WHAT HAVE I LEARNED SO FAR?

Starting a business is a challenge and quite a learning experience.  It takes time, time, time and money, money, money.  One of the biggest things I have learned so far is the financial aspect of it.  When you think you have figured out the start up capital you need.......ADD $1,000 to $2,000 more to that total.  Always expected the unexpected!!  Things will pop up that you had not considered or things you had considered will cost you MORE then you had thought.

Since I am doing the screen printing myself, I have to consider the cost of the equipment and supplies needed to produce the products I will sell.  That includes the press, screens, flash dryer, inks, squeegees, printer and film, cleaning chemicals, tape, emulsion etc.  I have been lucky in that most of my equipment was provided free from Ryonet.  But again, expected the unexpected.  Supplies do not last forever so make sure you have the funds to replace those supplies when you need them.

Beyond the equipment and supplies needed to produce your products, you need to think of the following list of items, all of which costs money.

1) Business structure......Sole proprietor, Partnership, LLC, Incorporation
2) Trade Marks......costs $375 +
3) Phone.....1-800 number, land line, cell phone
4) Website.....how do you want to sell your products? 
5) Merchant Acct......Always a plus to accept credit cards
6) Credit Card Equipment.....check into portable equipment for craft fairs etc.
7) Business Insurance.....Insure your equipment and supply investment
8) Stationary, business cards and marketing materials
9) Order Forms
10) Price Sheet.....Invaluable for a screen printer
11) Shipping Materials....bags, labels etc.
12) Office supplies, storage and shelving
13) Mail box....if your business is home based and you want to use a different address

I have definitely overlooked some of these things.  I have been more focused on learning the screen printing process, working on my designs and acquiring the equipment I need to produce a variety of products.  My designs are ready for production so now I am working on the things I have not checked off the list from above. 

YOU ONLY HAVE ONE TIME TO MAKE A FIRST IMPRESSION!!!
I could do a partial launch without everything checked off that list but I want to make the best impression possible the first time around.  For instance, I could print a shirt and ship it in a priority box from USPS and probably be just fine.  But I think it would make a better impression if I ship it in a container with a professionally printed company logo.  I think the little things make all the difference.

Only a few more things to check off the list!!  :)
Jeanette