ImagesMagUK_November_2020

www.images-magazine.com 24 images NOVEMBER 2020 Phil McMullin, ProGraphics sales manager at Epson UK, offers advice on how to use your DTG and sublimation equipment to expand into new markets sublimation printers – produces excellent output beyond traditional textile prints that can push your business into different markets to attract new potential customers. In 2020, the need to expand your customer base is vital as many traditional sectors targeted by printers, such as live events and hospitality, are currently in limbo. The following are six ways – outside of traditional use – to leverage the textile equipment in which you’ve invested. DTG printers DTG printers traditionally have been used for cotton T-shirt and sweatshirt printing. While the iconic tee will always be a wardrobe necessity, DTG printers also have several other uses. In addition to printing on cotton, they can create new, custom and personalised items that can be sold online – giving businesses the ability to upsell and add to current business offerings. 1. Customised accessories Custom accessories offer an easy upsell for any business already creating custom T-shirts for colleges, wedding parties (especially at the moment with restricted numbers allowed at events as it allows customers to create memories for those unable to attend) and family celebrations. Tote bags, towels, hats and custom pillowcases are only a few examples of the extra add-ons that can be created. Cotton-based items can be customised to match shirts, giving customers incentives to provide positive recommendations and return to you for future orders. When sold separately, these easy-to-create accessories offer a good margin and increased profits. 2. Attachments offer greater flexibility Many companies offer DTG printer-compatible attachments that provide greater flexibility and can increase product offerings. For example, using an attachment can enable printing on baseball caps and visors. For decorators looking to advance their skills, there are attachments that can be used to allow you to design and print on cotton-based shoes, helping your shop stand out from other local garment decorators. Phil McMullin Industry experts provide insight and guidance in all areas of digital garment and textile printing Digital helpdesk Epson launched the desktop SureColor SC-F100 A4 dye sub printer in October 2020 Your digital printers can be used for much more than just printing T-shirts T he global digital textile printing sector is expected to continue developing at a rapid rate, growing into a $8.8 billion industry by 2027, according to a 2020 Allied Market Research report. You’ve seen the statistics, purchased the equipment, and fully committed your shop to digital textile printing. What you may not realise is the equipment you’ve purchased – both direct-to-garment (DTG) and dye