Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451361
6 2 S U B L I M A T I O N R E P O R T 2 0 2 2 G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M D uring the many classes I've taught for GR APHICS PRO EXPO (for- merly THE NBM SHOW), I've explained that it's the business owner's job to maximize the prot potential of their sublimation system. In that context, I would always ask class attendees if they were currently producing a broad mix of imprintable substrates that included old- er, tried-and-true products as well as new- er, trendier products. Unfortunately, the most common response has always been that folks instead pick and choose the items they produce based on their own personal likes and preferences. No curios- ity, no experimenting, and no communi- cating with customers to nd something new. To that, my frustrated response will always be, "Don't let your personal opin- ions get in the way of making money!" For the past eight years, we've set up our sublimation kiosk on the show oor so that we could produce an assort- ment of free personalized products for show attendees right before their eyes. Tremendously popular with the crowd and successful for us, I've often suggested to our clients that they, too, set up their own kiosk at events to sell photo gifts. e most common negative responses have ranged from wanting to maintain the familiarity of their current way of do- ing business to fearing what some may consider a far more stressful approach. While I understand the desire to avoid stress and risk, you've got to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to learn, grow and try new things! GO BEYOND YOUR COMFORT ZONE How do you step out of your comfort zone? After all, taking risks is what helps us grow. I suggest oering a larger vari- ety of unique products to your existing clients and nding new, protable clients. Introducing your customers to new prod- ucts not only generates more sales, but it also really shows them the diversity you can provide as a sublimator. Are you an engraver producing wedding items? Oer beverage insulators with full-color, photo quality images on them. Are you a screen printer producing T-shirts for family re- unions? Suggest metal photo panels that will turn reunion photos into treasured keepsakes. You will be amazed at the syn- ergy that sublimation provides to your existing business. e second, far more open-end- ed way to step out of your c o m f o r t B Y D A V I D G R O S S Go for S U B L I M A T I O N R E P O R T 2 0 2 2 How do you step out of your comfort zone? After all, taking risks is what helps e second, far more open-end- ed way to step out of your c o m f o r t with a Big Profits Mobile Pop-Up Shop ROAD TO SUBLIMATION SUCCESS Any sublimation printer can be used with Condé's Kiosk software. (All images courtesy Condé Systems) For a sublimation pop-up shop, typically you need about 12-15 amps at 110 volts for the operation of a computer, sublimation printer, and heat press.