Is Sublimation Printing Profitable?

The short answer is yes, it is very profitable, but you must know how to do it. In fact, the sublimation printing market is booming. According to a Straits Research report, it generated over US $132 million in 2021 and will reach a staggering US $380 million in 2030, with a CAGR of 12.41%. 

Looking at the stats and the people’s interest in the field, it is safe to say that there is a mope in sublimation printing. With the right ideas, tools, and marketing techniques, you too can generate profit from this amazing skill-full art. 

So, if you have a striving mind and want to get into skillful printing, we are here to help you guide you through. We have put together this blog for every sublimation printing guy to assist them in shaking up static sales figures and making a profit. Let’s dive in!

Why is Sublimation Printing So Popular?

Although sublimation printing has been around for several decades, it has recently gained massive popularity. This is mainly due to the rapid technological advancements, which have made it easier for everyone to start their business from home. People mostly used to do it as a hobby, but the easy access to budget-friendly tools and online stores has made them turn their hobby into a business. 

• The first reason for this shift is the versatility of the whole process. Sublimation printing design ideas are limitless, and you can even play with glitters to create unique pens and tumblers. 

• The next thing that made it popular was the gentle learning curve. There is little learning to do, and a few sublimation printing guides and YouTube tutorials will help you understand the basics. For the rest, you can think, test, print, and repeat to get a hold of it. Of course, you cannot become a master in a week, but enough to start working on the business idea. 

• Another huge factor is the setup and running costs, depending on the printer and your tools. Sawgrass printers are expensive, but top-notch performance can help you quickly get your budget on track. There are some beginner-friendly options, which can help new individuals pave their way to success. 

Choosing the Right Sublimation Printing Hardware and Supplies

If you want to make your sublimation printing products stand out in a crowded market, you must use the right tools and methods. Here is a brief overview:

Product	What to Know?
Sublimation Printer	There are some notable sublimation printers 2024 that you can also consider choosing. If you want a well-balanced device, a Sawgrass SG500 is your best bet. However, if you are tight on budget, you can go for a Canon Selphy CP1500. Make sure to carefully inspect every model and answer the following questions before purchasing: What will be your use of the printer? Type of printer. The size and shape of your designs. Other equipment and supplies you need.
Heat Press Tool	Some people use a home iron for heat press and transfer the design on the product, but it can be difficult and not ideal. You can do so if you are on a budget, but a heat-press machine should be your first choice (after a printer).  There are many top-notch heat-press devices this year, including multipurpose ones and budget-friendly options. You can choose the one that best compliments your printer and fulfills your needs.
Sublimation Ink	It helps with sublimation crafting. The following are the few options to choose from: Sublimation printer ink that goes into the printer. (check the printer model and supported ink to ensure you are putting the right ink in the right printer) Sublimation ink in pens and markers. Sublimation ink in the stamp pad and paints.  Sublimation printed sheets that you can cut into designs
Sublimation Paper	Paper that can work with the sublimation ink and can handle the heat press. They come in varying weights and sizes according to your product or scope of work, including A-SUB 125g and A-SUB 105g.
Sublimation Blanks	These are the blanks or substrates that you will use to print on. They come in different types and materials, so you can choose according to your tools and expertise.  Products may include: Mugs T-shirts Tumblers Wood trays Canvases, and more. Materials may include: 70% – 100% Polyester Ceramic or others (may contain polyester for better dye adherence)
Other Supplies	Heat-resistant Tape to ensure your items don’t move around during printing. Blowout Paper to prevent dye from sticking to your heat press or heating pad. Pressing Mats to protect your work and ensure even heat distribution. Lint Roller to remove any fabric or lint. Use polyester fabric or paper to test the designs initially with sublimation printing before using your actual product. Heat-resistant Gloves to protect your hands from burning, dye, or simply getting dirty.

Although finding and purchasing sublimation printing tools and supplies can be overwhelming, it will get easier once you start getting the right products. You can search online stores for sublimation printing supplies on Amazon or visit your nearest local store. However, it is best to first invest in a good quality printer and heat press. Next, you will need blanks, sublimation ink, and gloves for protection. You can purchase the rest along the way. 

