print shop business plan

Print Shop Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Print Shop Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Print Shop business plan.

We have helped over 1,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their print shops.

Below is a template to help you create each section of your Print Shop business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Quick Process Print Shop is a startup printing company located in Cypress, Texas. The company is founded by Taylor Owen, a senior print manager who has been in business for over twenty years while working for a nationally-known chain of print shops. Taylor has garnered a high degree of respect and a large following of those who count on his printing abilities for every project they have. As a result, Taylor is confident he will be able to take his depth of experience and wide customer base with him as he opens his own print shop. The emphasis will be on commercial and individual clients seeking printing for any number of projects, including printing and binding of diverse materials.

Quick Process Print Shop will follow its name by offering unparalleled turnaround times for printing projects that competitors do not offer, in addition to offering numerous binding options, folder or book covers, paper stock assortments, and other customized ways to bring each customer’s vision to reality. The products and services will align to create the Quick Process Print Shop; the premier printing facility in Cypress, Texas.

Product Offering

The following are the services and products that Quick Process Print Shop will provide:

• One to four-color printing using CMYK color process
• Printing stock paper or custom, cut-to-size paper
• One-hour turnaround time on select printing projects
• Staple-bound or comb binding in wide variety of colors
• Print and bind corporate folders, presentation binders, brochures
• Custom designs, including holographic and 3D layout
• Printing wedding, birthday, anniversary invitations
• Printing personal/corporate letterhead, business cards

Customer Focus

The target audience for Quick Process Print Shop will be individuals and corporations, along with community, civic and government entities within the greater Cypress and Houston regions. The individuals with personal or business projects will be primary targets, as will administrative managers of corporations, and civic and government entities within the area. Also targeted will be non-profit organizations that will need printed materials on an on-going basis. Whether the client is an individual or corporate account, Quick Process Print Shop will dedicate the experienced full staff of the company to execute excellent results for each client.

Management Team

Quick Process Print Shop will be owned and operated by Taylor Owen. He recruited his former print coordinator, Derek Manahan, to be the Office Manager. His responsibilities will include overseeing employees and day-to-day operations of the print shop.

Taylor Owen is a graduate of the University of Texas, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design. He has been working for a nationally-known chain print shop for over twenty years as the Print Manager, where he has developed his expertise and dedication to perfectly execute each printing project.

Derek Manahan has been the print coordinator, working under the direction of Taylor Owen, for the past ten years at the same chain print shop. Derek holds a commercial printing certification from Cypress Community College. Derek’s organizational and administrative skills have propelled the former print coordinator to new heights of efficiency and turnaround times for clients; as such, the high expectation is that he will do so again for the Quick Process Print Shop in his new role as Office Manager.

Success Factors

The Quick Process Print Shop will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team at Quick Process Print Shop
• Guaranteed fastest turnaround time on select print projects, making the company the fastest in the region to turn projects around.
• Quick Process Print Shop offers the best binding pricing in town. Their pricing structure for over twenty types of available bindings is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Financial Highlights

Quick Process Print Shop is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its print shop. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the office space and purchasing office and print equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the marketing campaigns and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

• Office space build-out: $20,000
• Office and print equipment, supplies, and materials: $10,000
• Three months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $150,000
• Marketing costs: $10,000
• Working capital: $10,000

The following graph outlines the financial projections for Quick Process Print Shop.

Company Overview

Who is quick process print shop.

Quick Process Print Shop is a newly established full-service print shop in Cypress, Texas. Quick Process Print Shop will be the most reliable, cost-effective, and efficient choice for customers in Cypress and the surrounding communities. Quick Process Print Shop will provide a comprehensive menu of printing and binding services for individuals, corporations, civic, and governmental entities in Cypress. Their full-service approach includes a comprehensive set of standard and customized printing and binding processes, designed to meet every customer’s needs.

  Quick Process Print Shop will be able to manage small to oversized printing projects, as well as projects that include binding or other special treatments, and will do so on select projects within a very fast turnaround process. The team of professionals are highly qualified and experienced in printing and management of day-to-day operations and print coordination. Quick Process Print Shop removes all headaches and issues of the printing and binding process and ensures all issues are taken care of expeditiously, while delivering the best customer service.

Quick Process Print Shop History

Quick Process Print Shop is owned by Taylor Owen, a former Print Manager for a nationally-known chain print shop. Taylor Owen is a graduate of the University of Texas, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design. During his many years of printing, Taylor developed a high degree of expertise within his craft and used that dedication to perfectly execute each printing project. He gained the trust of his clients during twenty years of printing and binding projects; those relationships will now stabilize the revenue for the Quick Process Print Shop while the clientele grows and projects increase in size and number.

Since incorporation, Quick Process Print Shop has achieved the following milestones:

• Registered Quick Process Print Shop as a C-corporation, to transact business in the state of Texas.
• Has a lease contract in place for 10,000 square feet at the building Quick Process Print Shop will utilize.
• Reached out to numerous corporate contacts to secure advance contracts for Quick Process Print Shop.
• Began recruiting a staff of Quick Process Print Shop employees.

Quick Process Print Shop Services

The following will be the services Quick Process Print Shop will provide:

• One to 4-color printing using CMYK color process
• Print and bind corporate folders, presentation binders

Industry Analysis

The Print Shop industry is expected to grow over the next ten years to over $483 billion. The growth will be driven by an increased print market for packaging, which is expected to rise by 66 percent in the coming decade. The market for printing books will decrease in the coming ten years by 15 percent; however, the need for commercial, business, and personal printing will increase as expectations for professionally-prepared materials will rise in every market sector. Future parameters, including an uncertain economy or supply-chain shortages, could impact the printing industry; however, all industry markets will have the same issues in play should such uncertainties come about. Costs will likely be reduced as print collaborations and partnership work together to lower costs, while increasing efficiencies, particularly on large-volume projects.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Quick Process Print Shop will target individuals or entities required printing or printing and binding services in the Cypress, Texas region. They will target individuals, corporations, civic or governmental agencies, as well as non-profits, and other associations who need printing and/or binding services. .

Customer Segmentation

Quick Process Print Shop will primarily target the following customer profiles:

• Individuals
• Corporations (for-profit/non-profit)
• Civic/community entities
• Governmental agencies

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Quick Process Print Shop will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company follows:

TJ’s Speedy Print Shop

PJ’s Speedy Print Shop provides customer self-service printing using copy machines. A customer can select a copy machine when bringing in documents or a flash drive document to be printed. The copy machines print and collate the projects per the instructions of the customer using self-instruction on a self-serve copy machine. Standard materials, such as paper and staples are provided for a fee. While copies are printed at-will and offer a fast turnaround, no binding services are offered. Color copies, customized print processes, high-quality color separation and other quality services are not offered within this self-serve model.

The owner of TJ’s Speedy Print Shop, legally registered as a limited liability company, has been in business for over thirty years and the shop is well-established as a neighborhood copy and print shop. The motto is “Your Printing Your Way” and the focus is on speed and accessibility, as the print shop is open 24 hours per day. An employee is always on site to assist customers who walk in and a full-time repair person oversees the copy machines. The print shop owner, Tomas Johanson, has been talking to customers about retiring; the outcome of his retirement for the print shop is unknown.

RiverEdge Printing & Packing Services

RiverEdge Printing & Packing Services is located in Houston, Texas and is a legal entity formed to serve the grocery store market sector within the regional area. Originally a sole proprietorship, the company was reframed legally as a C-corporation five years ago, when the family-owned business leadership changed from the father to the son. The company prints commercial projects only, focused on printing grocery bags, grocery boxes, packaging materials and other ancillary products that serve one national chain customer with 583 grocery stores in the chain. Products are printed, collated, glued, bound and packed according to the client specifications and the long-term contract is renewed yearly. The labor union is represented in this company, which requires contract negotiation on a yearly basis.

Excelsior Printing Company, Inc.

