Congratulations! The 10-year-old screen printing machine that you opened your decorating business with is still running. But wait, are you doing your business and customers a disservice by keeping old equipment around?
The old machine you’ve already paid off might actually be costing your business a lot more money than you think. Here are four questions to ask yourself to see whether investing in a new machine is a smart business move.1. Want to increase your productivity?
Newer decorating equipment (screen, dtg, transfer, embroidery) is hands-down more efficient, faster, easier to use and is “greener” than ever before.
For example, a new direct-to-garment (DTG) machine offers faster print speed, lower ink costs, lower maintenance costs and easier service. A new DTG machine will far outpace the older model you are currently using.
Also consider that even though some older machines allow operating system upgrades, they’re always limited by older hardware like thumb drives or awkward networking.2. Want to lower your labor costs?
If you are screen printing, dtg printing, or doing heat transfers transfers, it is going to take more time and manpower to complete your jobs. Conversely, when you invest in new equipment, that inherent increased efficiency means it takes less time and less labor to accomplish the same or more work. Plus, machine advances make the equipment easier for operators to use, resulting in shortened training times and the ability to find people to run the machines...especially in this tight labor market!3. Want to take advantage of new technology?
Think about how you feel when you finally upgrade from a smartphone that’s only two or three years old to the latest model. Most likely, you can’t believe how much faster the new phone is and why you waited so long to enjoy all the new bells and whistles, like a best-in-class camera function, faster web access and better graphics.
Similarly, older decorating equipment lags far behind the newest-of-the-new machines that take advantage of today’s technology, production reporting, programmable recipe settings and operator efficiencies.
Also, don’t forget the usual wear and tear that your older machine takes. Most machine manufacturers will make repair parts available for a certain amount of time after a model year ends (typically only 7 years). After that it may be a lot harder, or impossible, to find parts to repair an older machine - especially true of DTG and computer-to-screen (CTS) printers who rely on board and circuit technology.4. Want new tax advantages?
Older machines are often fully depreciated, whereas new equipment can open the doors for new tax programs and savings for your business. Talk to your accountant to learn how investing in new equipment will make you money at tax time. Tax credits and accelerated depreciation can be substantial and meaningful...sometimes making the cost of the new investment nearly half price!
While it makes sense to have an older machine in your shop as a backup, if another one needs repairs or if you get a slew of new orders to push through, new machines save your business time and money. They clear the way for great capacity, potentially new customers, a superior work environment and happier employees.
