Comments on: Branding/Merchandise – Episode 45 – April 17, 2008 http://biztechpodcast.wordpress.com/2008/04/17/brandingmerchandise-episode-45-april-17-2008/ Podcasting about the best technology for small businesses. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:53:37 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: biztechpodcast http://biztechpodcast.wordpress.com/2008/04/17/brandingmerchandise-episode-45-april-17-2008/#comment-150 biztechpodcast Tue, 22 Apr 2008 13:00:21 +0000 http://biztechpodcast.wordpress.com/?p=57#comment-150 djsobie, I didn't mean to say or imply they were the best. But, perhaps the best option for a company/person needing smaller runs. I will say that the products I've received from them (mugs, t-shirts and a coaster) were all very good. And, I really love the short run option - ordering as few as 1 item. But, if you're running a larger order you can get better quality by using someone with a screen print. -aw djsobie,

I didn’t mean to say or imply they were the best. But, perhaps the best option for a company/person needing smaller runs.

I will say that the products I’ve received from them (mugs, t-shirts and a coaster) were all very good. And, I really love the short run option – ordering as few as 1 item. But, if you’re running a larger order you can get better quality by using someone with a screen print.

-aw

]]> By: djsobie http://biztechpodcast.wordpress.com/2008/04/17/brandingmerchandise-episode-45-april-17-2008/#comment-149 djsobie Mon, 21 Apr 2008 18:20:44 +0000 http://biztechpodcast.wordpress.com/?p=57#comment-149 I tend to disagree that cafe press is strategically the best place for branding/merchandising for businesses, musicians, or anybody that wants to look professional. They give you an okay product mix, but do not allow you to compare cost/quality of t-shirts. For example, they give you the option of "green t-shirt" instead of giving you the option to choose between Guildan, American Apparel, Hanes, etc. and the 20 colors of green that they various brands offer. Furthermore, they typically use garment ink-jet and/or heat transfers which give you small quantities for a low cost... but don't offer much in the quality department. If you are serious about looking professional, I would suggest talking to a real screen printing shop. They will usually have graphic designers/artists at their disposal to help you out too. As a screen printer, I could sound a bit biased; but the reason I chose to stay away from the garment ink jetting is because of the perceived quality that you get. The technology's not quite there for the professional world. It's okay for a family reunion or perhaps a college frat if you only need one or two shirts... but at this point, nothing tops the good old fashion screen printing method. :) I tend to disagree that cafe press is strategically the best place for branding/merchandising for businesses, musicians, or anybody that wants to look professional.

They give you an okay product mix, but do not allow you to compare cost/quality of t-shirts. For example, they give you the option of “green t-shirt” instead of giving you the option to choose between Guildan, American Apparel, Hanes, etc. and the 20 colors of green that they various brands offer.

Furthermore, they typically use garment ink-jet and/or heat transfers which give you small quantities for a low cost… but don’t offer much in the quality department.

If you are serious about looking professional, I would suggest talking to a real screen printing shop. They will usually have graphic designers/artists at their disposal to help you out too.

As a screen printer, I could sound a bit biased; but the reason I chose to stay away from the garment ink jetting is because of the perceived quality that you get. The technology’s not quite there for the professional world. It’s okay for a family reunion or perhaps a college frat if you only need one or two shirts… but at this point, nothing tops the good old fashion screen printing method.

:)

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