Excelsior Printing Company, Inc. is a nationally-recognized book printing company known for the 4-color printed, paper-over-board books they produce for children. This specialty printing company faces competition from Asian print providers; however the company provides a fast turnaround on projects that are short and follow a company template for printing production. Based in Houston, Texas, the company is held by two shareholders who take pride in the quality of books produced and the expediency offered in a process they’ve titled, “Fast Track” shipping. Fast Track shipping guarantees printed books will be delivered to bookstores within 4 weeks of a print order placed with Excelsior Printing Company, Inc. This guarantee provides the fastest delivery schedules of any printer in the U.S.

Competitive Advantage

Quick Process Print Shop will be able to offer the following advantages over their competition:

• Friendly, knowledgeable, and highly qualified team of Quick Process Print Shop employees, who will work with each client to ensure orders are correctly entered into the system, printed and delivered according to specifications.
• The comprehensive menu of services offered by Quick Process Print Shop outshines all other competitors in terms of the variety of printing and binding processes offered, quality maintained and turnaround delivery times guaranteed.
• Quick Process Print Shop offers comparable pricing for printing and binding. Their pricing structure is the most cost effective compared to the competition.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

Quick Process Print Shop will offer the unique value proposition to its clientele:

• Highly-qualified team of skilled employees that is able to provide comprehensive printing and binding services for each client, including customized sizes, materials, designs or other parameters needed for completion of the project.
• Competitive prices with on-the-job service representatives to assist every step of the way.
• Binding products and services to compile corporate reports, organization presentations, and other documents or materials.
• Guaranteed fastest turnaround service for select projects.
• Reasonable pricing for outstanding results.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Quick Process Print Shop is as follows:

Word of Mouth/Referrals

Taylor Owen has built up an extensive list of contacts over the years by providing exceptional service and expertise to his clients. They have communicated to Taylor that they kept renewing their contracts because they were happy with the service Taylor was providing. Once Taylor Owen advised them he was leaving to open his own print shop, they agreed to follow him to his new company and help spread the word of the Quick Process Print Shop.

Professional Associations and Networking

Quick Process Print Shop will become a member of commercial and residential professional associations within the region, due to the fact that each entity will need print services internally for a variety of projects that will need completion. In return, Quick Process Print Shop can offer reduced pricing for community efforts at fund-raising or other worthy causes by way of reciprocation and appreciation for the associations.

Print Advertising

As a printing company, Quick Process Print Shop, will advertise via printed pieces that describe the full range of services offered by Quick Process Print Shop. These printed pieces will be delivered to each resident in Cypress, Texas as a drop-in card inside The Cypress Daily, a city newspaper with a circulation of over 500,000 residents.

Website/SEO Marketing

Quick Process Print Shop will utilize their in-house employees who designed their print ads to also design their website. The website will be well organized, informative, and list all their services that Quick Process Print Shop is able to provide. The website will also list their contact information and list the multiple print and binding services and products available. A short-term social media marketing manager will also manage the website presence with SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Fast Printing Cypress” or “print and bind near me”, Quick Process Print Shop will be listed at the top of the search results.

The pricing of Quick Process Print Shop will be moderate and on par with competitors so customers feel they receive excellent value and quality when purchasing their services.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Quick Process Print Shop. Operation Functions:

• Taylor Owen will be the Owner and President of the company. He will act as the Senior Print Manager to oversee all major print projects, build client relationships and represent the company within the greater Cypress region. Jay has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
• Derek Manahan – Office Manager who will manage the day-to-day operations of print projects and oversee the employee team.
• Shelly Duhane – Staff Bookkeeper, who will manage the financial accounts and compile records for payroll and tax purposes.
• Kelly Martin – Social Media Marketing Manager who will develop all initial marketing strategies for Quick Process Print Shop during the first three months of business.
• Carl Snowdon – Maintenance Manager who will provide all equipment and premises maintenance at the property.

Milestones:

Quick Process Print Shop will have the following milestones complete in the next six months.

• 5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease location space
• 5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Quick Process Print Shop
• 6/1/202X – Finalize long-term contracts for Quick Process Print Shop clients
• 6/15/202X – Begin networking at regional association events
• 6/22/202X – Begin moving into Quick Process Print Shop location
• 7/1/202X – Quick Process Print Shop opens its building for business

Quick Process Print Shop will be owned and operated by Taylor Owen. He recruited his former printing coordinator, Derek Manahan, to be his Office Manager to help manage the office and day-to-day operations.

Taylor Owen graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Design. He has been employed by a local printing company for over twenty years as a Print Manager. Jay has successfully secured the assurances of former clients that they will bring their business needs to the Quick Process Print Shop upon opening and he is in the process of obtaining new long-term contracts with corporate clients.

Derek Manahan has been the print coordinator, working under the direction of Taylor Owen, for the past ten years at the same chain print shop. Derek holds a commercial printing certification from Cypress Community College. Derek’s organizational and administrative skills have propelled the former print coordinator to new heights of efficiency and turnaround times for clients; as such, the high expectation is that he will do so again for the Quick Process Print Shop in his new role of Office Manager.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

The revenue drivers for Quick Process Print Shop are the fees they will charge to the clients for their services and products .

The cost drivers will be the overhead costs required in order to staff and equip the Quick Process Print Shop location. The expenses will be the payroll cost, rent, utilities, office supplies, and marketing materials.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Quick Process Print Shop is seeking $200,000 in debt financing to launch its property management business. The funding will be dedicated toward securing the location space and purchasing printing equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward three months of overhead costs to include payroll of the staff, rent, and marketing costs for the print ads and association memberships. The breakout of the funding is below:

Key Assumptions

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and in order to pay off the startup business loan.

• Number of Projects, Services and Products Sold Per Month: 600
• Average Fees per Month: $55,000
• Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, print shop business plan faqs, what is a print shop business plan.

A print shop business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your print shop business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your Print Shop business plan using our Print Shop Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Print Shop Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of print shop businesses , some examples include: Digital printing, Offset lithography printing, Screen printing, , and 3D printing.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Print Shop Business Plan?

Print Shop businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding.

What are the Steps To Start a Print Shop Business?

Starting a print shop business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Print Shop Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed print shop business plan that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include potential market size and target customers, the services or products you will offer, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast. 

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your print shop business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your print shop business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Print Shop Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your print shop business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your print shop business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms.

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations.

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events.

7. Acquire Necessary Print Shop Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your print shop business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your print shop business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising.

Printing Business Plan PDF Example

• February 29, 2024
• Business Plan

Creating a comprehensive business plan is crucial for launching and running a successful printing business. This plan serves as your roadmap, detailing your vision, operational strategies, and financial plan. It helps establish your printing business’s identity, navigate the competitive market, and secure funding for growth.

This article not only breaks down the critical components of a printing business plan, but also provides an example of a business plan to help you craft your own.

Whether you’re an experienced entrepreneur or new to the service industry, this guide, complete with a business plan example, lays the groundwork for turning your printing business concept into reality. Let’s dive in!

Our printing business plan is meticulously developed to incorporate all vital elements essential for a comprehensive and strategic blueprint. It outlines the company’s operational workflows, marketing tactics, industry landscape, competitive analysis , management hierarchy, and financial outlook.

• Executive Summary : Offers a concise overview of the printing business concept, highlighting the market analysis , management expertise, and financial strategy.
• Facility & Operations : Discusses the location, size, and layout of the printing facility, including the types of printing equipment and technology used to provide services.
• Services & Prices : Details the range of printing services offered, such as digital, offset, and large format printing, along with pricing strategies.
• Key Stats: Offers statistics on the size and growth of the commercial printing industry, underscoring the ongoing demand for printing services.
• Key Trends: Highlights significant trends in the printing industry, including technological advancements, sustainability practices, and shifts towards digital printing.
• Key Competitors: Evaluates major competitors in the market, detailing their services and how the printing company differentiates itself from these competitors.
• SWOT Analysis : Conducts a comprehensive analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, offering strategic insights for the company’s growth.
• Marketing Plan : Specifies the marketing strategies designed to promote the printing services and establish long-term relationships with clients.
• Timeline : Sets key milestones for the printing company, outlining the path from startup to expansion and operational excellence.
• Management: Introduces the management team, highlighting their experience, roles, and contributions to driving the company towards its goals.
• Financial Plan : Forecasts the 5-year financial performance of the printing company, detailing expected revenue streams, profitability, and the financial strategy to ensure sustainability and growth.