Marketing Your Sublimation Printing Business

The market for sublimation printing is increasing along with the demand for sublimation printed products. So, it is better to step foot in the market and make every effort to reach potential customers and engage them with catchy marketing tactics. Some of the amazing sublimation marketing ideas are as follows:

• Creating a Need

Creating a need is all about upselling and engaging customers to buy more. For example, if you have a few customers who buy t-shirts, you can note their likings and suggest items like keychains, tumblers, or other products. It will make them come back for more. 

• Presenting the Solutions

Thoroughly read your audience and customers and understand their needs. After that, sell them the product they need (or a solution to their problem). For example, are your customers searching for a cool t-shirt or a funny keychain? Or maybe a gym person is looking for a tumbler? (with a motivational quote, maybe?). Give the customers what they need, and they will become your returning customers. 

• Increasing the Perceived Value

Create catchy, relevant, and appealing marketing designs to make your product shine on marketing platforms, e-commerce stores, or your website. For example, you can suggest a company to print custom t-shirts with their logo or think of an outside-the-box idea that everyone wants (who knows, maybe you will come up with an idea that becomes a trend).  

• Shipping Honest Products Beautifully

Although the design is important, make sure to pack the product in an appealing way. Presentation matters greatly in the business game, and you can take advantage of it. For example, you can write a short greeting message or tie a ribbon to the box. You can also show your packaged products and packaging online. 

However, make sure to send the exact same genuine product that the customer saw online. Otherwise, you will hurt your reputation and credibility.

How to Make Your Sublimation Printing Business Profitable?

Finally, here are a few tips to make the most out of your sublimation printing business. 

1. Having a Business Plan

Every business, big or small, needs a solid business plan. You must start with research, research, and then some more research. The more you know your audience, the better. Next, your business plan must contain a professional summary, products you wish to sell, headlines, taglines, logos, and other aspects. Also, a business plan scales with your business and gets new target goals, results of previous tactics, and ideas for future growth. 

2. Correctly Calculate Your Cost:

You are in the business to make money; if that doesn’t happen, there is no point in running it. So, when you price your products, make sure you calculate your total cost, including the cost for ink, blanks, transfer paper, and other things. Moreover, you have to keep the wastage in mind, including mistakes, mishaps, and accidents, like ink spills.

Finally, if you have any, please include the labor cost and shop rent. Only after calculating everything can you give your product the right price. 

3. Thoroughly Testing Your Designs

There is a reason we mentioned the testing paper in the requirements. It is better to test designs that you are unsure about or have doubts they will look bad. Testing is a major step that helps you lower wastage and print out better products faster. 

4. Using Trendy and Catchy Print Ideas

Sublimation printing is all about ideas. The more creative ideas you bring forth, the more people will want it. For this, research is important as well. Also, look at your competitors and other brands and see what they are doing (there is a reason for that saying: keep your enemies closer). This way, you will not get any surprises or fall behind. 

5. Having a Helping Hand

Although sublimation printing is not rocket science, several things can be cumbersome. At this point, you may need support and a helping hand to guide you, help you figure out the right answers to problems, and help you find the right path again. It can be anyone from your spouse to your parents or your friends.

However, make sure they know a thing or two about sublimation printing. 

6. Be Open to Ideas and Feedback

Don’t try to force your designs or ideas onto the customers. The market doesn’t take kindly to stubborn sellers. There are thousands of sublimated products in the market, and many people are experts in the field. So, if someone suggests an idea, think about it. Also, if someone provides feedback, see how it can help you get better and grow your business. 

Conclusion

The sublimation printing market is huge. If you know how it works, you may have a rough idea about how to establish a business out of it. Read through online guides and watch tutorials on how to kick-start it. Making a name in the sublimation printing market is difficult, no place for an amateur try-hard; you must be creative, passionate, innovative, and a fast learner. 

Sublimation printing is indeed a very profitable business if you know how to bring in customers.

Simply put, thousands of products and designs are available on the market. What makes yours different?