A printing business it is still profitable today, because although the internet is taking over various aspects of printing, many things need to be printed on paper such as business cards.
For example, birthday cards, wedding invitations or party greetings are still preferred on paper.
In fact, it would not be possible to hand over a laptop to read a speech for a church wedding.
Therefore, you can be successful with your business if you follow some important steps like the ones you will read below:
Steps to a successful printing business
Market research: When opening a printing business You should conduct a local market research, for example to see if there is demand for printing services, because if there is a large amount of competition it does not mean that you cannot start your business, but it may be that you should reduce the focus and orient your business national level on the internet.
To research the industry and the local market, you can visit the printing shops in your area or you can subscribe to the commercial printing magazines, because if you specialize in a type of printing that is exploited within your area, you can start a successful business.
Planning: You must draw up a business plan as an operational guide to start your business, including a financing plan that can be through a bank or loan company, but you must also include all aspects of the business including all the equipment you need, the financial information of the startup, the business structure and the marketing and advertising strategy.
Zoning: You can buy or rent a store, but you must always approve local zoning, planning, safety, and other environmental requirements.
Well, depending on the work you will do for printing, you may need a physical space with adequate ventilation, with drainage, air conditioning, electricity and water service.
In fact, printing equipment may require commercial or industrial electrical systems and may also cause airborne and wastewater pollutants.
For this reason, you should check with local authorities about restrictions and requirements for your type of business:
The team: Buy the necessary equipment to start your work by contacting local wholesale businesses or searching the internet.
Well, you will need special equipment if your business is oriented to the printing of banners or large prints, but for small prints you can carry out the work with a computer and the necessary program for design such as Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop.
You may also need a digital printer, which, although it is expensive, will be important for you to offer a quality service.
Other supplies you will need are toner and tools to design and cut the paper.
The equipment needed will depend on the type of printing business you want to open. Well, smaller businesses offer photocopying, screen printing, digital printing and offset printing services.
But you can also offer commercial printing services on paper, on t-shirts, signage, promotional merchandise, and personal printing.
When buying the equipment and supplies you need, you can look for them in commercial magazines and online classifieds so that you have the possibility of buying them used.
Generally, the basic equipment needed will include office essentials, finishing equipment, and blank paper.
Client Portfolio: Start creating your client portfolio by offering your printing services to organizations in your area and charities, because you can print their newsletters, invitations, business cards and if they accept, ask them if you can use your creation as part of your portfolio as a means of promotion.
Promotion: Promote your business by creating and printing your own business cards, make a newsletter detailing your services, and deliver them to your friends and family.
Also advertise in local publications touting your printing and design skills.
Create a website to show your creations in consultation with a programming professional so that your customers can order online.
Legal aspects to open a printing business
Licensing: It is possible that to open a printing business You need a business license even if you plan to operate it from your home, so you should contact your county or city licensing office.
Well, most print shops require a local business permit, sales tax certificates, retail sales certificates, and an environmental and safety inspection.
In the event that your business has a legal structure such as a corporation, partnership or limited liability company, you must submit all the necessary procedures to the secretary of state.
In the event that you hire employees, the Internal Revenue Service requires you to request the taxpayer identification number and the employer identification number.
You can find the information and forms on the federal, state, and local government website.
In addition to the local business permit, you need the zoning and security permit, which you can request from the local authorities.
You also require the tax registration certificate and a retail sales license from the local authorities.
Business name: You should choose your business name by checking with the Secretary of State and the United States Patent and Trademark Office to make sure that the name you chose was not chosen in advance.
Business structure: Choose the structure of the business, because you can operate as a sole proprietor if it will be a small business and you will not have employees, but if you plan a larger business, the most suitable structure may be an LLC, a limited liability company or a corporation .
To obtain more information about the business structure that you can choose and the most appropriate one, you can consult the SBA website and you will know the rules of each legal structure that apply to the commercial name.
Register: You must register the name of your company with the secretary of state by filling out the form from the official website or by going in person to the office and then you will send the form when you have completed it.
Financing: You can get financing through the SBA, the bank or through equipment suppliers.
In the case of the SBA, their business loans are well known and you can also find affordable leasing or offers from equipment manufacturers. Whatever financing you access, add it to your business plan as part of operating expenses.