Printing Company Business Plan

Fully editable 30+ slides Powerpoint presentation business plan template.

Download an expert-built 30+ slides Powerpoint business plan template

Executive Summary

The Executive Summary introduces your printing business’s plan, providing a succinct overview of your company and its offerings. It should outline your market positioning, the variety of printing services you provide, including digital printing, large format printing, and specialized printing solutions, as well as its location, size, and a snapshot of daily operations. 

This section should also delve into how your printing business will fit into the local market, including the number of direct competitors in the area, identifying who they are, along with your business’s unique selling points that set it apart from these competitors.

Moreover, information about the management and co-founding team should be included, detailing their roles and contributions to the business’s success. Additionally, a summary of your financial projections, including revenue and profits over the next five years, should be presented.

Make sure to cover here _ Business Overview _ Market Overview _ Management Team _ Financial Plan

Dive deeper into Executive Summary

Business Overview

For a printing business, the Business Overview section can be efficiently divided into 2 main parts:

Facility & Operations

Briefly describe the physical setup of your printing facility, emphasizing its design, efficiency, and the technology-driven environment that ensures high-quality printing services. Mention the business’s location, highlighting its accessibility and the convenience it offers to clients, such as proximity to business districts or ease of delivery and pickup services. Explain why this location is advantageous in attracting your target clientele, including businesses, professionals, and retail customers.

Services & Pricing

Detail the range of printing services offered, from standard document printing to specialized services like large format printing, custom merchandise printing, and high-quality digital printing solutions. Outline your pricing strategy , ensuring it reflects the quality of printing services provided and matches the market you’re targeting. Highlight any bulk order discounts, business account deals, or loyalty programs that provide added value to your clients, encouraging repeat business and customer loyalty.

Make sure to cover here _ Facility & Operations _ Services & Pricing

Market Overview

Industry size & growth.

In the Market Overview of your printing business plan, start by examining the size of the printing industry and its growth potential. This analysis is crucial for understanding the market’s scope and identifying expansion opportunities.

Key market trends

Proceed to discuss recent market trends , such as the increasing demand for customized printing solutions, the growth in digital and 3D printing technologies, and the shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly printing practices. For example, highlight the demand for services that cater to specific customization needs, such as personalized marketing materials, custom packaging, and on-demand printing, alongside the rising popularity of green printing solutions.

Key competitors

Then, consider the competitive landscape, which includes a range of printing services from large-scale commercial printers to local print shops, as well as online printing platforms. For example, emphasize what makes your printing business distinctive, whether it’s through superior print quality, innovative technology, a wide range of services, or specialization in certain types of printing. This section will help articulate the demand for printing services, the competitive environment, and how your business is positioned to thrive within this dynamic market.

Make sure to cover here _ Industry size & growth _ Key competitors _ Key market trends

Dive deeper into Key competitors

First, conduct a SWOT analysis for the printing business, highlighting Strengths (such as advanced printing technology and a broad range of printing services), Weaknesses (including reliance on equipment that may require costly maintenance or the challenge of adapting to rapidly changing technology), Opportunities (for example, the growing demand for personalized and on-demand printing services), and Threats (such as digital media alternatives reducing the need for traditional printing).

Marketing Plan

Next, develop a marketing strategy that outlines how to attract and retain customers through targeted advertising, promotional offers, an engaging online presence, and partnerships with local businesses. Emphasize the importance of showcasing your unique capabilities, such as high-quality printing, fast turnaround times, or eco-friendly printing options, to differentiate your business from competitors.

Finally, create a detailed timeline that outlines critical milestones for the printing business’s launch, marketing initiatives, customer base growth, and expansion goals. This should include key phases such as establishing your facility, launching your website and online ordering system, initial customer acquisition efforts, and the evaluation of potential new services or technologies to keep your business at the forefront of the printing industry, ensuring the business progresses with clear direction and purpose.

Make sure to cover here _ SWOT _ Marketing Plan _ Timeline

Dive deeper into SWOT

Dive deeper into Marketing Plan

The Management section focuses on the printing business’s management and their direct roles in daily operations and strategic direction. This part is crucial for understanding who is responsible for making key decisions and driving the printing business toward its financial and operational goals.

For your printing business plan, list the core team members, their specific responsibilities, and how their expertise supports the business.

Financial Plan

The Financial Plan section is a comprehensive analysis of your financial projections for revenue, expenses, and profitability. It lays out your printing business’s approach to securing funding, managing cash flow, and achieving breakeven.

This section typically includes detailed forecasts for the first 5 years of operation, highlighting expected revenue, operating costs and capital expenditures.

For your printing business plan, provide a snapshot of your financial statement (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow statement), as well as your key assumptions (e.g. number of customers and prices, expenses, etc.).

Make sure to cover here _ Profit and Loss _ Cash Flow Statement _ Balance Sheet _ Use of Funds

Privacy Overview

Print Shop Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

Print Shop Business Plan Template

If you want to start a print shop or expand your current printing business, you need a business plan.

The following Print Shop business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning printing company business plan. In addition to this template, a solid plan will also include market research to help you better understand the printing industry, your competitive advantage and your specific target market. It will also help you prepare your marketing strategy and financial statements.

You can download our Ultimate Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Example Business Plan For Print Shops

Below are links to each of the key sections of a sample business plan for successful print shop businesses.

I. Executive Summary – The Executive Summary provides an overview of your business opportunity and summarizes the business plan.

II. Company Overview – The company overview includes information about your business concept, print shop services and legal structure.

III. Industry Analysis – The industry analysis includes market research that supports your business and provides insights into market trends and print shop industry data on all print shop services including digital printing, lithography printing, screen printing and

IV. Customer Analysis – The market analysis provides an overview of your target markets and customer segments.

You can download our business plan template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

V. Competitive Analysis – The competitive analysis should identify your direct and indirect competitors and their printing services. It should also highlight your competitive edge and unique value proposition.

VI. Marketing Plan – The marketing plan includes your marketing strategy, sales strategy, pricing strategy and search engine optimization plan.

VII. Operations Plan – The Operations Plan includes information on your company’s day to day operations and processes.

VIII. Management Team – The management team section includes a profile of the business owner and business management, their experience and company responsibilities.

IX. Financial Plan – The financial plan includes financial projections, a cash flow statement, profit and loss statement and balance sheet.

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Print Shop Business Plan Home I. Executive Summary II. Company Overview III. Industry Analysis IV. Customer Analysis V. Competitive Analysis VI. Marketing Plan VII. Operations Plan VIII. Management Team IX. Financial Plan

How to Start a Print Shop

Printing shops offer a variety of print and copy services to the public. This includes online printing, direct mail, and business printing. Most printing stores offer additional services to the public, depending upon the specific needs within the community.

You may also be interested in additional low cost business ideas .

Learn how to start your own Print Shop and whether it is the right fit for you.

Ready to form your LLC? Check out the Top LLC Formation Services .

Start a print shop by following these 10 steps:

• Plan your Print Shop
• Form your Print Shop into a Legal Entity
• Register your Print Shop for Taxes
• Open a Business Bank Account & Credit Card
• Set up Accounting for your Print Shop
• Get the Necessary Permits & Licenses for your Print Shop
• Get Print Shop Insurance
• Define your Print Shop Brand
• Create your Print Shop Website
• Set up your Business Phone System

We have put together this simple guide to starting your print shop. These steps will ensure that your new business is well planned out, registered properly and legally compliant.

Exploring your options? Check out other small business ideas .

STEP 1: Plan your business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns. A few important topics to consider are:

What will you name your business?

• What are the startup and ongoing costs?
• Who is your target market?

How much can you charge customers?

Luckily we have done a lot of this research for you.

Choosing the right name is important and challenging. If you don’t already have a name in mind, visit our How to Name a Business guide or get help brainstorming a name with our Print Shop Name Generator

If you operate a sole proprietorship , you might want to operate under a business name other than your own name. Visit our DBA guide to learn more.

When registering a business name , we recommend researching your business name by checking:

• Your state's business records
• Federal and state trademark records
• Social media platforms
• Web domain availability .

