DSF

John G;22141 wrote:I think you are missing the point - the coasters you have quotes are mass produced therefore have a very cheap selling price. The beauty about sublimation is the products can be one off's or personalised and people will be prepared to pay for this service.

- A very fair point. But slightly worrying when we see the likes of ASDA with a stack of mug presses behind the 'photo kiosk'.

Besides which, as many a 'family portrait studio' has found; it's often better within a particular business profile to be pro-actively producing a saleable product than just waiting for someone requiring a bespoke service.

I think we when off the track a bit...

I suspect we did a bit... :biggrin: But we have two questions really ...Does this product work? And is it worth using?

A:iam sure it is working as we can see on the video.
A: it will be worth it if somone ask you to do some uniqe item as a one off.

Paul;22150 wrote:A:iam sure it is working as we can see on the video.

I make videos for a living - I'd be more sure if I could go through the out-takes.

Hi Matt as someone has stated we are somewhat off subject, (does it work or not) the worry is that if no one tries to go forward and bring new things in then we will stagnate. Also to say that the price for personalised products are not sustainable seems to me to be a worry for big business. I do agree individuals will not make a fortune from dyesub printing but most of us live in the real world where wages are enough to get us through the next week or month. I for one am happy to make REASONABLE profit from what I produce and to end up with satisfied customers.

Well dialogue is always good and one of the primary objects of forums. Whether you are a full time professional or part time hobbyist in sublimation, just making a few pounds to cover your costs I am sure all comments are welcome.
I was first brought to the attention of sublimation work at the Focus Exhibition in Birmingham. I was looking for something different to offer clients in our Photographic Services and I was struck by the quality which sublimation work and finish can offer.
Going back to marketing, I think you have to look carefully at selected markets where quality is on par with the people your are doing business with. rather than volume selling.
I am at the age that communication with clients comes very easily, and I can answer most technical question asked.
I also find that on a personal level, I find it quite enjoyable discussing business with owners of Castles, Abbies, Chateau's and other unusual business properties . So its not all about making money, its just about enjoying Life.

H Paul yes I am sorry if my reply sounded a trifle edgy but I think because of the very one off production ability that subli printing allows and because the market is so diverse with birthdays and all the various events in peoples lives I do believe that a reasonable income can be made from it, Although to be fair, part time would be the way forward from my point of view. What I think I am trying to say is that personalised products are a way someone can try out as a small way of making extra cash and not lose loads of money. But as Matt says it would be all too easy to be sucked into buying equipment without proper research, which is why this forum and the excellent advice given freely by professional people such as yourself, Matt and many others is so useful.
Best Regards Richard

Here's a random thought...

Polyester laquer is used in finishing Pianos and Guitars... This isn't far off the polyester resin used in working with fibreglass... And I'm almost certain polyester laquer had/has automotive applications...

Has anyone actually TRIED sublimating onto substrates simply coated with ployurethene varnish or cellulose paint or polyester resin?

Found this site http://www.glscoatings.co.uk/ If anybody wants to try it