The garment decoration landscape is shifting towards a model that emphasizes efficiency, flexibility, and scalability. In the recent episode of the “Let’s Get Printing” podcast, host Zack Dewhurst, Business Development Manager at DecoNetwork, dives deep into this transformation, featuring a conversation with Devyn and Adryen Lado, the dynamic duo behind Garment Decor. Their insights on outsourcing screen printing and embroidery are invaluable for anyone looking to optimize their print shop operations.
The Rise Of Outsourcing In The Branded Merchandise Industry
The Lado brothers are no strangers to the challenges of running a successful print shop, especially in a high-cost state like California. Over the past 15 years, they have built a thriving business with five automatic presses, specializing in contract decorating—a service that many might mistakenly associate with low-cost, low-quality work. But as the brothers explain, contract decorating is far more than just offering cheap printing services; it’s about delivering high-quality decoration at scale, with a focus on speed and efficiency.
What Is Contract Decorating?
Contract decorating, as defined by Devyn and Adryen, involves providing screen printing and embroidery services to other businesses in the decoration industry. These businesses often outsource their orders to contract decorators like Garment Decor, who have the equipment and expertise to handle large-scale jobs. This model allows businesses to offer a wide range of services without investing in costly machinery or taking on additional overhead.
One of the key points made by the Lado brothers is that in today’s market, customers are less concerned about who is doing the actual printing or embroidery. What matters is the quality of the final product and the speed of delivery. This shift in priorities has made outsourcing a viable and attractive option for many in the industry.
The Benefits Of Outsourcing
For new shop owners, the prospect of purchasing expensive equipment can be daunting. Devyn notes that if he were starting out today, he might not even buy a heat press, opting instead to outsource nearly all production. This approach allows shop owners to focus on what truly drives their business—sales. By outsourcing production, businesses can scale quickly, reduce overhead, and concentrate on building relationships with customers.
The Lados emphasize that contract decorating isn’t just about offering the lowest price; it’s about adding value through services like fast turnaround times, complex printing options, and the ability to handle large orders efficiently. This value-added approach has allowed Garment Decor to thrive in a competitive market, where speed and quality are often more important than price alone.
Navigating The Challenges Of Contract Decorating
Operating in a high-cost state like California presents unique challenges, but Garment Decor has found ways to turn these challenges into opportunities. By focusing on niche services like jumbo screen printing and fast turnaround times, they’ve carved out a competitive edge in the industry. Their ability to handle complex jobs and deliver them quickly has made them a go-to provider for businesses across the country.
The Lados also discuss the importance of building strong relationships with contract customers. For them, it’s not just about fulfilling an order; it’s about partnering with clients to ensure they can meet their own customers’ needs. This partnership approach helps Garment Decor maintain a steady stream of business while also providing their clients with the tools they need to succeed.
The Future Of The Decoration Industry
As the industry continues to evolve, the importance of flexibility and scalability cannot be overstated. The rise of technologies like DTF (Direct to Film) printing has made it easier than ever to produce high-quality, full-color prints without the need for expensive equipment. The Lado brothers believe that the future of the industry lies in the ability to offer a wide range of services without being tied down by the limitations of in-house production.
Outsourcing allows businesses to stay nimble, adapting quickly to changes in demand while maintaining high standards of quality and service. For those looking to grow their print shop, embracing the outsourcing model could be the key to unlocking new opportunities and staying ahead of the competition.
Why Consider Outsourcing Screen Printing And Embroidery?
The “Let’s Get Printing” podcast episode with Devyn and Adryen Lado offers a compelling case for why outsourcing screen printing and embroidery might be the smartest move for your business. By focusing on what they do best—selling and customer service—businesses can leave the production to experts like Garment Decor, who have the tools, expertise, and capacity to deliver high-quality work at scale.
In an industry where speed, quality, and flexibility are paramount, outsourcing offers a way to meet customer demands without overextending your resources. Whether you’re a new shop owner looking to scale quickly or an established business seeking to optimize operations, the insights shared in this podcast episode are worth considering as you plan your next steps.
By embracing the outsourcing model, you can position your print shop for success in a competitive and ever-changing market, ensuring that you’re always ready to meet the needs of your customers, no matter how big or complex the job.
Source: When To Outsource Screen Printing And Embroidery – Let’s Get Printing
