Issue link: https://nbm.uberflip.com/i/1451376
G R A P H I C S - P R O. C O M 2 0 2 2 J U L Y G R A P H I C S P R O 5 1 because customers ordering items for their teams and fundraisers canceled events and activities. Plus, walk-in sales of individ- ual items took a hit. "ose sales dried up overnight," Downing says. "I had to pivot what I offered." Eighty-five percent of Downing's busi- ness now is through wholesale trade and the remainder through retail printing. He's learned a few lessons along the way, like pricing his product for profit, some- thing he's seen other print shops fail to do. "You just have to value your time and what you do," Downing argues. His management experience ensured his systems processes were working and that he didn't scale too fast, which is a mis- take many businesses make. "Growing too quickly can be bad," Downing adds. "You need processes, systems, and people in place. It's cheaper to work with your current customers and keep them happy. The most important thing is knowing your numbers and how to price your prod- uct for profit." Downing is adding to his online pres- ence in July via an online tutorial chan- nel called Crafting to Cash, which will provide crafters and artists with tips and other business advice. "A lot of people love crafting and want to see if it can be a full-time job, but they have no clue what's involved in running a business, the cost to produce products, or how to price them for their market. Ultimately, if it's worth it to sell at that price," Downing explains. "Have the numbers behind you to support being able to do it." GP Shelley Widhalm is a freelance writer and editor and founder of Shell's Ink Services, a writing and editing service based in Loveland, Colorado. A demonstration of the detail of DTF transfers by comparing them to a dime. Printable glitter HTV. Finished shirt using DTF transfers. Finished shirt using DTF transfers.