Back for a second shot at this!

[totallypersonal]

Hi guys,

I joined this forum about a year ago in the hope of setting up a business offering Mugs and T-Shirts etc. printing.

I am 16 years old, and am looking for a business venture to run alongside college studying

I plan to start with mug printing, and have got a good idea of what I am going to offer, along with what equipment to start with.

Would you suggest I start with a cheapish mug press (£100ish) or using Mug Wraps in a normal oven?

I plan to name my business "Totally Personal", and I already own the .co.uk domain for this. I know it is not the best name in the world, but do you think it will be good enough?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Rob.

[jennywren]

All I can say if you don't try they won't buy, read as much as you can from this forum, and asking does not cost anything ( apart from you donation to this forum ) ( worth every penny )
Most people waste a few mugs to begin with. At 16 the learning curve will be invaluable later on in life. I would go with what you can afford and learn by hands on and practice. In business it always pays to keep what you are doing close to your chest, There was someone who had frames that you could use and would not infringe copyright. I'm not sure if he's got any left to sell. I would ask, nothing to lose, remember everyone will be looking at your website and artwork and will no doubt give you a loooooooooooong lecture on what you are doing wrong. Then as you learn your way around things then you could developed your own work. Keep positive and go with your gut feeling and don't give up. These are only a few points and there are many more but you will learn from your mistakes and really the only person that can make it you is you. GOOD LUCK with this venture.

[bms]

Wise advice and welcome (again) to the forum Rob.

[Justin]

Welcome back Rob, good to see you here again. As mentioned above, have a good read through the threads, a lot of brilliant info. on here now Personally I'd stick with the press unless you're doing 100's, get a decent one and it'll pay for itself in no time.
'Totally Personal' is just fine. I spent weeks coming up with a company name when I went full time a few years back, now I'm part-time I'm going to use a very basic, self explanatory name...no hidden meanings! Best of luck

[totallypersonal]

Thanks for the advice guys! I will definitely keep you posted

[Matt Quinn]

Having been in business for a VERY long time the key advice I'd give you is to be FULLY aware of the logisitics and legal aspects of running your business... On a superficial level many businesses seem attractive because all you see as a member of the public is a relatively superficial process... In practice even things like washing cars is awash with as much red tape as it is soap suds!

There is far more too this than the simple mechanics of making and pressing mugs.

Things like copyright - Find out the facts as they relate to the UK. There is a BIG difference between the American 'Fair Use' doctrine and our 'Fair Dealing' provisions... And anyone who tells you there is such a thing as 'Copyright Free' material or that it doesn't matter is either a fool or liar - probably both!

Virtually EVERYTHING is subject to copyright. It doesn't have to be registered and in fact under the Berne conventoin there can be no compulsory registration scheme. Be aware that there are scammers out there who masquerade as copyright registration services - They're NOT official! Familiarise yourself with the J.A. Coles case with regard to Corbis/Getty; it serves as a good warning...

Bottom line is you probably need to create or PROPERLY licence each and every piece of artwork you use - And that will cost!

Keep on top of your paperwork - doesn't matter that you're just 16 - you'll get the same hassle as everyone else. Your local council will have some sort of 'enterprise department'; talk to them. Be aware that you may need certain insurances and possibly even permissions to run your business - If you live in rented accommodation for instance you'd probably need the landlor'd's permission. - Even privately owned premises can have restrictions - And your family's household insurance may need looking at; running a business from home can invalidate many household policies!

Bottom line is to see the bigger picture and 'do it right' from the start...

[mrs maggot]

welcome to the forum

[mgibbs]

Welcome to the forum.

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Mark