Local screen printing supply store

Local print shops, clothing start-ups, schools, sports teams, promotional product businesses and hobbyists who need supplies fast.

Mark-up on in-store sales, trade accounts for regular printers, bulk blank garment orders, and optional extras like screen reclaiming or custom mesh stretching.

• Hands-on knowledge of screen printing
• Stock buying and cash flow management
• Building trade relationships
• Customer service and sales

• Commercial lease terms, deposits and zoning for retail or light industrial use; check with your municipality
• Commercial general liability and property insurance, including cover for stock and chemicals
• Safe storage and labelling of chemicals, and WHMIS and fire code requirements; check with your provincial regulator and local fire department
• Heavy cash tied up in inventory, and slow months in winter or after peak seasons
• WCB/WSIB coverage and employment rules by province if you hire staff

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $90,000, depending on the unit you rent, deposits and how much stock you carry. Inventory ties up a lot of cash, so plan your buying and cash flow carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on your range, local print shop demand and any online sales. The estimate is for at least about 30 hours a week. Winter and post-peak months can be slower.

Check commercial lease terms and zoning with your municipality, plus commercial general liability and property insurance covering stock and chemicals. Also check safe storage, labelling, WHMIS and fire code requirements, and WCB/WSIB coverage and employment rules if you hire.