We first met with YPS and Epson towards the end of 2019, when we were looking to see how we could bring digital print into the homes of start-up businesses. I have been a fan of using dye-sub for over 15 years. I also wanted to offer the same opportunities to students from our Ministry of Upholstery school, based in Manchester.
At 24 inches wide, the Epson SC-F500 fits easily on a normal desk, or even the dining room table.
It is also perfect for transferring those overnight designs into samples ready to put in the morning post or take to that important meeting. With a little practice, you will soon also be able to design, print and makes cushions or lampshades or other home accessories.
That was the plan, but little did I know then that in these unprecedented times when we find ourselves in lockdown across the country, I would become my very own test case!
We have the latest in dye-sublimation at our school, but we wanted to follow the government guidelines and work from home. So before the lockdown came in, we loaded up the cars and set up a business in our dining room.
Like many people, I had to come up with a new way to survive and so I went with the thing I know I can do - launch a furniture and soft furnishings business. Not being able to leave the house meant that at the forefront of the design would be digital print. I asked some designer buddies to get involved and over the course of 7 days, my wife and I (with a little help from our 5yr old daughter) built a website, designed, printed and launched a collection called ‘I heart the NHS’ in support of the NHS CHARITIES URGENT APPEAL.
Technology like the Epson SC-F500 simply did not exist when I first started my career over 25 years ago.
So to have this technology in your home and be able to be so reactive is amazing. The opportunities it presents to a start-up business from your kitchen table, spare bedroom or garage rivals any professional printers in quality, beats them on delivery lead times and above all; costs.
A number of large print companies don't encourage or support young designers or small print runs, which is another huge benefit of working with the Epson.
When we first spoke with YPS in regards to setting up and offering a print service, I fully understood what fabric and quality I wanted to offer, but was daunted by the setup and day to day maintenance. YPS were excellent and fully trained us with a professional yet personal service.
For everything at the Ministry of Upholstery, we have taken great care to choose the right suppliers and services and YPS are no exception. We believe it is very important to build strong relationships with our suppliers. When we started our journey offering printing, we knew what our customers wanted and had a benchmark of quality. With the close support of Garry and his team, help was never far away. YPS have a wealth of knowledge but with very much a down to earth personal service
Spending more time with Garry I have learned a lot; from great team building, business and how to think big but deliver that important personal service. I am proud to represent YPS at trade shows and events and help promote this fantastic company.
When it was time to start printing with the Epson I must admit I'm not one for reading lengthy instruction manuals.
I was amazed at how user friendly and simple it was to set up and maintain.
In terms of quality it is second to none. I'm so excited by this technology and when the doors open again at our school, I'm not entirely sure I will be taking this back!