We see fabric as an integral part to our growth strategy – it’s green and a growing market but it has not come without its challenges. We invested in dye sublimation early on in 2022 but did not recognise the challenges and the unforeseen learning curve.
Here is why we think you MUST start selling fabric display graphics and prosper with the benefits.
Applications:
1. It's Green... Right?
It offers much better “green” credentials (lower carbon footprint) than many of the other usual “go-to” signage and display product materials.
- The inks used are water-based.
- Polyester can be recycled easily using kerbside recycling, where available.
- It is much lighter and therefore requires less to transport costs, thus a reduced carbon footprint.
- Can be printed on recycled materials.
2. Investment (Not just the machinery!)
We purchased a dye sublimation printer for flags, heras fence panels, pedestrian barrier covers and tablecloths. However, this also requires a fixation unit, this infuses the ink into the fabric, and a state-of-the-art sewing machine with semi-automatic features for sewing silicon edging, Velcro and turning the fabric for hemming. This would allow us to produce tension fabric graphics with silicon edging for the exhibition market.
However, what a learning curve we were presented with. It turns out, that the sewing, although simpler with our shiny conveyorised machine, is not easy, it’s just simpler! Oh, and it’s fast. We can now sew a flag in around 4 minutes… but it took a lot of practice.
3. Not Without Challenges... But We've Solved Them.
We also discovered that fabric stretches in both directions, but at different percentages. We had to run hundreds of meters to test the stretch of each fabric type and calculate the stretch at the different lengths. So now, if we are printing to backlit or frontlit we know the algorithms for the compensations that need to be made for each graphic size. This means that silicon edge graphics (SEG) fit perfectly, every time.
This, we have realised, is the barrier to entry for fabric. The manufacturers of the fabrics and the printers do not have these calculations, so you must do your own R&D and it costs a lot in material and time.
However, fortunately for you, we are now well tested and have run many 1000’s of meters for our test-bed clients to support their fabric exhibition stands and graphic display requirements and are now more that confident that we are able to produce the highest quality fabric display graphics in the UK.
4. Great Commercial Opportunities
We cannot recommend fabric enough, not because of our own investment, but because it offers great revenue potential to print resellers. We can all increase revenue and margin but by offering a competitively advantaged product range like tablecloths, Heras fence jackets, fabric banners and the biggest seller… flags.
I am not discrediting flags, by selling these to an existing customer base you will soon be rubbing your hands together, knowing they have not been taken down in high winds and they will require replenishments, safe in the knowledge that you will have previously advised them of wind speed tolerances – we can help you with this!
Finally, one of the strongest products we have developed is Heras fence banners. These are fabulous products if you have access to construction-based clients. They offer green credential with simple recycling and high impact, low-cost branding that can be reused and easily moved.
5. Support How You Want It - Phone | Email | Webchat
Of course you are not expected to work this out yourself. We have developed a new fabric catalogue (available on our blog pages) showcasing products that are easy to sell.
But don’t forget, we are available to discuss with you any questions you might have to support your development and confidence in selling fabric display graphics.
Call, email or webchat… we’re here to help.
Telephone: 0330 380 0172
Email: enquiries “at” graphicwarehouse.co.uk
Webchat… over there on the bottom right-hand corner!
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