It's very important to secure your domain name before someone else does.

Want some help naming your print shop?

Business name generator, what are the costs involved in opening a print shop.

Before identifying your budgetary needs, you must first determine the exact services you intend to offer. Industry leaders report spending between $146,000 and $400,000. Your initial investment will include the following:

• Location - Many novice printers start out working out of their homes. To realize significant success, however, a storefront location is recommended. To offer a full menu of services, you will need enough space to house all your printing equipment and enough workspace to spread out and work on multiple projects at once. Start-up costs for your brick and mortar will include first and last month’s rent and a security deposit, which could range from $4,000 to $12,000, depending upon location.
• Electrical upgrades - Prior to opening your doors and testing out equipment, make sure you have an electrician out to inspect your shop’s electrical needs.
• If you want to do digital printing, you need to start out with $300k-$400k and will need to get the electric upgraded in your new shop
• Equipment - The equipment you invest in will be defined by the specifics of the services you offer. This could include: embossing machine, offset printing press, plate maker, color copier, standard copier, laminator, and finishing equipment. Each item ranges from $1,500 to $12,000 in cost, but can be purchased used for a fraction of the cost. To save on start-up costs, many entrepreneurs choose to lease the equipment, paying for their equipment over time.
• Computers - You will need at least one computer to handle your design and administrative needs. Many print shops also invest in at least one floor computer, which can be used by clients for a by-the-minute fee.
• Software - Design software such as Adobe, should also be purchased. Many software companies now offer software licensing for a monthly fee. It is also recommended that you invest in business management and accounting software, to insure proper management of your organization.
• Franchise fees - Entrepreneurs realizing significant profits report having invested in a franchise such as The UPS Store or PostNet . While start-up costs are higher, the expertise and support of industry leaders has proven invaluable.
• Marketing materials

What are the ongoing expenses for a print shop?

In addition to the standard overhead costs that come with running a business, there are a number of items you will need to budget for each month:

• Design software - Software vendors offer monthly contracts, ranging anywhere from $30 to $150/month, depending upon the product and your specific needs.
• Equipment leasing fees - Varies depending upon a variety of factors
• Maintenance and replacement of equipment
• Payroll costs

Break-even monthly sales average between $10,000 and $15,000 a month, with approximately half of that going to materials. This number varies, depending upon your area.

Who is the target market?

The most successful print shops target a number of different audiences including: small businesses, large businesses, and individuals. While each group will require a slightly different marketing strategy, this diversity sets your business up for greater success.

How does a print shop make money?

Print shops generate revenue from each account they attend to. The more services your store offers, the better you’re able to thrive and serve the needs of your community.

Fee specifics will vary from project to project, depending upon the specific needs of the client, the intricacies of the project, and how much printing the client needs. As indicated, working with reputable vendors will help insure quality products at a fair price. Business owners who pass that savings on to their clients will gain a loyal following.

How much profit can a print shop make?

New print shop owners are urged to plan for one to three years of little to no profit. This offers ample time to develop relationships with clients and vendors, and establish a name for yourself within the community. Business owners in larger cities realize quicker profits than those from smaller communities.

How can you make your business more profitable?

While quality work will help your profits grow year-by-year, there are a number of additional services you can provide to accelerate growth:

• Expand your target audience to include online customers
• Offering premier services, such as delivery, will make your business more memorable
• Sell office supplies and products
• Offer additional services such as notary, passport/ID photos, and shredding
• Many print shops have also found success offering packaging services and partnering with the postal service and other shipping companies. PO boxes have also proven to increase annual profits.

Want a more guided approach? Access TRUiC's free Small Business Startup Guide - a step-by-step course for turning your business idea into reality. Get started today!

STEP 2: Form a legal entity

The most common business structure types are the sole proprietorship , partnership , limited liability company (LLC) , and corporation .

Establishing a legal business entity such as an LLC or corporation protects you from being held personally liable if your print shop is sued.

Form Your LLC

Read our Guide to Form Your Own LLC

Have a Professional Service Form your LLC for You

Two such reliable services:

You can form an LLC yourself and pay only the minimal state LLC costs or hire one of the Best LLC Services for a small, additional fee.

Recommended: You will need to elect a registered agent for your LLC. LLC formation packages usually include a free year of registered agent services . You can choose to hire a registered agent or act as your own.

STEP 3: Register for taxes

You will need to register for a variety of state and federal taxes before you can open for business.

In order to register for taxes you will need to apply for an EIN. It's really easy and free!

You can acquire your EIN through the IRS website . If you would like to learn more about EINs, read our article, What is an EIN?

There are specific state taxes that might apply to your business. Learn more about state sales tax and franchise taxes in our state sales tax guides.

STEP 4: Open a business bank account & credit card

Using dedicated business banking and credit accounts is essential for personal asset protection.

When your personal and business accounts are mixed, your personal assets (your home, car, and other valuables) are at risk in the event your business is sued. In business law, this is referred to as piercing your corporate veil .

Open a business bank account

Besides being a requirement when applying for business loans, opening a business bank account:

• Separates your personal assets from your company's assets, which is necessary for personal asset protection.
• Makes accounting and tax filing easier.

Recommended: Read our Best Banks for Small Business review to find the best national bank or credit union.

Get a business credit card

Getting a business credit card helps you:

• Separate personal and business expenses by putting your business' expenses all in one place.
• Build your company's credit history , which can be useful to raise money later on.

Recommended: Apply for an easy approval business credit card from BILL and build your business credit quickly.

STEP 5: Set up business accounting

Recording your various expenses and sources of income is critical to understanding the financial performance of your business. Keeping accurate and detailed accounts also greatly simplifies your annual tax filing.

Make LLC accounting easy with our LLC Expenses Cheat Sheet.

STEP 6: Obtain necessary permits and licenses

Failure to acquire necessary permits and licenses can result in hefty fines, or even cause your business to be shut down.

State & Local Business Licensing Requirements

Certain state permits and licenses may be needed to operate a print shop business. Learn more about licensing requirements in your state by visiting SBA’s reference to state licenses and permits .

Most businesses are required to collect sales tax on the goods or services they provide. To learn more about how sales tax will affect your business, read our article, Sales Tax for Small Businesses .

Certificate of Occupancy

A print shop business is generally run out of a storefront. Businesses operating out of a physical location typically require a Certificate of Occupancy (CO).  A CO confirms that all building codes, zoning laws and government regulations have been met.

• If you plan to lease a location :
• It is generally the landlord’s responsibility to obtain a CO.
• Before leasing, confirm that your landlord has or can obtain a valid CO that is applicable to a print shop business business.
• After a major renovation, a new CO often needs to be issued. If your place of business will be renovated before opening, it is recommended to include language in your lease agreement stating that lease payments will not commence until a valid CO is issued.
• If you plan to purchase or build a location :
• You will be responsible for obtaining a valid CO from a local government authority.
• Review all building codes and zoning requirements for your business’ location to ensure your print shop business will be in compliance and able to obtain a CO.

STEP 7: Get business insurance

Just as with licenses and permits, your business needs insurance in order to operate safely and lawfully. Business Insurance protects your company’s financial wellbeing in the event of a covered loss.

There are several types of insurance policies created for different types of businesses with different risks. If you’re unsure of the types of risks that your business may face, begin with General Liability Insurance . This is the most common coverage that small businesses need, so it’s a great place to start for your business.

Another notable insurance policy that many businesses need is Workers’ Compensation Insurance . If your business will have employees, it’s a good chance that your state will require you to carry Workers' Compensation Coverage.

FInd out what types of insurance your Print Shop needs and how much it will cost you by reading our guide Business Insurance for Print Shop.

STEP 8: Define your brand

Your brand is what your company stands for, as well as how your business is perceived by the public. A strong brand will help your business stand out from competitors.

If you aren't feeling confident about designing your small business logo, then check out our Design Guides for Beginners , we'll give you helpful tips and advice for creating the best unique logo for your business.

Recommended : Get a logo using Truic's free logo Generator no email or sign up required, or use a Premium Logo Maker .

