees. Hire people with experience and listen to them.

Personally if it were me I'd be thinking Copy Shop. Trying to start a new printing co. from scratch would be overwhelming. Not to mention costing a fortune. The days of small shops with 1 & 2 colour machines are history, or pretty close to it. Copiers do their job now.
As for which machine. A bit like buying a car I suppose. What features for what amount of money. You'll want collating/booklet making capabilities. You'll need a colour copier. Find a trade show and start there. You'll get a headache from information overload (& bullshit overload) but it's a good starting point.

Let us know what market you're looking at.

 

[PrintingInLincs]

I'm new too but after a lot of research we got a xerox 550 & a guillotine. Though we've had some slight issues with quality caused by the machine needing new parts we're actually selling print we've done ourselves without any complaints.

Though we are having to get used to people sending us terrible artwork.

We specialise in flyers because we have a big door to door distribution business.

It's been a learning curve though we do seem to be coping so far.

Advice from a newbie who's just been through the wholeprocess of getting our first printer is to beware of salesmen. We had people tell us allsorts of stuff but we decided to go with the folks who basically said "this is what you need & why & if you don't buy from us we'll still help you out with any advice you need"

They also supplied a guy to train us up on the processes involved & survived a grilling about dodgy contract clauses.

Cheers, Karl

 

[maas]

More power to you Karl!

 

[BigSi]

I guess it's just what you are used to. I don't disagree with what you say but you can purchase an old Heidelberg GTO for so little now and I know which I'd rather run. AB dicks, Mults, Rotaprint etc .. have there place but if you want hairline registration and good rolling power you need a press not a duplicator. I know someone is going to say that they have done 4col process work on an AB Dick etc.. but do you really need the stress. Life is to short.