Flocking and garment decoration workshop

Clothing brands, promotional merchandise firms, sports clubs, schools, event companies and businesses ordering uniforms or branded wear.

Per-item pricing on bulk orders, set-up charges, and repeat contracts with brands and merchandise agencies. Subcontract work for other printers can fill quiet periods.

• Production planning and quality control
• Artwork preparation
• Quoting and managing customers

• Commercial lease terms, business rates and any planning use restrictions, so check with the landlord and council
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
• Fire safety, electrical safety and ventilation in the workspace
• Late payments and cash flow when buying garments and stock upfront
• Quality problems on bulk runs can mean costly reprints, so sample and test first

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the unit and lease terms, the presses and plotter you buy, and the garments and stock you pay for upfront. Cash flow can be tight with late payments.

As an estimate, monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on how many bulk orders you win and which decoration methods you offer. Quality problems on large runs can mean costly reprints, so sample and test first.

Check the commercial lease terms, business rates and any planning use restrictions with the landlord and council. Also check fire safety, electrical safety and ventilation, and arrange public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire staff.