A Salutary Lesson for newbies..

[leethesign]

I've seen several posts from newbies here asking for advice on equipment, supplies and suppliers and so I thought I'd share my experience with those who are looking at setting up a sub business.

(I'm based in Spain, and all sub stuff is far more expensive here than in the U.K., so this is why I investgated other sources - I must point out that I hadn't known about this site when I started - wish I had, though! - but had some knowledge of the system from a previous business venture some years ago)

1) Printer & inks - I saw an E-bay listing for an Espon D21 printer with a CISS at a very reasonable price. The vendor also had sub inks at a good price, so went for that. PROBLEMS - No profile for the inks, so the colour matching screen to print is crap. Martin kindly helped me out with a profile, but the right one isn't available, so not too successful there. Then had a (self made) problem with the CISS - I laid a hot soldering iron on the tubing and melted it (pillock) and asked the supplier for a replacement. No problem with a replacement, but what a bloody rude reply when I asked him for fitting instructions. The answer was simply "No- take photographs" one of the shortest sentences to a customer on record I reckon!.Also when I paid I got another curt request for more money for carriage - "You might have told me you live in Spain". I thought most decent suppliers know where their customers are based! Anyway that's the sort of reply you get from "Intelli-inks"I'll not be doing business with them again.

2) Press - Once again E-bay.....a mug press at 85 quid from Germany - good oh I thought. It arrived quickly but didn't work properly - there's no way of setting the temperature - only the time. When I checked the temp the thermostat was switching the blanket off at 270ºC. A tad on the warm side! They sent me another blanket to be fair, but that was the same. They then sent me another press (minus the blanket) and that one doesn't go above 130º before cutting out. Result - I'm fed up with that and will probably sling the whole lot in the bin.

3) Mugs -I saw some mugs advertised with coloured inners (I'd had a request for these from a prospective customer). T'riffic price (about 70 pence each) from some cowboy in the U.K. Bought four boxes assorted colours. Printed some - looked O.K. (Given the problems with the inks etc), but the prints come off even when the mugs are rinsed by hand! Result 140 odd more mugs to use at home.

So there you go, about 400 quids worth to be slung in the bin. I'm old enough and experienced enough to know better, and IT'S NOBODY ELSE'S FAULT BUT MINE......but please, please, take note all those who ask about buying cheap stuff on E-bay. There are, no doubt, some bargains to be had from time to time, but generally speaking "if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is". Spend your dosh wisely and only once!

[AJLA]

Oh dear you really haven't had much luck Lee.
Were you planning on doing this from home or opening a business?
Off topic I know but where abouts in Spain are you?

[leethesign]

Hiya Mandy,

I'm living in a place called Chiclana de la Frontera, near Cadiz in S.W. Spain. Very Spanish but with a reasonable number of Brit residents and businesses.. I run a small sign company from home and decided to go into other stuff as well - hence the subby stuff.
It's only to stop me getting too bored really - we have a little holiday letting house here as well....if you fancy a break ,have a look at this site: http://www.casitalimonares.com

Oddly enough, we moved here from Cornwall where we lived for 25 odd years - whereabouts are you based?

Blimey, talk about going off topic!!!!
Lee

[bms]

Spend your dosh wisely and only once!

Very wise words Lee.

[leethesign]

Yeah Martin........
Pity I'm crap at taking my own advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[AJLA]

I'M based in Saltash just outside England but came here from Spain where i lived for 10 years ish, In Altea, Alicante. My brother is still there too. I did ponder going back a few years ago as my family had properties there and my bro had a position in his business for me. I love every thing about Spain but won't go back now as i'm a "ya ya" and my grandson is the love of my life, I just couldn't bear to be away from him. I do envy you tho.

[John G]

Whats a Ya Ya ?

[AJLA]

That's Spanish for grannie John

[John G]

Grassy arse

[AJLA]

Terrible condition, You ought to start talking something for it