Hello from a novice

[knokinonabit]

Hello to everyone on the Forum.

A bit about me.

I am a resident of North Yorkshire and I am fast approaching retirement age (as long as the powers that be don't keep extending our working lives).

After working for other people nearly all of my working life I am looking to do something for myself for a change. Having looked at what I do for a living now, working in that environment is a "no go" area.
I've seen sublimation printing from afar but would like to have a bit more real life information before I commit to anything. All advice would be very gratefully accepted.
I have no illusions about making loads of money etc. Rather this is something to give me a reasonable living for as long as I am able or want to continue. Not a hobby job, but one that I could enjoy. I have a few ideas of the direction that I would like to take, but no real idea if it is viable.

So having said all that, what I really need is answers to my questions and advice from people who know what they are doing. You ! So please help if you are able and willing.

Oh, one main thing. I don't want to tread on anyones toes, so if I am not welcome please let me know straight away. I won't be offended as I understand that you will want to protect your own interests.
Obeying the rules of the forum I won't ask questions now, so I will ask them in the forum.

[Justin]

Hi there and welcome to the forum

You'll find everyone here very friendly and willing to share.

Justin
DSF Admin

[bms]

Welcome along and ask away...

[mrs maggot]

Oh, one main thing. I don't want to tread on anyones toes, so if I am not welcome please let me know straight away. I won't be offended as I understand that you will want to protect your own interests.

welcome, what an odd thing to put in an introduction ??? look forward to seeing all these bruised toes

[knokinonabit]

welcome, what an odd thing to put in an introduction ??? look forward to seeing all these bruised toes

What I mean is that I don't want to impose on someones trade, especially if they are trying to help me.
I'm not Sir Alan Sugar lol

[mrs maggot]

for some of us on here it is our trade and full time business, for some on here its a hobby for charity, for some on here its a hobby they hope one day to turn into a business, so there is room for all on here

[jennywren]

Hi and welcome, and I sure that you'll find lots of help to get to the direction that you want to go in.

[knokinonabit]

Thanks for the "welcomes" and I am sure to ask loads of questions that have already been asked, so please be patient lol.

[pressprintnow.com]

Welcome

[logobear]

Hi knokinonabit
I think this forum is about sharing ideas, expertise, and solving problems together.
If you want to know how to run a business in this field, you are probably best going to a single solution supplier. For example:
BMS - this website hosts
My own favourite The magic Touch,
another major player is Xpress
There are many other. The above 3, and doubtless other too are in garment decoration for the long game, not to take your money and leave you stranded.
The old motto, buy cheap, buy twice is never more true, and the randomness of ebay is not a solid place to start a business, ALTERNATIVELY, for those of us who do make garment decoration our business, we love the crapsters who sell so called 'instant turnkey busneses's' on ebay for stupid amounts, because the kit is rubbish, the product inconsistant, and the technical backup not existant. - it keeps the field limited !
If you want to get into the business, go and spend a day at each of the 3 listed above, then, INVEST your money.
This forum is a great place to ask questions, but not great for advice.......
You don't need to watch The Apprentice to know that the important thing about any business is it's points of difference.......
What will make you and your offering different?
If your answer is price, - I give you 6 months, or less, depending on your annuity lump sum.
If you do have a special idea, and can target and communicate it to YOUR target market; - then I wish you the very best of luck!

PS - When you speak to The Magic Touch, mention Phil Logobear !