The Vinyl Guys transform a hobby into profitable business

UK-based sign, printing and graphics company The Vinyl Guys installed a Roland DG TrueVIS SG-540 printer/cutter to bring more of its services in house.

Ever wanted to turn a sideline into your main, profit-driving day job? The Vinyl Guys did just that, putting their faith in Roland DG print and cut technology to launch their business into high quality, high reliability production that never fails to impress their customers.

The Vinyl Guys started their route to business success with just a PC and a small 60cm plotter cutter to produce graphics for friends as and when required. Anything larger than the size of the plotter, or that required print, had to be outsourced on demand.

“I started The Vinyl Guys business as a hobby three years ago, to meet the growing needs of friends in the motorsports sector. Initially, I outsourced all my printing whilst doing as much as I could with the plotter and cut vinyl at home,” explained The Vinyl Guys owner Alex Liggett.

The West Midlands-based firm opted to purchase the TrueVIS SG-540 print and cut machine from Grafityp in 2016 as a way to save time and increase profits.

“The printer has been pivotal in transforming my sideline enterprise into a profitable business. The difference now is unbelievable. I can print samples, test my artwork and turn work around faster, at a higher quality and at a lower cost," he added. 

"As soon as we installed our Roland, our profit margins grew by a significant amount overnight. Customers also noticed the difference in terms of quality, which meant I could be more creative and offer additional print services.”

In addition, the SG Series printer also enabled Alex to expand his repertoire by offering exciting custom work, as well the high-quality vinyl jobs and vehicle wraps for which the company was originally known.

Encouraged by the success of the SG-540, The Vinyl Guys also purchased a laminating system, thus enabling every stage of the printing process to be completed in-house.

“As my customer-base grew, outsourcing printing proved to be time-consuming, expensive, and I had no control over the quality of the end-product. It became clear that I needed to invest in a printer and bring all the work in-house. I have used [the SG-540] for banners and posters, but as our main areas of business are vehicle graphics and signage, 90% of the time we are printing vinyl of some sort.” Liggett concluded.

Register today to visit Roland DG at FESPA Mexico 2017

Industry members that are keen to learn more about the latest printing solutions from Roland DG can visit the manufacturer on the stand J28 at FESPA Mexico 2017.

Taking place from May 21-23 at the Citibanamex Centre, in Mexico City, the exhibition will play host to many major brands from across the global industry.

For more information on FESPA Mexico 2017, the companies that will exhibit and to sign up to attend as a visitor, visit: www.fespamexico.com. Delegates can get FREE entry by registering via the website and quoting reference code: MEXH718. Discover how a visit to FESPA Mexico can benefit your business and register today.