If you already have a logo, you can also add it to a QR code with our Free QR Code Generator . Choose from 13 QR code types to create a code for your business cards and publications, or to help spread awareness for your new website.

How to promote & market a print shop

To insure potential clients understand the services your enterprise offers, have a simple, yet informative website built. Position yourself as a thought leader in the industry by regularly publishing a blog. This content marketing strategy educates your clients and helps search engines like Google target your business. As your experience and projects expand, make sure to update your online portfolio. Prospective clients who are surfing the web are more likely to partner with an organization whose work is available for viewing.

Additionally, it is recommended that your shop regularly offer business promotions to attract and retain customers. Partnering with reputable vendors and negotiating the best prices is also critical. This insures each client receives the fairest price, without sacrificing quality. Allow your work to speak for itself by printing your own quality marketing materials. Consider your target audience(s) and design promotional material to fit each niches’ needs.

Online directories such as Printguide also offer unique, cost-effective ways to reach prospective clients. It is also recommended that you join local business associations and attend networking events. National Print & Sign Owners Association and Printing Industries of America   are a great resources for both novice and experienced print shop owners. Convention booths will set you back approximately $3,000, but the connections you make will be well worth it. Entrepreneurs who have included car wraps in their marketing strategy have realized a significant return on their investment. One $2,500 car wrap stands to bring in an average of $15,000 in profits annually.

How to keep customers coming back

Delivering consistent, quality service will be your primary retention tool. This, combined with your strong interpersonal skills, is what will set you apart from the competition. Building long-standing relationships with vendors, community business leaders, and customers will insure a positive reputation. We live in an information-rich business landscape, meaning there is no room for error or poor customer service.

STEP 9: Create your business website

After defining your brand and creating your logo the next step is to create a website for your business .

While creating a website is an essential step, some may fear that it’s out of their reach because they don’t have any website-building experience. While this may have been a reasonable fear back in 2015, web technology has seen huge advancements in the past few years that makes the lives of small business owners much simpler.

Here are the main reasons why you shouldn’t delay building your website:

• All legitimate businesses have websites - full stop. The size or industry of your business does not matter when it comes to getting your business online.
• Social media accounts like Facebook pages or LinkedIn business profiles are not a replacement for a business website that you own.
• Website builder tools like the GoDaddy Website Builder have made creating a basic website extremely simple. You don’t need to hire a web developer or designer to create a website that you can be proud of.

Recommended : Get started today using our recommended website builder or check out our review of the Best Website Builders .

Other popular website builders are: WordPress , WIX , Weebly , Squarespace , and Shopify .

STEP 10: Set up your business phone system

Getting a phone set up for your business is one of the best ways to help keep your personal life and business life separate and private. That’s not the only benefit; it also helps you make your business more automated, gives your business legitimacy, and makes it easier for potential customers to find and contact you.

There are many services available to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business phone system. We’ve reviewed the top companies and rated them based on price, features, and ease of use. Check out our review of the Best Business Phone Systems 2023 to find the best phone service for your small business.

Recommended Business Phone Service: Phone.com

Phone.com is our top choice for small business phone numbers because of all the features it offers for small businesses and it's fair pricing.

Is this Business Right For You?

Industry leaders indicate that, due to the services offered, the individual with a background in printing is most suitable for this business venture. If you have the background, necessary capital, and are ready to work hard to insure a stable financial future for you and your family, now is the time to consider becoming your own boss.

Want to know if you are cut out to be an entrepreneur?

Take our Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out!

Entrepreneurship Quiz

What happens during a typical day at a print shop?

Since your print shop will likely offer a wide variety of services, each day will be fast-paced and very different from the last. Modern day print shops typically offer the following:

• Professional small business printing - digital printing, offset printing, binding, laminating, and other document finishing services.
• Online printing - client uploads and submits documents for printing and finishing.
• Personal and professional copying - both self and full service
• Package and mail services

In addition to managing your client’s printing needs, you will also want to dedicate a portion of your time to your own business’ demands. Marketing is a critical component to every business owner’s day, as is administrative duties such as accounting and corresponding with representatives from various accounts.

What are some skills and experiences that will help you build a successful print shop?

Whether you plan to take an active or inactive role in the day-to-day operations of the business, it is important that you fully understand the particulars before formulating a business plan. It is recommended that you work in the industry for at least a year or two. This will give you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the equipment, processes, terminology, and pricing. Those taking an active role should not only be an astute businessman, they must also possess design and printing skills. Strong leadership skills, including attention to detail, delegation, and communication, will also prove critical to your enterprise’s long-term success.

What is the growth potential for a print shop?

Collectively, the printing industry is poised to grow at an astounding 30% over the next few years. Entrepreneurs who have led the market, however, urge novice business owners to strive to provide a full menu of services. While this business strategy requires employing a more educated and talented workforce, the long-term benefits far outweigh the increase in payroll costs.

TRUiC's YouTube Channel

For fun informative videos about starting a business visit the TRUiC YouTube Channel or subscribe to view later.

Take the Next Step

Find a business mentor.

One of the greatest resources an entrepreneur can have is quality mentorship. As you start planning your business, connect with a free business resource near you to get the help you need.

Having a support network in place to turn to during tough times is a major factor of success for new business owners.

Learn from other business owners

Want to learn more about starting a business from entrepreneurs themselves? Visit Startup Savant’s startup founder series to gain entrepreneurial insights, lessons, and advice from founders themselves.

Resources to Help Women in Business

There are many resources out there specifically for women entrepreneurs. We’ve gathered necessary and useful information to help you succeed both professionally and personally:

If you’re a woman looking for some guidance in entrepreneurship, check out this great new series Women in Business created by the women of our partner Startup Savant.

What are some insider tips for jump starting a print shop?

The printing industry is very competitive. Therefore, it is critical that you stand out for your exemplary service and dedication to your clients. If someone calls the shop at 5pm, hoping you are able to print a complex report by 10 am tomorrow, be realistic when considering the job. If you are able to complete the work, without sacrificing quality, do so. Such a service is what sets you apart from the competition and gets your shop recognized within the business community. Enterprises are willing to pay a significant rush-job fee, as long as the job is completed accurately and on time. To insure you work efficiently and remain competitive, stay aware of industry trends and adjust accordingly.

How and when to build a team

Many business owners start out working every aspect of the business themselves. To avoid burnout, consider starting out with at least one team member, even if it is just to handle administrative tasks. As the business grows, more staff members will be necessary. Since customer service is your primary marketing and retention tool, make sure you hire individuals with prior experience. While a well-rounded employee will cost $22 to $26 per hour, they will save your budget in the long-run. Industry experts cite reprints from employee mistakes as one of their largest business costs.

Useful Links

Industry opportunities.

• National Print &Sign Owners Association

Real World Examples

• Greko Printing and Imaging
• The Print Shop LA

Further Reading

• What Do I Need to Open a Print Shop Business

Have a Question? Leave a Comment!

Digital Print Shop Business Plan [Sample Template]

By: Author Tony Martins Ajaero

Home » Business Plans » B2C Sector

Are you about starting a digital print shop? If YES, here is a complete sample digital printing business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE .

Printing shop business does pretty well if it is properly located in the right location. It has been proven over and over again that a printing hubs and commercial centers are indeed a thriving location for a printing shop. This is the reason why any entrepreneur who is interested in starting a printing shop business will be willing to pay much to locate the business in any of the locations stated above.

A Sample Digital Printing Shop Business Plan Template

1. industry overview.

Operators in the printing industry mainly print on paper, textile products, metal, glass, plastic and other materials, excluding fabric. Printing shops engage in a variety of printing processes which include lithographic, gravure, screen, flexographic, digital and letterpress.

It is important to state that this industry does not include publishers that also perform printing, nor does it comprise companies that perform pre-press or post – press services without traditional printing.

A close study of the Printing industry shows that the industry has been struggling over the last half a decade due to the fact that digital products and services have increasingly displaced traditional printed materials. Printers were historically central to both publishing and advertising; though, over the past 20 years, rapid technological change has toppled both markets and sent the industry into structural decline.

It was predicted that going forward, the printing industry will continue to struggle as digital media replaces traditional paper products. In the interim, profit margins are expected to slightly increase, mainly due to a drop in labor expenses as a result of industry consolidation.

