April 12, 2022
The ever increasing demand in the fashion sector makes the textile domain a thriving industry. Not surprisingly, entrepreneurs are making a beeline for the segment. But before embarking on the journey, you must realise the dynamic nature of the business. As fashion trends change, you must be ready to make the most out of them. Diversifying into digital textile printing is an excellent idea for forward-thinking business owners because the technology is modern and eco-friendly. Moreover, market demand is high, so the opportunity is worth taking. But you may have some qualms about going digital with a conventional setup. Let us share some actionable tips to diversify your business smoothly.
Digging deep into the market is the first step of a diversification initiative. After all, you must have a solid reason to step out of your comfort zone. Knowing that your products will match customer expectations is a good enough reason. Moreover, you must also check the market competition to ensure that making a mark is easy. Pay attention to the diversification budget and timelines to make a smooth transition.
Digital printing is different from conventional textile design because it relies on software. Although technology may sound overwhelming to a business owner who is not tech-savvy, a little effort is enough to learn the ropes. You can research the internet, talk to experts, or connect with others in your network who have been there and done it. You feel a lot more confident about the diversification journey if you know the nitty-gritty of the technology.
When you opt for digital printing, you will need to invest in new equipment to get started. Buying from a reliable vendor is the best way to go because you may require their help down the line. Besides the one-time investment in machinery, you will also require regular supplies of textile digital printing inks to keep the operations on track. Collaborate with credible vendors you can trust for optimal pricing, quality supplies, and timely delivery.
Mastering the process is the next step once you have the equipment and vendor connections in place. The printing process may sound daunting to a beginner as it involves multiple steps, from the preparation of printing paste to the printing of fabric, curing, steaming, washing, folding, and packing. Getting qualified workers on board and training them gives you a good start. Most importantly, invest in tried and tested software for the best results.
While digital textile printing relies on software, you must add a personal touch to create customised patterns. Follow the latest design trends and match your target audience to make the most of your diversification initiative. The good thing is that software enables you to create virtual designs before printing them. You can even test designs and build an inventory to use down the line.
Diversifying into digital textile design is an excellent idea for conventional enterprises. But you must follow the right steps to make the journey smooth and seamless.
