Industry Advice Say yes, more
Ever wondered if you should take the leap and move into other markets? Vicky Jarman from printMAX explains why the leap is smaller than you think.
Numbers I
f you run a garment decoration business, you’re probably used to spinning a lot of plates… tight turnarounds, evolving designs, and clients who need everything yesterday.
Whether it’s a run of branded hoodies or a batch of embroidered polos, you’ve built a business on delivering quality under pressure.
Extending your services So, here’s a thought, why stop at garments?
Expanding into wide format printing, i.e. banners, posters, stickers, window
graphics and more, can be a natural next step. You’re not reinventing the wheel, just extending the services you already offer to the same people who already trust you. And that’s the biggest misconception, that you need a whole new customer base. You don’t. Chances are, your clients already need what wide format offers. The events company that buys branded T shirts? They probably need signage too. The café ordering aprons? They’d benefit from pavement signs or window decals. The ability to say ‘yes’ to more of what your current customers are already asking for makes you more valuable and harder to replace.
Let’s talk numbers. Garment printing is competitive and margin-sensitive. Wide format often brings higher order values, healthier margins, and opens up revenue streams that don’t come with extra staffing or massive overheads. From short-run signage to seasonal displays, it’s a chance to grow, not stretch, your business. The best part, you’re already halfway there. You understand design files, colour profiles, and tight deadlines. Transitioning into wide format doesn’t mean starting from scratch, it’s just a shift in media and output. Yes, there are new materials to learn, but with the right support, most garment decorators pick it up quickly. The key is partnering with a supplier who understands your workflow and can offer training that fits around your schedule. Of course, it’s not without its considerations. You’ll need space for the printer, media, and finishing tools like trimmers or laminators. It doesn’t have to be a huge space, but it does need to work efficiently. Choose kit that suits your needs today, not the dream setup you might not need for another two years.
And don’t get distracted by size and speed. A compact eco-solvent or UV printer can be an ideal starting point, it’s flexible, affordable, and capable of handling a surprising amount of work. The goal isn’t to go big, it’s to go smart.
You’ve got the mindset One worry I hear a lot is, ‘isn’t it really technical?’ Honestly, no more than what you’re already doing. If you can handle RIP software and garment artwork, you’ve already got the mindset. Modern wide format equipment is designed to be user-friendly, and you don’t need to be a tech wizard to make it work for your business. The finishing touches matter too. Clean trimming, smart application, and attention to detail will set your prints apart, just like it does in garments. It’s the same eye for quality, just applied to a different surface.
Garment decorators have the creative flair, the customer base, and the work ethic. Wide format printing doesn’t replace what you do, it enhances it. It’s a chance to future-proof your business, increase your value to clients, and say ‘yes’ more often.
The leap is smaller than you think, and the opportunities? Much bigger.
| 58 | July 2025
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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