The Printing Industry is indeed a very large industry and pretty much active in all the parts of the world. Statistics has it that in the united states of America alone the industry rakes in a whopping sum of billion annually. There are about 48,698 registered and licensed printing shops scattered all across the length and breadth of the United States and they are responsible for employing about 458,145 people.

The industry is projected to enjoy -0.2 percent annual growth within 2011 and 2016. It is important to state that the establishments with the dominant market share in the printing industry in the United States are Quad / Graphics and R.R. Donnelley and Sons.

Research carried out by IBISWORLD shows that the Printing industry’s long-term struggles have continued over the past five years as digital products and services have increasingly displaced traditional printed materials. Printers were historically central to both publishing and advertising, yet over the past two decades, rapid technological change has upended both markets and sent the industry into structural decline.

The report further states that the migration of media content and ad dollars to digital platforms has only accelerated since 2011, precipitously reducing demand for the Printing industry. Amid this trend, industry revenue is expected to decline at an annualized rate of 0.2 percent over the five years to 2016 to $85.7 billion.

If you are looking towards starting your own printing business, then you should endeavor to learn the trade. The truth is that the technology and processes involve in this line of business is one that will require a period of time (months) to learn.

Over and above, the printing industry is pretty much open to new entrepreneurs and investors to come in and build a successful business.

But they must first and foremost ensure that they conduct thorough feasibility studies and market survey before situating the business in any location. This is very important because if this type of business is better located in an area that has available market for its services.

2. Executive Summary

F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC is a standard and registered printing company. We have been able to secure a standard and well – positioned office facility in a busy business district in Los Angeles – California. We are a world class printing company that is set to compete in the highly competitive printing industry not only in the United States market, but also in the global market.

F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC will be involved in the all aspect of printing services such as commercial lithographic printing, commercial gravure printing, commercial flexographic printing, commercial screen printing. Quick printing, digital printing, manifold business forms printing, book printing, blank book, loose-leaf binders and devices and other related printing services.

Our business goal is to become one of the leading printing companies in the United States and we will make sure that every printing job that leaves our printing press can favorable compete with the best in the industry. Our workers are going to be selected from a pool of talented and highly creative professional printers in and around Los Angeles – California and also from any part of the United States as the business grows.

We will make sure that we take all the members of our workforce through the required trainings that will position them to meet the expectation of the company and to compete with leading printing companies in the United States and throughout the globe.

At F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC our client’s best interest come first, and everything we do will be guided by our values and professional ethics. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by delivering excellent and neat jobs and also meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

We will cultivate a working environment that provides a human, sustainable approach to earning a living, and living in our world, for our partners, employees and for our clients. F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC is a private business that is owned and managed by Mr. Felix F. Robin and his immediate family members.

F.F Robin studied Printing Technology from Illinois Institute of Technology and he has well over 10 years of hands on experience working with one of the leading printing companies in the United States of America. He will be bringing his wealth of experience to grow F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC to become a national brand.

3. Our Products and Services

F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC was established with the aim of maximizing profits in the Printing industry. We want to compete favorably with the leading printing companies in the United States of America which is why we have but in place a competent quality assurance team that will ensure that all our printing jobs and other related printing services rendered meet and even surpass our customers’ expectations and match – up with international best practices.

We will work hard to ensure that F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC is not just accepted in Los Angeles – California but also nationally throughout the United States of America. Our service offerings are listed below;

• Commercial lithographic printing
• Commercial gravure printing
• Commercial flexographic printing
• Commercial screen printing
• Quick printing
• Digital printing
• Manifold business forms printing
• Book printing
• Blank book, loose-leaf binders and devices
• Other related printing services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

• Our vision is to establish a standard and world class printing company whose services and brand will not only be accepted in Los Angeles – California but also throughout the United States of America and the global market.
• Our mission is to build a world class printing company that will be known to execute top notch printing projects and to become the number one choice for branding, advertising and promotion agencies and other stake holder in the industry.
• We want to build a printing company that can favorably compete with other leading brands in the industry.

Our Business Structure

F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC is a printing company that intend starting small in Los Angeles – California, but hope to grow big in order to compete favorably with leading printing companies in the industry both in the United States and on a global stage.

We are aware of the importance of building a solid business structure that can support the picture of the kind of world class business we want to own. This is why we are committed to only hire the best hands within our area of operations.

At F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC, we will ensure that we hire people that are qualified, hardworking, creative, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders (the owners, workforce, and customers).

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more as agreed by the board of trustees of the company. In view of the above, we have decided to hire qualified and competent hands to occupy the following positions;

• Chief Executive Officer
• Creative Director
• Human Resources and Admin Manager
• Sales and Marketing Executive

Printing Machine Operators

Client Service Executive

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO:

• Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results; developing incentives; developing a climate for offering information and opinions; providing educational opportunities.
• Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
• Responsible for fixing prices and signing business deals
• Responsible for providing direction for the business
• Responsible for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
• Evaluates the success of the organization.

Creative Director:

• Serves as project manager of the organization; works directly with employees
• Responsible for designing and approving concepts for printing of materials for client
• Develops strategic plan by studying technological and financial opportunities; presenting assumptions; recommending objectives.
• Accomplishes subsidiary objectives by establishing plans, budgets, and results measurements; allocating resources; reviewing progress; making mid-course corrections.
• Coordinates efforts by establishing procurement, production, marketing, field, and technical services policies and practices; coordinating actions with corporate staff.
• Builds company image by collaborating with customers, government, community organizations, and employees; enforcing ethical business practices.
• Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications / journals; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies.
• Makes certain that production and development department perform efficiently, coordinate employee efforts, and facilitate communications between management and printing machine operators and rapid prototyping specialist
• Ensures that the organization work in line with international best practices.

Admin and HR Manager

• Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
• Designs job descriptions with KPI to drive performance management for clients
• Regularly hold meetings with key stakeholders to review the effectiveness of HR Policies, Procedures and Processes
• Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
• Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
• Carries out staff induction for new team members
• Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
• Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
• Updates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations.
• Oversee the smooth running of the daily office activities.

Sales and Marketing Manager

• Manages external research and coordinate all the internal sources of information to retain the organizations’ best customers and attract new ones
• Models demographic information and analyze the volumes of transactional data generated by customer
• Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts; participates in the structuring and financing of projects; assures the completion of development projects.
• Writes winning proposal documents, negotiate fees and rates in line with organizations’ policy
• Responsible for handling business research, market surveys and feasibility studies for clients
• Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s needs, and communicate with clients
• Develops, executes and evaluates new plans for expanding increase sales
• Creates new markets cum businesses for the organization
• Empowers and motivates the sales team to meet and surpass agreed targets

Accountant / Cashier:

• Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
• Provides managements with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports; analyzes financial feasibility for the most complex proposed projects; conducts market research to forecast trends and business conditions.
• Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
• Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
• Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
• Responsible for administering payrolls
• Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
• Handles all financial transactions for F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC
• Serves as internal auditor for F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC
• In charge of handling commercial lithographic printing, commercial gravure printing, commercial flexographic printing, commercial screen printing. Quick printing, digital printing manifold business forms printing, book printing, blank book, loose-leaf binders and devices and other related printing services.
• Liaises with clients to determine their requirement and budget
• Working to a brief, which details what the space will be used for, and finding out the client’s personal ideas and requirements
• Responsible for creating patterns and operating printing machines cum equipment
• Responsible for developing detailed designs and choosing materials
• Responsible for preparing drafts or material based on an agreement brief.
• Researches and advices the organization on style, genre and other trendy info as it relates to printing et al.
• Welcomes clients and visitors by greeting them in person or on the telephone; answering or directing inquiries.
• Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
• Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
• Manages administrative duties assigned by the HR manager in an effective and timely manner
• Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the organizations’ products, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to potential clients when they make enquiries
• Receives parcels / documents for the company
• Distributes mails in the organization
• Handles any other duties as assigned by the human resources and admin manager.

6. SWOT Analysis

We are quite aware that there are several printing companies both large and small in the United States of America which is why we are following the due process of establishing a business so as to compete favorable with them.

