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Re: Advice for someone new to Dye Sub
Posted: 16 Nov 2017, 21:29
by kbho
Hi all,
Over the next few days I'm looking to buy some dye sub equipment - in particular, the following:
Ricoh SG3100DN with sublisplash inks
Freesub double mug press
11oz mugs
(All as a bundle from dye sub supplies)
As well as a cheap Chinese press for the time being.
I'm not looking to spend a massive amount at the minute as I'm looking to get it for the time being, and hopefully start selling some merch on a small scale sometime soon.
Does anyone have any suggestions at all, or any reccomendations in general or based on the setup listed above?à
Re: Advice for someone new to Dye Sub
Posted: 16 Nov 2017, 23:46
by webtrekker
That gear should get you going, but remember, you are about to enter a highly competitive, cut-throat, cut-price game and initial profits, if any, will be small.
Do a LOT OF research before committing any substantial amounts to sublimation equipment.
Re: Advice for someone new to Dye Sub
Posted: 17 Nov 2017, 00:03
by kbho
webtrekker;127599 wrote:That gear should get you going, but remember, you are about to enter a highly competitive, cut-throat, cut-price game and initial profits, if any, will be small.
Do a LOT OF research before committing any substantial amounts to sublimation equipment.
Thank you for the feedback. I've been lurking around on here and a few other sites for quite a while now, And, from my research - there's actually very few companies in my local area which sell personalised products. Almost all of them, if they do, outsource it to other companies.
I'm looking at buying the equipment above (Which totals at around £460) to begin with, and am going to use it initially for producing personalised gifts for friends and family - and eventually, will try and move to the commercial side of this.
Do you have any experience using the Sublisplash inks, or are you a fan of Sublijet/CIS?
Re: Advice for someone new to Dye Sub
Posted: 17 Nov 2017, 01:01
by webtrekker
I use CIE inks in a Ricoh SG3110DN and have no issues with them. I haven't tried Sublisplash, nor would I, as I think they are too expensive.
There are multiple things to consider when selling that will eat into your profits. If you plan on selling locally, possibly to gift shops, you may need to supply your products in more attractive, and more expensive, packaging. If selling by post you'll need crushproof mug boxes and will need to consider whether to send signed for, at extra cost, or not.
Re: Advice for someone new to Dye Sub
Posted: 18 Nov 2017, 19:23
by kbho
webtrekker;127602 wrote:I use CIE inks in a Ricoh SG3110DN and have no issues with them. I haven't tried Sublisplash, nor would I, as I think they are too expensive.
There are multiple things to consider when selling that will eat into your profits. If you plan on selling locally, possibly to gift shops, you may need to supply your products in more attractive, and more expensive, packaging. If selling by post you'll need crushproof mug boxes and will need to consider whether to send signed for, at extra cost, or not.
I've made my order with DyeSubSupplies for everything but the standard swing heat press for now. Just awaiting delivery of it (Which is due Monday). After researching further, there is only one company in my local area which does custom printed mugs etc which hopefully means ill be able to get some items out there, as well as make some unique Christmas gifts for my friends and family.
Re: Advice for someone new to Dye Sub
Posted: 18 Nov 2017, 21:35
by Tubstar
kbho;127664 wrote:I've made my order with DyeSubSupplies for everything but the standard swing heat press for now. Just awaiting delivery of it (Which is due Monday). After researching further, there is only one company in my local area which does custom printed mugs etc which hopefully means ill be able to get some items out there, as well as make some unique Christmas gifts for my friends and family.
Cool, well I hope it works well for you. Good Luck
I have met some of the team from Dyesubsupplies at shows this past couple of months, they seem to know what they are talking about and keen to help where they can. Info on this forum is also fantastic, searching alone gives most of the answers but if you cant find it then your questions get answered pretty thoroughly. I see you registered a year ago so you've clearly been researching well before you shelled out. Thats a great start. Bet you cant wait for monday!
Re: Advice for someone new to Dye Sub
Posted: 18 Nov 2017, 22:35
by TerryQ
kbho;127664 wrote:I've made my order with DyeSubSupplies for everything but the standard swing heat press for now. Just awaiting delivery of it (Which is due Monday). After researching further, there is only one company in my local area which does custom printed mugs etc which hopefully means ill be able to get some items out there, as well as make some unique Christmas gifts for my friends and family.
How very exciting - I bet you cant wait for Monday to come

Good luck with your endeavours and have fun
Re: Advice for someone new to Dye Sub
Posted: 18 Nov 2017, 22:46
by kbho
TerryQ;127676 wrote:How very exciting - I bet you cant wait for Monday to come

Good luck with your endeavours and have fun
I almost went to go and get it today. It arrived at a delivery depot literally 30 mins from my house, but by the time I'd got a response from DPD the depot had closed - which means waiting until Monday. Hopefully I'll get some good results though!

Re: Advice for someone new to Dye Sub
Posted: 18 Nov 2017, 22:53
by TerryQ
kbho;127678 wrote:I almost went to go and get it today. It arrived at a delivery depot literally 30 mins from my house, but by the time I'd got a response from DPD the depot had closed - which means waiting until Monday. Hopefully I'll get some good results though!

Oh no... thats really frustrating.
I'm sure you will get great result - with perseverance, research and the help of the great folk on the forum
Re: Advice for someone new to Dye Sub
Posted: 19 Nov 2017, 09:41
by DyeSubSupplies
Good luck with your new venture hope it all works out for you and thank you very much for choosing us to supply you.
If you need any help with the initial set up or along the way please feel free to give adam a call in our technical support department and he will talk you through anything you need.
Also this forum as you will of probably discovered is an excellent place to ask for help or advice.