DTF Machine
We started using DTF in 2023. Before that, we had a setup for screen printing.
The best thing about DTF is that it’s super fast. We can print anytime and there’s no limitation on print color.
We used to buy pre-printed DTF papers from Dhaka because the main printing machine is very expensive.
This year, we knew we’d need a high volume of DTF prints in March. So, we, ‘stolen’, and three other partners bought a DTF machine together from Dhaka. It cost us almost 11 lakh taka.
Eleven lakh is a huge amount, so we took on business partners. Each partner invested 1 lakh taka.
While planning, we figured out that [Stolen] would mainly operate, market, and maintain the machine. Therefore, [Stolen] should have a larger share of the ownership. The supplier agreed to a 50% down payment with the remaining amount paid in installments (EMI). So, [Stolen] took a 60% share. Now, I look after the design and software side, one partner takes orders, and another supports the machine operation.
The first two months were a nightmare. This Chinese machine is more complicated than it looks. The printing quality wasn’t good. We tried different powders, inks, and sheets, but nothing changed. We even tried following suggestions from random people in Texas whom we found on Facebook.
When our frustration was at its peak, we met a DTF seller in our city. These guys are the best! They offered us free support and supplies. With their help, we are finally up and running. Now, we have 5-6 regular clients, and new customers come in every week. Hopefully, in a few months, we’ll be able to capture a significant portion of the market in Chittagong.
Update after 5 month: Our monthly sell cross 1 lac per month after all cost. Currently we have one competitor. They mostly focus on garments order (bigger piece), and we focus on online, shop owners. Local market almost is in our control. We are trying to grab garments sector also and successfully capture few orders already.
These Chinese machine , software’s are total crap. Up and running one night, color bleed, software crash next morning. Business is stress.