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Instant Canvas Wraps


kioskguy

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I was just reading about the latest releases at the PMA show and saw an article on the instant canvas wraps. Hahnemuhle is the one featured http://www.hahnemuehle.com/index.php?mid=1909&lng=en but I wondered if there are others on the market too? Anyone with any information, user stories?

For us canvas has been growing lots. If there was an easier system I know our staff would be even more inspired to sell them.

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  • 2 weeks later...

We are using them as well. They also work well if you try printing on the banner substrate thats like material. We did some for a neighbouring fashion shop to hang behind their counter. I think it will be a big hit when Christmas comes along. We were snowed under (with orders!!) last December.

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Just got the Hahnemuhle systed up and running - it is fantastic and so easy to do. Our staff love it, which also helps! We did a sample using ordinary inkjet paper and it is excellent as well. We sprayed it with the protection spray and are selling it as smooth wraps. Our only local opposition takes a week to do canvas wraps so next day service is going to be our USP. Will keep you posted.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Why choose this over ordinary canvas wrap?

okay, it's easier to put together, but costs alot more to make..

For an 50x70cm (20"x28") canvas we have a cost at around 12-15£ total, this system will be around 15-20£ for the bars alone, then add paper and ink..

So what are the advantages, except easier to make?

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cecilh i only have an A4 printer

i would like to test the water so can you advise how i can start off doing small canvases inhouse

ie: what do i need to purchase and where from before i buy a large format printer.

another thing what would you charge for an A4 instant canvas wrap

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Nash, don't worry about it, just do it. It is no longer really profitable chasing small prints, the multiples and supermarkets saw to that. Our 'edge' is being able to offer larger prints very quickly (same day?), where the multiples need a 7/14 day lead. If you can, get a rip with the printer, not only makes things easier but also speeds everything up and saves paper and ink. Whether you use the 'instant wrap' systems or roll canvas, you will find it will rapidly become a good part of your income. Don't be tempted to use anything other than archival inks, if you value your reputation.

And you can do your own POS and window banners!

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I would not be without the ability to print canvas but would be cautious.

I have canvas prints all over my shop and sell VERY few. I am not expensive or slow and the quality is spot on, so it doesn't work in every market place.

We ar in a small market town and from what I have noted over the years our customers don't really go for these products.(canvas, mugs mouse mats etc)

every time I try to introduce my customers to our world, they love the products but very rarely buy.

I will see if photobooks will go the same way next week!

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point taken Steven i do offer canvas prints of all sizes but i out suorce these at the moment.

i have samples in the shop people love these, i have`nt had an order since Christmas

i thought maybe if i have an inhouse service there might be more orders.

Yes so i`m very cautious, because of the outlay in capital expense and most of all the floor space this service requires

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You have both made good points, but.....

  I am located in a very small town on a very narrow peninsula (so no catchment outside my immediate area -- 12 miles coast to coast). I have done only one canvas since Christmas. With the same machine I have done 32 6'x2' vinyl banners, over 20 30"x20" 'fine art' prints and countless  smaller prints that couldn't be done otherwise. Since Christmas.

I was reserved at first, so bought a second hand machine for £500, it could have been a dog but it wasn't and had been well looked after (thanks guys). The cost of consumables is truly eye watering, but little things like a roll of poster paper for £25/30 (100') selling at 50p per. printed inch kinda help.

Most pro.pho's now have machines of this size, and find them profitable to run, so given the breadth of our possible commercial use, need I say more? Even though Neil's suggestion of an A3 printer is quite sensible, I am certain that once you start offering A3 prints you will find yourself turning away more large work, which is just SOOOO frustrating.

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I agree, wide format printers are so versatile, you can offer many different types of services, only one of which are canvas prints. I do most canvas prints at christmas, and again for mothers day. Like everything else they require promotion.

The only drawback of wide format printers, is, like all inkjet printers the cost of the ink, and some of the media. I really would like to get another, second hand printer so I can experiment with some cheaper inks, such as Lyson offer:

http://www.marrutt.com/7600-cis.php

Anyone tried this?

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Even if you never print any customers work it's worth having the wide format to print shop promotions both instore and window display. Noone has a smaller town than us. 7000 in the town and only 22,000 in the whole Shetland Islands! People love the Fotospeed canvas stretchers.

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