Moving Fashion Forward

The Heat Applied Material Market is ever-changing.  Proof of that is wide range of new materials that is available from the company that I work for, Imprintables Warehouse.  If you haven’t seen it yet, we’re launching a new marketing campaign titled “Spectra Goes Hollywood”.  The first ad can be seen in the November issue of Printwear Magazine and has already generated an astounding response.  Imprintables Warehouse is the industry leader in bringing more Heat Applied Materials to the market that  cater as much to the Fashion Industry as any other. 

Today’s economy doesn’t allow you to have tunnel vision or become complacent.  You have to be proactive in finding new business.  Do you know the easiest way to do that?  Sell more to your existing customers.  Offer them more products, more options. 

A large portion of the Heat Applied Material Users are extremely focused.  I’m not one to say this is a bad thing, necessarily, but why not branch out into other areas?  Say you’re a Sports Shop doing a lot of Names & Numbers.  Does that Football or Basketball Team have a Cheer leading Squad, Dance Team or Spirit Squad?  Why not offer them custom decoration as well?  Odds are they’ll want something a little more flashy than the standard Red, White and Blue that’s on the players uniforms. 

The funny thing about consumers is that they usually want to see it before they buy it.  A great way to generate interest in any new product is to show your consumers just what it is that they’re getting.  You’ll see later in the post a few pictures showing you the materials.  My bet is that won’t be good enough for you or your customer so I’m willing to send out samples of the materials for you to try.  Just email me at adam@imprintables.com with your info and the material that you’re interested in and I’ll be happy to send out your free sample.

A break down of the materials follows: 

Spectra Alloy
alloy

Spectra Alloy is similar to the Foil that is currently offered by Imprintables Warehouse.  One of the differences is the Alloy is a bit thinner.  Also, the Alloy isn’t offered as a Sparkle finish the way some of the Foils are.  Alloy is a more flexible option with a new color offering.  Anyone currently using the Foils should also give the Alloy a try. 

Spectra Glitz 
glitz

Have you had inquiries about an extreme glitter custom decoration?  If so, Spectra Glitz is the product you’ve been waiting for.  I know that sounds like a cheesy intro, but the shoe sure does fit!  The Glitz is another option that is similar, yet still different from Spectra Megatallic.  Glitz is full-on Glitter.  You know how you used to put some glue on paper in Kindergarten and then throw some glitter on top?  Imagine that on a shirt, only a lot less messy.

Fashion Flock

fashion-flock

Up until the Fashion Flock was introduced, Flock has been a little boring and one dimensional.  Now, there is a selection of colors to choose from giving you many different options.  Flock is really an underrated material.  For the Fashion Market, it’s great!  A raised appearance, soft hand, 3D type look can be very popular.  All you have to do is show it!

Spectra Glowz

glowz

How about a Glow in the Dark Material?  That’s what you get with the new Spectra Glowz.  Glow in the Dark materials can be used year round.  What are the possible markets?  Bars or Night Clubs, Trick or Treating (there’s always next year), accent to another type of custom decoration, etc. 

What are your ideas?  Leave your comments below.

Heat Press Olympics

It’s my first official post.  It’s Olympic time.  Why not?  As I sit here trying to focus on my first post, I cant help but be distracted by the Olympic Games.  What is it about the Olympics that generates so much interest?  Is it the National Pride?  Is it the fact that it only happens every 4 years?  Maybe it’s just having the opportunity to see the best athletes in the world competing on the highest level. 

How interesting would it be to have a “Heat Press Olympics”?  Now what could be the games?  Don’t you worry, I’ve already thought about it…

Heat Press Ping Pong– A game of paddle skill.  Three separate classes will exist.  Clam Shell, Swinger, and Draw.    Curious about the game?  Read on.
 

The Clam Shell game may be considered the easiest of the three.  Since a Clam Shell Heat Press looks like well, a clam shell, all that will have to be done is to hit the Ping Pong ball off of the bottom then top platen.

An example of a Clam Shell style press, The Phoenix Phire, is pictured below. 

 

The Swing Away Press aka Swinger will be the medium level.  Given the Swinger’s upper platen moves fully to the side of the lower platen, the Ping Pong Ball will have to be played off the floor and then the upper platen.  You may be able to get a full view of the garment on the press and you wont be burning any knuckles, but the view of that little white ball will surely be blocked. 

The Hotronix Swinger

Finally, the Draw.  For those who may not know, the Draw Press gets it’s name because the lower platen comes out much like a drawer.  This makes it very easy to get to everything that you need to pre-press, but how can you possibly hit the ball between the platen and press at those angels?  Still only one bounce here folks.  Only the most talented. 

The Hotronix Draw

Alright, one game down.  What’s next?

Heat Press 50 & 150– No hurdles here. The 50 is a race to 50 completed Heat Transfers and, naturally the 150 is a race to 150 pressed Heat Transfers.

The race to 50 requires speed and agility. Using the Auto-Release Phoenix Phire pictured above in Clam Shell Ping Pong, each competitor will have 50 transfers of their choosing to press. With the Auto-Release, competitors won’t get easily tired out pressing and opening the press with each application.

The 150 may require a little more fire power. The Hotronix Air Swinger would be the Heat Press of choice here. The Air Swinger will apply the transfers and conserve energy for the competitors. All the competitors will have to do is press two buttons for the press to come down and release after the programed time! Seems easy, I know.

And Finally…

Speed Weeding – It can be said that this is a game of patience and requires a keen eye.  I say it just takes a little practice.

Speed Weeding will draw the crowds.  Seeing small pieces of Heat Applied Vinyls or Films as they (mostly) truly are fly through the air at astounding speeds is bound to draw awe from attending spectators and high ratings from the interested watching in the comfort of their home.  For those who don’t know, Weeding is the practice of taking away the “waste” material from a design cut on a Vinyl Cutter, leaving just your precisely cut Name, Number, Name & Number Combo, corporate logo, or just a really cool looking design on a Mylar backing ready to be Heat Pressed down.  For a fun, and I’m sure appreciated twist, Synchronized Speed Weeding can give you the help of a friend or even a family bonding experience. 

Now the best part about these Heat Press Olympics is that they do not have to be categorized as a Summer Or Winter Olympic Games.  Instead, these games can be enjoyed year round.  A Heat Press gives your business  opportunities no matter what time of year it is.  Tips, tricks, ideas and innovation will be coming your way.  Stay tuned!