We know that if a proper SWOT analysis is conducted for our business, we will be able to position our business to maximize our strength, leverage on the opportunities that will be available to us, mitigate our risks and be welled equipped to confront our threats.

F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC employed the services of a core professional in the area of business consulting and structuring to assist our organization in building a well – structured printing business that can favorably compete in the highly competitive printing industry in the United States and the world at large.

Part of what the team of business consultant did was to work with the management of our organization in conducting a SWOT analysis for F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC;

Our core strength lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of creative and highly proficient professional printers, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in the printing industry.

Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected professional printers and support staff members, we have some of the latest and efficient printing machines and equipment and of course our work output and services will be guided by international best practices in the industry.

As a new printing company in Los Angeles – California, it might take some time for our organization to break into the market and gain acceptance especially from the government and other high profile clients in the already saturated and highly competitive printing and industry; that is perhaps our major weakness. Another weakness is that we may not have the required cash to promote our business the way we would want to.

• Opportunities:

Beyond every reasonable doubt, the opportunities in the printing industry are massive considering the number of individuals and corporate organizations that would need the services of standard printing companies. As a standard printing company, we are ready to take advantage of any opportunity that is available in the industry.

Just like any other business, one of the major threats that we are likely going to face is economic downturn. It is a fact that economic downturn affects purchasing / spending power.

Another threat that may likely confront us is the arrival of a new printing shop or even a 3D printing and rapid prototyping services company in same location where our target market exists and who may want to adopt same Business model like us. We are not ruling out the fact that unfavorable government policy can also affect our business.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

• Market Trends

The trend in the Printing industry shows that the industry has been struggling over the last half a decade due to the fact that digital products and services have increasingly displaced traditional printed materials. Printers were historically central to both publishing and advertising; though, over the past 20 years, rapid technological change has toppled both markets and sent the industry into structural decline.

The Printing industry over time has experienced rapid growth and this is due to rapid technological advancements, falling costs and new uses for printing technology. Going forward, the demand for printing service and of course the revenue generated is projected to increase rapidly.

As a printing company with the aspiration to favorably compete in the industry, you are expected to keep tab with new trends and products that are always coming up in the industry. It is important to state that in recent time, for a printing company to continue to stay in business and grow, they must continue to come up with highly creative design and concepts and also engage in other printing related services.

8. Our Target Market

Before starting our printing company, we are certain that there is a wide range of both corporate and individual clients who cannot successfully carry out promotions and branding of their products and services without hiring the services of a standard printing company like ours.

We will ensure that we develop strategic pacts with corporate organizations, advertising and branding agencies, and religious organizations et al.

This will give us several options to generate revenue for our company. In view of that, we have created strategies that will enable us reach out to various corporate organizations and individual who we know can’t afford to do without our services.

We have conducted our market research and survey and we will ensure that all our printing services are well accepted in the marketplace. Below is a list of the people and organizations that we have specifically market our products and services to;

• Banks, Insurance Companies and other related Financial Institutions
• Blue Chips Companies
• Corporate Organizations
• Manufacturers and Distributors
• Real Estate Owners, Developers, and Contractors
• Research and Development Companies
• The Government (Public Sector)
• Schools (High Schools, Colleges and Universities)
• Celebrities, Politicians, Public Figures and Public Speakers
• Sport Organizations
• Religious Organizations
• Political Parties
• Television Stations
• Printing Press (Publishing Houses) and Authors
• Branding and Advertising agencies
• Aspiring celebrities
• Entrepreneurs and Startups

Our competitive advantage

It is a fact that the competition in the printing industry is getting stiffer by the day, you have to be highly creative and come up with appealing designs and concepts and very neat jobs in order to survive in the industry.

The printing industry is indeed a profitable and at the same time a highly competitive industry; it enjoys strong demand as organizations and individuals continue to print materials for promotional purposes. Clients will only hire your services if they know that they can get nothing but the best from you.

We are quite aware that to be highly competitive in the printing industry means that you are not only expected to be able to deliver consistent and highly creative designs, but you must be able to meet set targets. No one would want to continue to hire your services if don’t always meet up with the target date of completion of projects.

Our competitive advantage lies in the power of our team; our workforce. We have a team of creative and highly proficient professional printers, a team with excellent qualifications and experience in various niche areas in the printing industry.

Aside from the synergy that exists in our carefully selected professional printers and other support staff members, we have some of the latest and efficient printing machines and equipment and of course our work output and services will be guided by international best practices in the industry.

Lastly, all our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category (startups printing companies in the United States) in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and achieve all our business aims and objectives.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

• Sources of Income

F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the printing industry and we are going to go all the way to ensure that we do all it takes to meet and surpass the expectations of all our clients. F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC will generate income by offering the following printing services and other printing related services;

10. Sales Forecast

One thing is certain, there would always be corporate organization and individual who would need the services of printing companies whenever they have to conduct promotions and branding and also other related printing services.

We are well positioned to take on the available market in the printing industry and we are quite optimistic that we will meet our set target of generating enough income / profits from the first six month of operations and grow our printing company to enviable heights.

We have been able to critically examine the printing services market and we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast. The sales projections are based on information gathered on the field and some assumptions that are peculiar to similar startups in Los Angeles – California.

Below are the sales projections for F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC, it is based on the location of our business and of course the wide range of our printing services and target market;

• First Fiscal Year-: $250,000
• Second Fiscal Year-: $400,000
• Third Fiscal Year-: $750,000

N.B : This projection is done based on what is obtainable in the industry and with the assumption that there won’t be any major economic meltdown and there won’t be any major competitor offering same printing services or even 3D printing and rapid prototyping services as we do within same location. Please note that the above projection might be lower and at the same time it might be higher.

• Marketing Strategy and Sales Strategy

We are not ignorant of the fact that there are stiffer competitions in the printing industry; there are loads of printing shops and even 3D printing and rapid prototyping services companies jostling for contracts; which is why we have been able to hire some of the best marketing experts to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the general printing industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to be well equipped to meet their set targets and the overall business goal of F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC.

Our goal is to grow F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC to become one of the leading printing companies in the United States of America which is why we have mapped out strategies that will help us take advantage of the available market and grow to become a major force to reckon with not only in Los Angeles – California but also in other cities in the United States of America.

F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies to attract clients and win printing contracts;

• Introduce our printing company by sending introductory letters alongside our brochure to corporate organizations, advertising and branding agencies, religious organizations and key stake holders.
• Promptness in bidding for printing contracts from the government and other cooperate organizations
• Advertise our business in relevant business magazines, newspapers, TV stations, and radio station.
• List our business on yellow pages ads (local directories)
• Attend relevant international and local expos, seminars, and business fairs et al
• Create different packages for different category of clients in order to work with their budgets and still deliver excellent printing services
• Leverage on the internet to promote our business
• Engage direct marketing approach
• Join local chambers of commerce and industries to network and market our services
• Encourage word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with brand and publicity consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market.

We are set to become the number one choice for both corporate clients and individual clients in the whole of the Los Angeles – California and beyond which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our printing company. Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC;

• Place adverts on both print (newspapers and magazines) and electronic media platforms
• Sponsor relevant community based events / programs
• Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, twitter, YouTube, Google + et al to promote our services
• Install our Bill Boards on strategic locations all around Los Angeles – California
• Engage in road show from time to time in targeted neighborhoods
• Distribute our fliers and handbills in target areas
• Contact corporate organizations and residence in our target areas by calling them up and informing them of F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC and the services we offer
• List our printing company in local directories / yellow pages
• Advertise our printing company in our official website and employ strategies that will help us pull traffic to the site.
• Ensure that all our staff members wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and trucks are well branded with our company logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

If you are conversant with the printing industry or even the 3D printing and rapid prototyping services industry, you will realize that the pricing structure ranges from fixed price rate to per square foot billing and even to the quantity of materials to be printed on.

Almost all companies adopt all the available pricing system as it applies to the quantity of the job or project they are expected to execute.

At F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC we will adopt all the pricing system as is obtainable in the industry but we will ensure that we keep the prices of our services a little below the average market rate for all of our customers by keeping our overhead low and by collecting payment in advance from corporate organizations who would hire our services to help them print on their promotional materials.

