Build Your Business: Management

The Nuts and Bolts of Embroidery Pricing

August 9, 2023 |

Pricing your embroidery for a profit is a skill that must be developed early on as you establish your decorated apparel business. Far too many embroiderers pull a figure out of the air hoping it will cover their costs, which it often does not.

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Ask the Experts: Jed Seifert

July 18, 2023 |

In this excerpt from the Impressions “Ask the Experts” podcast and online video series, Impressions Content Director, Adam Cort, talks with Jed Seifert, co-founder of Ohio-based decorator Stakes Manufacturing about how hiring the disabled doesn’t just provide an opportunity for the person being hired—it’s also good business

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Custom Decorating Software as an Investment

May 1, 2023 |

Do you want to spend less time on mundane business functions and more time on things like researching new markets and strategizing how to make more money? If so, there is no faster, easier way to become more efficient and productive than by incorporating an industry-specific management software system.

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A Call to Sustainable Action in Decorated Apparel

April 28, 2023 |

Environmental awareness and a sensitivity to social justice in general have long been integral to much of the decorated apparel industry, which is only right given the fashion and apparel industry is also a major polluter, currently responsible for 4 percent or more of greenhouse gasses globally, the same as Germany, France and the UK combined.

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Deep Dive into Effectiveness

March 17, 2023 |

When it comes to your shop, what are you most effective at doing? Here’s what I mean. Let’s say you place two social media marketing posts on Instagram to boost sales. One of them gets several hundred likes and dozens of comments. The second one translates into over $17,000 worth of new orders.

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An Education on Efficiency

February 21, 2023 |

There is no greater goal that any shop can have than to be efficient. When you are “efficient,” you are squeezing the most out of every minute, maximizing income.

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Apparel Decorating Shop Setup How-to

January 12, 2023 |

Setting up an apparel-decorating business requires doing some homework, as opposed to jumping right in. It’s important to research apparel options and the equipment needs that fit the type of apparel decorating you want to pursue, be it screen-printing, sublimation, heat pressing, embroidery or DTF/DTG decorating.

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Speed Up Your Orders, Maintain Costs with DTF Transfers

October 21, 2022 |

DTF transfer printing involves first printing onto a sheet of PET film with a DTF printer. The decorator then applies the transfer to a hat, tote bag, T-shirt or sports jersey using adhesive powder, pressure and heat: a technique that works well with smaller orders and quick turnarounds..

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Profitable T-shirt Printing Post Pandemic

October 21, 2022 |

The decorated apparel industry was hit faster by the pandemic than many other industries. As the pandemic began to ease, a lot of decorators were also overwhelmed and unprepared for the influx of orders. Many companies were still struggling with labor issues, ink shortages, as well as difficulties getting garments even months later.

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Guide to Ordering the Perfect Embroidered Emblem

October 19, 2022 |

Nothing is more frustrating than using an outside service to fabricate embroidered emblems for a client only to open the box and find they’re not right. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your order is exactly what you need and meets the expectations of your client.

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Niche Focus: How to Reach Retail

March 3, 2022 |

Looking for a new niche to tackle? Try fashion/retail; it’s a large channel and has so many divisions, you’re sure to find a sub-genre that fits your shop’s strengths and capabilities.

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The Idea Generator: Part 3

August 13, 2021 |

The first article in this three-part series on idea generation was about the power of collaboration. In the second article, we explored the idea of randomness to inject some fun creativity into your ideation process.

 

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A Playbook for the New Normal

August 2, 2021 |

As COVID-fighting vaccines are on the rise and lockdowns are being lifted across the country, companies must strategize growth opportunities that consider consumer patterns in a post-pandemic world.

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Niche Focus: Making the Grade

June 2, 2021 |

In the past year, the stoppage of school events and team sports — along with a shift to virtual learning — has changed the way many decorators have approached selling apparel to educational institutions.

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Staying the Course to E-Commerce

June 1, 2021 |

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked the biggest change that La Tonna Roberson, sales manager at Dallas-based Roberson Printing & Graphics and TShirtShopDallas.com, had seen in her shop in 20 years.

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Advantages of Supportive Software

November 12, 2020 |

As print shops face the new reality of workplace adaptations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, many apparel decorators are questioning whether their everyday processes will support the new way of conducting business — specifically with regard to maintaining social-distancing requirements and modifying physical workspaces.

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Managing Today’s Workplace

October 1, 2020 |

Two months ago, we were all enjoying the synergy typically found in most workplaces, whether it’s handing out high-fives for fellow colleagues’ accomplishments or socializing near the microwave in the break room. Conversations — mostly of the trivial nature — centered on traffic or whatever weather Mother Nature felt like throwing at us.

