When start-up screen printing business owners find themselves printing 500 to 900 shirts a day on a manual press, they face a crucial decision: hire more people or increase efficiency. Upgrading to an automatic press can be a transformative change for the business. Graphic Disorder discovered that tasks which took five days on a manual press could be completed in just one or two days with an automatic screen printing press.
If you believe you can’t afford an automatic press, this guide is for you. Learn how to leverage the importance of resale value and equipment financing for long-term growth.
What Affects Resale Value?
Buying equipment that holds its value is smart business. It allows you to upgrade to bigger equipment when the time comes if it is a liquid asset. Automatic screen print equipment holds its value well over time, even after countless thousands of prints. Machines with high usage are still sought after, when they’re in good condition and made by a reputable brand.
Condition and Maintenance: The foremost factor is the equipment’s condition. Keeping it maintained and in good working order is crucial when it comes time to sell.
Manufacturer's Reputation: The reputation of the equipment manufacturer in the industry plays a significant role in resale value. When buying equipment, you are essentially entering into a partnership with the manufacturer. You will rely on them for ongoing service, technical support, and fast parts distribution. Buying an off-brand with no history of performance longevity is risky. Many screen printing manufacturers have come and gone, leaving owners to handle service issues themselves and struggle to get more than scrap value when selling.
Life Expectancy: When purchasing new screen printing equipment, ask the manufacturer about the life expectancy. Inquire about their service and parts department. Check used equipment pricing to see which manufacturers have a good history of resale value. You will be glad you did.
Steps to Expand Your Shop
Evaluate the Fit
Before purchasing, ensure the new equipment will fit in your space. Work up a floor plan to make sure there is room for blanks storage, finishing, screen making, and office areas. Equipment salespeople should have the tools and experience to help with this process, knowing critical dimensions and making workflow suggestions. Many first-time buyers find themselves cramped for space and must compromise on their dream equipment.

If you find you can only fit an 8-color press in your shop, that may suffice for a couple of years. Your next step should be planning to move into a bigger space to upgrade your equipment.
Set Goals for Expansion
Affording a larger space often involves strategic financial planning and leveraging existing assets. Here are some steps to consider:
- Evaluate Your Financial Position: Assess your current revenue streams, expenses, and savings. Understanding your financial health will help you determine how much you can afford to spend on a larger space.
- Lease Agreements: Consider leasing a larger space initially rather than buying. Lease agreements often require less upfront capital compared to purchasing real estate.
- Incremental Expansion: Gradually expanding your business and space as revenue grows can make the financial burden more manageable. Start with a slightly larger space and plan for incremental upgrades.
- Seek Investment: Look for potential investors or business loans that can provide the necessary capital for expansion. Presenting a solid business plan showing growth potential can attract investment.

By carefully planning and utilizing available resources, you can make the transition to a larger space feasible while continuing to grow your business.
Upgrade Your Equipment
The transition to larger equipment will be smoother if your current equipment holds residual value. This is an untapped liquid asset you can use in the following ways:
1. If you own the equipment outright, you can sell it in the secondary market. Niche financing companies, like Beacon Funding, provide programs to trade-in your equipment and funnel that money into your next purchase. Equipment financing also makes it easier to cover the remaining costs of your upgrade.
TRADE-IN & TRADE-UP
2. Those who lease or finance with Beacon Funding also have options to upgrade before their term ends. The Equipment Upgrade Program allows businesses to pay off, sell, or trade-in older business equipment. See how you can continue building your business and upgrade your equipment while maintaining a consistent monthly payment.
EQUIPMENT UPGRADE PROGRAM
- Upgrade business equipment with no additional financing charges.
- Meet higher demands, take on bigger clients, and larger contracts.
Set Goals for Adding Additional Machines
Your plan for expanding your shop doesn’t end once you’ve acquired your dream equipment. Keep your sights set on additional machines needed to increase efficiency, output, and keep up with the latest trends.
Financing Tip: You can also leverage the equity in one screen printing machine as a down payment on another. Retain ownership of both machines, use them to generate revenue, while you make payments. Talk to an equipment financing expert to learn if your equipment qualifies.
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Benefits of Screen Printing Equipment Financing
- Get the equipment you need to expand sooner.
- Break down large purchases into lower monthly payments.
- More time to pay.
- Use your equipment to fulfill orders and generate revenue as you pay it off.
See how easy it is to finance with Beacon Funding today. By strategically managing your equipment purchases and finances, you can turn your first screen printing equipment purchase into a continual strategy for growth and success.
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