I'm thinking of offering an embroidery service within my general print business. This is something I have absolutely no experience in but have been offered a ZSK Sprint 6 by a chap who is retiring from his sports clothing business. He also has a Versacam Studio BN 20 printer cutter. Both bits of kit are in excellent condition and I'm tempted to make him an offer of 5k for both. Would this be a good move or would it be too much hassle and should I just stick to what I know best?
If he is retiring, and will offer you a bit of help getting started, then I would say go for it. If he shakes your hand at 5K then you will be getting a real bargain.
There are lots of 'print' related areas of business and many don't really overlap that well, we have friends who do wide format printing, he's had a go recently at 'Screen Print', dont think it was as easy as he thought. There is stationary type printing, we know some of those who have a solvent printer so offer clothing but really its a but fluffy and messy compared to running card and paper systems and a different game. Then there is vehicle graphics decal printing, that does seem to run alongside signage printing but not always. What we've seen is that some specialise in their area and others try to offer all 'print' services but are realistically only good in the one area. It may depend of course on what your 'print' area is as to whether it's a good fit with your business. Stick to what you know best is probably the best advice you can give to any 'Printer' looking to be printer of all things and one we have accepted as the best way to go for us, sure we offer other services but outsource them. That aside the BN20 value depends on age and condition they came out i think in 2011, roland contract service is expensive, so is a failed print head (well over £2k fitted) don't know a lot about ZSK machines, best (and dearest) are baruden and tajima. BN20 isn't a fast output machine but is very high quality, limited to 500 wide max media but does a really good job and occupies very little space which is why to many it's a great piece of kit. If you could take over his business that might work for you but your other printing might not get the attention it needs. Maybe talk seriously about it with him. Not sure he'd part with the pair for £5k though.
Regards Mark
The ZSK Sprint 6 is worth around 6 to 7 thousand if it is 10 years old. Younger and it will be worth more. Dont know about the BN20. If he is willing to sell for 5K then go for it. Dont forget you will also need an embroidery program (2 and half K, minimum) or you cannot use the machine. Its well worth it if you can get it so cheap. Even at 8 thou for the ZSK its worth it, they are very good machines.
I dont think you have much competition in your area. I only know of a chap on Bath road ( maybe thats you). You wont make a fortune with the one head but it will pay for itself. Just dont do things too cheaply.
I started in 2007 with just one head and a year later I bought my second. I now have a 4 head as well but that took a few extra years.
PS; My parents used to live on St Peters Park so I know the area a little.
Thanks to all for the great feedback. After taking on board all of your fantastic advice and looking into the pros and cons, I've decided not to go ahead with this investment and stick to what I know best.