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The ‘New Normal’

July 17, 2020 |

What’s the new reality for your print shop after COVID-19? Honestly, it may be difficult to determine, as businesses most likely are at different points in the reopening process due to regional differences determined on a state-by-state — or even a county-by-county — basis.

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Signs of the Times

May 21, 2020 |

Are you considering jumping into the sign, graphics and visual communications industry? Despite the obvious natural tie-ins — and customers — stepping into a new line of business can bring big opportunities, along with significant questions.

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‘It’s in My DNA’: A Roundtable Q&A

April 28, 2020 |

The world has seen a cultural shift in the past few years, with women in all industries being embraced in roles ranging from supervisors and directors to C-suite executives — and every leadership rung on the proverbial ladder in between.

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Your Shop’s Sweet Spot

March 10, 2020 |

With new decorated-apparel shops popping up every year and plenty of online competition, you must find ways to differentiate your business from other decorators to remain relevant and successful.

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New Year, New Solutions

January 9, 2020 |

Are everyday business challenges limiting your company’s potential? Are you searching for the best way to tackle demands head on in a competitive industry?

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Branding Basics

October 22, 2019 |

There’s a lot of jargon that gets thrown around in the marketing world, but if there’s one concept that decorated-apparel shops should consider when building their businesses, it’s branding.

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Social-Media Hacks to Score Sales

August 26, 2019 |

Lee Romano Sequeira, co-owner of Durham, North Carolina-based Sparkle Plenty Designs, offered a “take-the-shirt-off-our-back” campaign on social media to get the word out about her wares.

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4 Marketing Tactics to Try This Year

April 23, 2019 |

Visiting Boston-based Johnny Cupcakes is like going to the best bakery in the world — on steroids. There’s the scent of frosting wafting through the showroom, oven-lid decorations and, not to be overlooked, decorated T-shirts stacked in industrial ovens.

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Marketing for Slower Seasons

April 2, 2019 |

If you’re like many garment decorators, the cold weather also can cool off your sales. As the summer rush winds down, fall and winter can find you scrambling to minimize costs and planning for the lower end of the bell curve.

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Cultivating the Cutting Edge

May 17, 2018 |

Just how innovative is this industry? Though it seems like the business of garment decorating hasn’t evolved much during the years, the fact is that everything is in a constant state of change.

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How to Increase Staff Motivation

May 8, 2018 |

Sometimes it takes more than a paycheck to encourage employees to come to work. Finding out what motivates workers can not only make them happy, but it also can increase your business’ profits.

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Do’s and Don’ts for Finding Employees

March 13, 2018 |

Regardless of the size of your business, you eventually must go through the (sometimes dreaded) interview process when looking for new employees. You not only want to make a good impression personally, but you also must set the stage and make your business look enticing.

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The Web Store Playbook

August 21, 2017 |

In economics, there’s a theory called “opportunity cost,” defined as the potential benefits you miss out on when you choose one option over another.

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Trends Up Top

April 20, 2016 |

Headwear has seen a surge in action during the last two years, from an
emphasis on form and fit to style and color. In keeping with apparel,
headwear is incorporating all of the latest technical benefits to keep
wearers satisfied and comfortable.

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Blurring the Lines

April 20, 2016 |

When it comes to apparel, consumers have long been experimenting with
what they wear in their free time, in the office and for exercise. And
thanks to fabric technology and some of the performance properties
introduced in wearables, multiple clothing styles have become acceptable
in different environments.

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The Art of Email Appeal

April 18, 2016 |

I recently led a seminar in which I asked the audience a couple of
questions about spam email. In the interest of full disclosure, I
already knew the answers, but my motivation was to get attendees to
think.

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One-Click Colorization

April 18, 2016 |

Color editing and stylizing can be a bear of a chore to handle,
consuming lots of time to achieve a customer’s desired look on a
sublimation-friendly product.

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Easy Does It

March 15, 2016 |

In today’s marketplace, being a consumer is easier than ever. Online marketing and technology have revolutionized the way business is conducted and customer expectations. Understanding the new paradigm and incorporating it into your sales model is critical for success. 

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Are Custom Orders Costing You?

March 15, 2016 |

Custom work comprises the very thread of the decoration industry. It carries a high perceived value, which means you typically can charge a premium. The availability of new printing and embroidery technology now makes custom work not only feasible, but also profitable.

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Pretty Meets Practical

March 15, 2016 |

It’s all about lifestyle when it comes to womenswear this year, with suppliers offering up-to-date, tailored-to-her looks fit for the gym, office and everywhere in between. 

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IP Law: A Primer

March 7, 2016 |

Designer Wolfgang Joop once said, “Fashion is about suspense, surprise and fantasy. It’s not about rules.” With all due respect to Mr. Joop, most lawyers would disagree…

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Creating Your Dream Team, Part 2

March 7, 2016 |

Owning a business is hard work, so making sure you have the best employees is important. You need to have reliable, trustworthy people that want your business to succeed as much as you do. 