In addition, we will also offer special discounted rates to all our customers at regular intervals. We are aware that there are some one-off printing services jobs or government contracts which are always lucrative; we will ensure that we abide by the pricing model that is expected from contractors or organizations that bid for such contracts.

• Payment Options

The payment policy adopted by F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different customers prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will ensure that we abide by the financial rules and regulation of the United States of America. Here are the payment options that F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC will make available to her clients;

• Payment via bank transfer
• Payment with cash
• Payment via online bank transfer
• Payment via mobile money
• Payment via Point of Sales Machines (POS Machines)
• Payment via check
• Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will enable our client make payment for printing services without any stress on their part. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our printing services.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

In setting up any business, the amount or cost will depend on the approach and scale you want to undertake. If you intend to go big by renting a place, then you would need a good amount of capital as you would need to ensure that your employees are well taken care of, and that your facility is conducive enough for workers to be creative and productive.

This means that the start-up can either be low or high depending on your goals, vision and aspirations for your business. When it comes to setting up a standard printing services business, the machines and equipment that will be used are nearly the same cost everywhere, and any difference in prices would be minimal and can be overlooked.

As for the detailed cost analysis for starting a standard printing services company; it might differ in other countries due to the value of their money. However, this is what it would cost us to setup F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC in Los Angeles – California, U.S;

• Business incorporation fees in the United States of America will cost – $750.
• The budget for liability insurance, permits and license will cost – $3,500
• Acquiring an office space or warehouse that will accommodate the number of employees for at least 6 months (Re – Construction of the facility inclusive) will cost – $150,000.
• Equipping the office (computers, standard printing machines and equipment, servers / internet facility, furniture, telephones, filing cabinets, and electronics) will cost – $10,000
• The amount required to purchase the needed software applications – $3,500
• Launching an official website will cost – $500
• The amount need to pay bills and staff members for at least 2 to 3 months – $70,000
• Additional Expenditure such as Business cards, Signage, Adverts and Promotions will cost – $5,000
• Miscellaneous – $2,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about two hundred thousand ( 250,000 ) U.S. dollars to successfully set – up a medium scale but standard printing company in the United States of America. Please note that the salaries for the payment of staff members for the first 3 months is included.

Generating Funds / Startup Capital for F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC

F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC is a privately registered family business that will be owned by Mr. F.F Robin and his immediate family members. They are the sole financial of the business which is why they decided to restrict the sourcing of the start – up capital for the business to just three major sources. These are the areas we intend generating our start – up capital;

• Generate part of the start – up capital from personal savings and sale of his stocks
• Generate part of the start – up capital from friends and other extended family members
• Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 ( Personal savings $85,000 and soft loan from family members $15,000 ) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $150,000 from our bank. All the papers and document has been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the numbers of loyal customers that they have the capacity and competence of the employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business (company), then it won’t be too long before the business close shop.

One of our major goals of starting F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without the need for injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running.

We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to offer our printing services a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

F.F Robin & Sons® Printing™, LLC will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner of our business strategy.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of ten years or more as determined by the board of the organization. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List / Milestone

• Business Name Availability Check: Completed
• Business Incorporation: Completed
• Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts various banks in the United States: Completed
• Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
• Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
• Securing a standard office facility plus renovation of the facility: Completed
• Application for business license and permit: Completed
• Purchase of All form of Insurance for the Business: Completed
• Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
• Generating part of the start – up capital from the founders: Completed
• Writing of Business Plan: Completed
• Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
• Drafting of Contract Documents: In Progress
• Design of Logo for the business: Completed
• Secure trademark for our products: In Progress
• Graphic Designs and Printing of Packaging Marketing / Promotional Materials: Completed
• Recruitment of employees: In Progress
• Purchase of the needed printing machines and equipment: Completed
• Purchase of the needed furniture, office equipment, software applications, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
• Creating Official Website for the business: In Progress
• Creating Awareness for the business: In Progress
• Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
• Establishing business relationship with vendors and key players in the industries: In Progress

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How To Start A Print Shop Business: Create A Business Plan

• Posted in Business Tips / Digital Printing / Screen Printing
• Business Tips
• Digital Printing
• Screen Printing
• Post author: Colin Hubbard
• Post published: Jan 13, 2022
• Reading time: 7 mins read

Have you been thinking about starting your own print shop? 

The calendar has turned to the year 2022 and what better time to finally act on your dream of owning and operating a print shop than right now. 

Owning your own business isn’t easy. There are a lot of steps involved and the capital needed to get you started. Whether you’re ready to pull the trigger, or if you’re still on the fence, we’re here to help. 

We here at DecoNetwork want to give you a guide on how to start your own print shop and what you will need to do in order to get the ball rolling. 

In this first article, we will give you information on how to form a business plan. This will include costs of operation, what type of shop you want to run, and more. 

Creating a Business Plan

The first thing you need to decide on is what kind of business you want to run. Print shops come in all shapes and sizes. If you’ve clicked on this article and have made it this far, you probably already have an idea of what you want your business to look like. 

Finding a niche, or two is always a good idea when starting a business. If there are already several people in your area doing what you have in mind, your success might be hindered. Make sure that what you plan to do fills a need in your local market. At the end of the day, you will need customers to make your business successful. 

Do research on your local market and make sure that your business model is achievable. Whichever model you go with will impact every move you make from here on out. 

The location in which you intend to operate will dramatically affect your startup costs and month-to-month expenses. The beauty of this business is that you don’t have to work out of a brick-and-mortar location. You can own and operate a business right out of your own home and work your way up from there. 

If you want to operate your business out of a storefront, your cost of operation will increase rather quickly. Depending on your area, you will be spending thousands of dollars a month on rent. But if you want to have a large operation with the potential of making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year, that will be a necessary investment. 

The size of your location will directly affect how much and what type of equipment you will need to purchase. 

From a screen printing standpoint, your startup cost varies depending upon the size of your operation. But it is reasonable to assume that you can start screen printing for less than $10,000. The list of things needed to get started will include a manual press, flash dryer, exposure unit, screens, ink, emulsion and a handful of other miscellaneous items. 

If you plan on going big from day one and you have the required square footage at your disposal, an automatic screen printing machine will run you upwards of $100,000 depending on the number of colors it can handle. A high-quality 8-color automatic press is in the neighborhood of $75,000. 

There are payment plans for these machines, however, that will allow you to not spend as much money up front if you’re looking to purchase a piece of equipment that’s on the higher end. 

And while that might sound like a lot of money to be shelling out for one piece of equipment, the speed at which the machine can print shirts will allow your business to produce more shirts per day, ultimately leading to more revenue per day. 

DTG Pricing

If you’re looking to get into DTG printing, you will likely be spending anywhere from $5,000-$15,000 for one machine. You will also need to purchase a heat press and a pretreat machine. But just like the screen printing equipment, DTG machines can be financed, too. This will allow you to make a monthly payment rather than one lump sum. 

If you go the finance route, finding out what your daily break-even point would be one of your next moves. If your monthly equipment costs are $500 and you profit around $10 per shirt, your break-even point per month would be 50 shirts. Anything over the 50 shirt-per-month mark would be your profit. 

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to how much money you will need in order to get your operation underway. It all depends on what type of printing you’re looking to do, what size operation you’re going to have and whether or not you will want to finance those things. 

Miscellaneous Purchases

There are other miscellaneous things you will need to purchase to get your business up and running. A computer, software programs like Adobe, and a print shop management software like DecoNetwork to help with production workflow, and eCommerce and help set you up with a website. You’ll also need some type of insurance and payroll if you have employees working for you. 

One of the last major things you will need to do when creating your business plan is to come up with a name for your business. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or super catchy, but it needs to be something customers can easily remember and recognize. Creating a good logo to pair with your business name can go a long way in helping your business. 

To summarize everything, formulate a business plan. Figure out where you are going to operate your business. Decide on what equipment you need to purchase. Budget for the remaining miscellaneous items you will need such as software programs and come up with a business name. 

In the next article, we will talk about forming a legal identity, registering for taxes, opening business bank accounts, obtaining permits and more.

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