Next, heat, is your press getting to the required temp? Approx. 190/200c.
In an effort to save you time searching I can surmise many years of experience, not just my own but as found on the forum here.....Get a quality setup from a recognised supplier, yes it will cost more. You need to be using tried and tested inks at this point in your venture, through a tested printer. The Ricohs are excellent for a new starter but be prepared for more expensive inks (Check out Dye Sub Supplies for SubliSplash)
Buy Trupix paper and you'll never need to change again.
Lastly, join our Premium Membership scheme....no, not a hard sell although the tenner does help running costs thank you very much! Some suppliers give discounts on equipment, you'll get your £10 back many times over very quickly.
That's it in a nutshell. Yes, you can set up cheaply but most tend to come back and spend all over again. Good equipment lasts, it's an investment and will get you up and running quickly and making money if that's what you want to do? Isn't that what we all want?