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What Apparel Decorators See When They Go to a Mall

February 8, 2016 |

I’ve done it. You’ve done it too. You are sitting there waiting for your spouse, mind wandering and bored, when someone walks by wearing a T-shirt. Your first thought to yourself is “Geez, who printed that? Look how off-center it is!” Once you start, you just can’t stop.  

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Use Tech to Build Trust

January 15, 2016 |

Too often, technology and people skills seem like they work against each other in a business environment. They actually should reinforce each other and help optimize customer service.

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Protect Your Rep

September 11, 2015 |

We live in a digital world, daily interacting both personally and professionally. Sooner or later, someone will say something about you or your business that isn’t flattering.

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Wearable (Bankable) Art

September 11, 2015 |

Regardless of whether a T-shirt is destined for a retail rack or created for a one-time event, the quality of the garment’s design can impact sales.

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The Online Fast Lane

September 11, 2015 |

Speed is a key factor in online sales success. The longer it takes to respond to a customer’s request or needs, the more likely he is to look elsewhere.

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Subbing It Out

September 10, 2015 |

One of the good “problems” associated with a screen-printing shop’s growth is reaching the point where it can no longer handle the current production load.

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Getting to Know HCS 2012

September 8, 2015 |

If you haven’t heard of the 2012 Hazard Communication Standard (HCS 2012), it’s important that you take the time to familiarize yourself with it as soon as possible. 

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Niching Down

August 7, 2015 |

A high percentage of all small businesses make a big marketing mistake. I don’t want to call it a fatal flaw, but it’s responsible for slowing growth, decreasing profits…

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Quality Control

July 31, 2015 |

Quality should be a lynchpin of any business. For my shop, it’s something that customers have come to expect and it has been a key factor in our success.

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Inside The Funky Fairy

July 2, 2015 |

As an embroidery instructor and consultant, I speak with many embroiderers who would like to start a business, as well as current business owners. Sometimes a business can sprout from the tiniest seed…

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Planning an Engagement

June 30, 2015 |

When it comes to email, I’m a bit of a fanatic. I’m fascinated by what works and what doesn’t. Sadly, most of what clogs our inboxes is junk that’s only worthy of deleting.

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A Business Software Roundtable — Part 2

April 6, 2015 |

In Part 1 of our three-part series, Impressions spoke with four companies about the general direction they feel shop operating system technology is going. Here in Part 2, we continue our discussion, and focus in on specific products being offered, and what special features they have.
 

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Online Search: An Update

March 16, 2015 |

Gone are the days of Internet keyword-driven search. It was sweet while it lasted, but during the past two or three years, a big shift in Internet-driven searching has taken place.

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Pushing Boundaries

March 9, 2015 |

Success not only comes when you can creatively and efficiently deliver on promises to your customers, but also when can push the limits. 

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Social Work

March 3, 2015 |

Social media is about reaching out to your prospects and customers, and connecting with them in a meaningful way.

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Ready to Start an Apparel Line?

January 12, 2015 |

If there is one notion you want to understand completely before you leap off the high diving board, it’s how big and deep the pool below will be. Don’t just launch yourself and hope you’ll make it.
 

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Rolling the Dice

January 12, 2015 |

Sometimes, an opportunity comes along and you just have to take it. Whether it’s a sure bet or a leap of faith, a new and different path can pay off handsomely. Such was the case for Scott Dortch, president of Royal Pacific of Las Vegas (RPLV). 

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Home Work

December 22, 2014 |

What Paul Costanzo did with his home’s 1,500-square-foot walk-out basement is the kind of project people dream about on all those home-improvement shows.

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What’s Your Customer Worth?

December 22, 2014 |

It seems some decorators have a love-hate relationship with their customers. They love getting the orders and collecting the checks, but they hate the process of finding customers, qualifying them and working through the order process.  

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Are You Guilty of Greenwashing?

December 22, 2014 |

Have you heard the term “greenwashing” before? While “whitewashing” is defined as a coordinated attempt to hide unpleasant facts, greenwashing has been coined to describe the effort a company may make to appear to be sustainable and environmentally friendly, but, in fact, their efforts don’t really add up to any substance.  

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How to Maximize Your Screen Printing Profits

November 25, 2014 |

Before you can reap more profits from increasing your business, it is important to review your current system so that you can take advantage of more volume in the future. It is better to refine your process prior to adding more business because an increase in volume doesn’t necessarily mean an increase in profit.

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Story Telling

November 24, 2014 |

As decorators, we’re faced with the challenge of letting prospective and actual customers know why we’re the most trusted and valuable choice to create their garment graphics. This is no small task.  

