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While the Internet may be taking over many aspects of printing, some
things are still preferred on paper. Banners, programs for special
functions, birthday and holiday greetings are all still popular on
paper. It's not exactly socially acceptable to hand someone a laptop to
look at when they enter the church for a wedding, after all. Niche
printers, those who specialize in certain areas and create unique and
interesting designs, are also becoming more popular.
Step 1
Research your local market. Find out if there is a demand for printing services in your local community. A lot of competition does not necessarily mean you shouldn't start your printing business, but you may want to narrow your focus or try to do most of your business nationwide on the Internet.Step 2
Call your county or city clerk's office. Find out if you need a license to operate a business from your home. If you won't have a lot of traffic coming to and from your house and won't need a lot of parking, this shouldn't be a problem.Step 3
File your business name with the Secretary of State. You should be able to
find this form on your Secretary of State's website. If not, give the
office a call, and it can send you the appropriate forms to fill out
when filing a new business. In Harris County, Texas, you need to walk
into the county clerk's office at 201 Caroline St. in Houston or
download a copy of the Assumed Name (for a business) off the county
clerk's website. You and any other owners of the business need to bring
government identification, such as a driver's license, and you can fill
out the form at the clerk's office. As of June 2010, there is $15 fee
for the first owner and 50 cents for any additional owner. You can also
have the completed form notarized and then mail it to: County Clerk,
Harris County, P.O. BOX 1525, Houston, TX 77251-1525. No other licensing is required for a printing business in Texas.Step 4
Purchase your equipment. At first, you may not be able to afford a lot of equipment, so you will need to create a relationship with a local or Internet-based commercial printer. This is essential if you will be selling banners and other large printed items. However, for smaller items, you will be able to perform your duties with a computer and the necessary design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. A digital printer will be expensive but the most valuable piece of equipment you own. Not only will you be able to print your proofs, but many small jobs can be done from there. You will also need toner, paper, a paper cutter, other tools and materials if you personally cut or design the paper.Step 5
Build a portfolio. You can start sending the word out about your business by volunteering to do print work for area organizations and charities. Offer to create and print their newsletters, business cards, invitations and event programs. Ask if you can use what you've created in your portfolio. This will give you experience as well as something to show potential clients.Step 6
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Promote your new business with your expertise. Create and print your own
business cards, newsletter, brochure and flyers. Use these to promote
your business. Hand them out to friends and family, and bring them to
events that you participate in. Advertise in local publications to
promote your design and printing skills. Perhaps develop an insert to go
inside your paper to really illustrate what you can do. A website will
also be valuable, particularly if you create interesting and unique
announcements, programs and invitations. You may need to consult a web
programming professional to enable your customers to input their
specific information and order online.
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