New Print Method Loading...
If you haven't been hiding under a rock the past couple of weeks you'll have seen on my Social Media and in my emails that I've been testing out some new Direct To Film (DTF) Tranfers. They are incredible and I can't believe it has taken me until now to try them out.
I've done lots of research and found a great small business who sells the printed film (because I don't have the printer yet) by the meter meaning I can create a "gang sheet" full of designs and they'll print it and send it to me to cut up into individual designs and press.
Now I want one...
It has got me all hyped up and wanting a DTF Printer for myself. How incredible would it be to print them in-house? The possibilities it opens up is amazing. I'd almost be able to print ANY logo for on ANY garment. No more faffing.
BUT, as with all bits of machinery, there is a cost, which isn't small to be able to get a printer. MUCH less expensive than an eco-solvent printer (that I still dream of) though so a much easier target for me to hit saving wise I think.
I've spent the week planning how I could build up that DTF Printer pot of pennies and how you might be able to help.
I've set myself a target of £2.5k and a goal of achieving this by Christmas, although I do feel that might be a little optimistic. This should get me a decent set up and the software I'd need too. Depending on how long it takes I might bump it up to £3k to get a better set up.
Here is 5 ways I'm going to build that pot and how you can help;
- 7% of every single order will be transferred to my Savings pot. For instance if you ordered a t-shirt then £1.11 would go into my savings pot. This will jump to 11% for any Merch Club orders.
- ALL money from any "service" based order will be put into the pot. So if you purchase the "Design Service" on my website ALL of this will go into my savings.
- ALL money from any Digital Products - This includes my Awesomely Organised Digital Business Planner. I'll be splitting this out to individual pages which will go onto Payhip so if you want a specific page to print and use in your own planner you can do that and the money from that sale will be put towards my savings.
- I'll be having a BIG SUMMER SALE of any stock I have IN HAND. Keep an eye out for more information on that! ALL money from the sales, after I've put aside the % for bills/consumables will go into savings.
- I've set up a Ko-Fi page where you can "buy me a coffee". Basically this is a way for anybody who may not want to make a purchase but wishes to donate in some way. You can donate as little as £2, Ko-Fi doesn't take a fee off of this but I believe Stripe/Paypal still take their usual fees. You can also donate straight into my savings account if you want to. I can send over the details on request.
Watch my savings grow
I'm going to create a graphic to cut and stick on my dry wipe board in the office that I can colour in each day/week with the progress. I'll be sharing my savings progress with you all in the hope it keeps me focussed on that end goal because my brain does have a tendancy to go off path onto something else and give up.
But you can support me for free too...
I totally get that right now finances are tight. For everybody. You don't have to spend or donate ANY money to support me. You can do that for free by doing the following;
- "React" to my social media posts when you see them in your feed.
- Leave a comment on my social media posts - this helps more people to see them, the more you comment the more likely it is for my page to be shown in your friends feeds.
- Share my page/posts. More eyes = more support.
- Recommend me to friends/family/colleagues - word of mouth is HUGE for small businesses. People buy from people.
All of these don't cost you a penny but they really do help us small businesses be seen by a wider audience. I am grateful for every single comment/share/recommendation.
Any other ideas?
If you've got any other genius ideas of how I could boost my savings then I'd love to hear them! Drop a comment on this blog post with your suggestions or pop me a message.
I am also currently looking into "Facebook Stars" which is something Rach from Little Ideas with Love told me about last week. I'll update you when I work out how it works.
Thank you
A huge thank you to you all for your ongoing support of my business. You have enabled me to move into my own premises this year. And in October I'll be celebrating my 5th business birthday! Eeeek! I hope you enjoy watching this savings journey and that you'll celebrate with me when I hit that goal and spend lots of money on a printer!
To be kept up to date with all TFD news don't forget you can sign up to my email list.
Oooh exciting stuff!! I’ve no doubt you’ll achieve your goal ?? I shall keep my eyes peeled and Everyone loves a cheeky little sale!! Xx
Thank you Kate! You definitely can’t beat a cheeky sale!! xx
Hi Charlotte, I loved reading your blog post. I’m so excited for you ?, and I would love seeing your savings grow. I will give you my support to the best I can ❤️ And I know how much the new printer will open more doors for you, with your designs and creations. ?. I have bought you a coffee ☕️ but not sure how many lol ?.
Thank you so much for all my beautiful and amazing orders from you! Your truly a special lady. And you will reach your target, I believe in you. Love ❤️ Mandy Xxxx
Thank you so much for your coffee Mandy! Your support is really appreciated. I love printing all your orders! xxx
Ooh that all sounds very exciting, I’m sure you’ll reach your goal by Christmas <3
Thank you Lynz, I’m super excited! xx
I’m so excited for you!! I think you’ll easily reach that target, and some!!
Thank you Emma!
I am SUPER excited! xx
Charlotte I’ve just seen you’ve tagged my website, you’re so fucking beautiful. Thank you for being you xx
Ahhh, can’t beat a little tag of another business here and there!! xx