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More Than Luck

October 6, 2014 |

When Elaine Hayward came up with the concept for her decorated apparel business, Absolutely Specialties Inc., she was looking for a way to balance her roles as a stay-at-home mom and (at least) part-time worker.  

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Printing Profits

October 2, 2014 |

As with any type of screen printing, there are pros and cons to contract work. The key to making it pay is being aware of what they are and gearing your operation to meet the challenges. 

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The Music Man

September 8, 2014 |

It all started with some T-shirts – or the lack thereof. Ask Greg Szechenyi how he got started in the decorated apparel business, and the diehard musician will tell you he just needed some shirts to promote his band. 

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Creating a Sales Funnel

September 3, 2014 |

Large quantities of people will come to your website, but only a few will leave as new customers. Your job is to design a funnel process that delivers a steady stream of profitable customers for the business. 

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Home Work

August 11, 2014 |

What Paul Costanzo did with his home’s 1,500-square-foot walk-out basement is the kind of project people dream about on all those home-improvement shows.
 

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The Importance of Your Supply Chain

June 2, 2014 |

There is one thing in common that all shops in this industry share, and it is the reliance on our supply chain. We all need ink, screens, emulsion, shirts and a multitude of other products to keep our shops going.
 

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Fighters and Survivors

May 5, 2014 |

While Tees By Tazz continues to carve a solid niche for itself in the decorated apparel world, the story of how the Loveland, Ohio-based shop came to be is defined by owner Tazz Ringel’s relentless will and determination. 

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Race to the Bottom: Pricing Wars

May 5, 2014 |

Having your customer base suddenly dry up because another company is slashing its rates seems shockingly unfair and can quickly get anyone’s blood boiling. So what’s going on here and what can you do about it? 

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The Great Inventory Debate

April 7, 2014 |

I recently was challenged via Twitter by Patti Keegan of Keegan Tees, located in the awesomely named city of Effort, Pa., to discuss the pros and cons of using purchased goods versus customer-supplied goods.
 

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How to Increase Efficiency and Maximize Workflow

March 10, 2014 |

Regardless of your shop’s size, equipment or the number of employees, the primary daily goal is getting more orders produced, shipped and out the door. Sometimes in the quest to just handle those challenges, getting down to examining how you can increase your throughput doesn’t quite make it to the light of day. 

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Added Versatility

March 3, 2014 |

A
small Michigan offset printing business expands with screen printing
services — adding a revenue stream and improving operations in the
process. – See more at:
https://reddot10.nielsen.com/CMS/WebClient/PreviewHandler.ashx?Action=RedDot&FormEdit=true&Mode=2&PageGUID=9BE56934523D444798859C207615E587&EditPageGUID=9BE56934523D444798859C207615E587&EditLinkGUID=209725430110493996A0C78ED015A8F2&TargetContainerGuid=&Opener=1#CloseRedDot#CloseRedDot#CloseRedDot#CloseRedDot

A small Michigan offset printing business expands with screen printing services — adding a revenue stream and improving operations in the process.

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The Great Payoff

November 20, 2013 |

Jeremy Capron has heard it before. If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. As it turns out, not only did he prove that adage to be true, but he also found a way to make money while abiding by it. 

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Building a Reputation

October 3, 2013 |

ThreeSixty Graphix hopes to achieve long-term success by keeping quality, service and a commitment to getting the job done as top priorities. 

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Risk and Reward

August 1, 2013 |

As the T-shirt turns 100 this year, we are reminded that this versatile medium isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. And that’s good news for Susan Becker, owner of Reading, Pa.-based Jersey Ink Custom Apparel.

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Small Shop, Big Bark

August 1, 2013 |

When Mili Mulic and Brad VanSteenvoort decided to start a screen printing business together, their combined capital came to a whopping $350.
 

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10 Reasons Start-Up Decorators FAIL

August 1, 2013 |

This year’s crop of start-up decorated apparel companies arrives as its predecessors did: with elevated levels of excitement and optimism, varying degrees of well-warranted apprehensions and trepidations, and a 50% chance of making the cut. 
 

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AOP the ITA Way

June 7, 2013 |

If you’re looking for a screen printing business that can successfully play with the big boys, it’s safe to say ITA Printing is it.
 

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16 Tips for Becoming a Better Networker

May 13, 2013 |

Six degrees of separation are allegedly all that stand between you and anyone on the planet. According to my father, “There are not six degrees of separation, there are two; you just have to think hard enough.” 

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How to Shop a Trade Show

January 7, 2013 |

Whether you’re new to the industry or shopping for equipment, trade shows are the best sources for seeing machines in action, making contacts, establishing relationships and gaining useful information. 

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