Five Top Tips for Choosing the Best Screen Printing Supplier

There is a multitude of businesses out there selling screen printing supplies. As with all things in this world, some suppliers are better than others.

​Many screen printing suppliers and equipment manufacturers offer terrific service and advice while others are nothing more than order-taking robots. 

If you are a new screen printer or even a veteran screen printer you may have wondered "is my screen printing supplier the best I can find?" This article discusses some of the key points of this useful topic.

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Here are some important things to consider when choosing a screen printing supplier:

1. Does your supplier offer competitive prices?
Prices on equipment and screen printing supplies can vary wildly, it definitely pays to shop around. The internet has forever changed the way suppliers have to do business. They can no longer operate a closed 'industry-only customers' type of business model.  Good deals abound on screen printing supplies and equipment, it only takes a little 'search engine homework' to find the best prices available. 

2. How long has your supplier been in business?  
This is especially important if you are buying expensive equipment.  You want to know that your supplier or equipment manufacturer is going to be around for the foreseeable future. Longevity in business also indicates that your supplier likely knows what they are doing and that their customer base continues to support them year after year. 

3. Does your supplier give good advice? Do they know what they are talking about?  
If a supplier ever gave you bad information or advice on a product, it may be a sign that it's time to find another supplier. There's nothing worse than getting a product that doesn't work as you expected and you bought it relying on someone's 'expert' advice.

4. Does your supplier treat you right? Do they accept returns?  
Is your supplier friendly and courteous and doesn't act like they want to get you off of the phone as quickly as possible?  Most people don't like giving their hard earned money to a business that treats them poorly.  An equally important question is if you buy a product that doesn't work as expected, will they take it back for a refund?  Don't get burned. Ask about their return policy. 

5. Can your supplier ship to you in one day?
This is really important when you need printing supplies in a hurry for rush print jobs.  It's to your advantage both logistically and financially if your supplier is located in a 'one day ship zone' to you. Overnight shipping is costly and can kill the profit on many print jobs. 

These are just a few of the important questions to ask when evaluating a vendor for your screen printing supplies and equipment. If you want to shop for a new supplier, take a look at ASPA Member screen printing suppliers in our Equipment and Supplies Directory. 

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