Top 5 mistakes new print shops make (and how to avoid them)

Opening your own print shop in Canada can be a game-changing move. Whether you're dreaming of selling custom apparel from your garage or launching a full-scale sublimation business, there's never been a better time to get started. But as many print entrepreneurs quickly discover, passion alone isn’t enough. Avoiding the most common mistakes is just as important as having the right equipment or offering trendy products.

At Joto Imaging Supplies, we’ve been supporting Canadian print businesses since 1989. In that time, we’ve seen firsthand what separates successful shops from those that struggle. In this guide, we’ll break down five of the most common mistakes that new Canadian print shops make, and how you can steer clear of them.

Mistake #1: Guessing your prices instead of knowing your costs

One of the biggest mistakes new print shop owners make is setting prices without understanding what each job truly costs them. Many start by copying competitors, underpricing to win business, or simply “going with their gut.” But when you don’t know how much you're spending on ink, blanks, time, and equipment usage, you're flying blind, and often losing money.

Why It Matters

In Canada, where shipping costs, customs, and taxes vary by province, getting your pricing right is even more important. Underpricing can eat into your profits fast, and raising your prices later might scare off early customers.

What To Do Instead

• Track every cost: Include consumables, time, electricity, depreciation, and software costs.
• Use a profit calculator: Tools like our Joto Profit Calculator help you determine your real margins.
• Update prices quarterly: Supply costs change—your pricing should, too.
• Don’t forget rush fees and minimums: Your time is valuable—price accordingly.

Pro Tip: Bundle your services (e.g., 10 custom shirts + design + rush delivery) to increase order value and reduce administrative effort.

Mistake #2: Choosing the Wrong Equipment (or Skipping Maintenance)

Your equipment is the backbone of your shop. Unfortunately, many beginners choose machines based solely on price, only to discover they can’t handle their order volume, produce subpar results, or are expensive to maintain without local support.

What we see often

A new shop buys a cheap heat press from an overseas vendor to save money—only to find that it delivers uneven pressure and ruins half the prints. Or a business buys a large-format sublimation printer but never learns how to maintain it, leading to constant clogs and downtime.

What to do instead

• Evaluate your actual needs: Volume, product type, fabric compatibility, speed, and flexibility.
• Ask about local support: Joto offers Canadian-based tech support and warranty options.
• Invest in training: Even top-tier equipment fails without proper usage.
• Maintain proactively: Schedule maintenance before issues arise.

Pro Tip: Talk to other shop owners and ask what equipment they regret buying. Learn from their experience before spending thousands.

Mistake #3: Printing Files Without Checking Resolution and Colour Profiles

We’ve all seen it, a beautifully designed logo that prints blurry or in completely the wrong shade. This often happens because new shops accept any file the customer provides, assuming it's print-ready.

Why It’s a Problem

Most clients don’t understand file requirements. That means you could get a 72dpi JPG from a website and end up printing a pixelated disaster—wasting blanks and losing customer trust.

How to Avoid It

• Set clear file requirements: 300dpi, CMYK, outlined fonts, proper bleeds and trims.
• Always proof: Use mockups and approval workflows before going to press.
• Automate file checks: Many RIP or workflow tools now flag resolution or format errors automatically.
• Offer “file fixing” as a paid service: Upsell this and help customers get better results.

Pro Tip: Create a simple PDF or video explaining how to prepare files for print. Clients will appreciate it, and it will save you time.

Mistake #4: Using the wrong blanks or materials

Blanks and papers aren’t created equal. Using cheap, incompatible, or low-quality materials can ruin even the most professional designs. We often hear of shops ordering blanks online from unknown sellers—only to receive mugs that don’t sublimate properly or vinyl that peels after one wash.

How This Hurts You

• Bad reviews from customers
• Wasted ink and blanks
• Damaged brand reputation

What To Do Instead

• Source from trusted Canadian suppliers: Like Joto—we test every product ourselves.
• Understand compatibility: Not all blanks work with every ink, printer, or heat press.
• Test before you sell: Always order samples and run test jobs.
• Educate your clients: Help them understand the value of higher-quality materials.

Pro Tip: Keep a wall of samples in your shop to show customers the difference between economy and premium options.

Mistake #5: Poor workflow and lack of organization

Even with the best gear and products, a disorganized shop can quickly fall behind. Missed deadlines, lost files, and inconsistent quality are often caused by poor internal processes.

Common Red Flags

• Jobs printed with outdated versions of the file
• Team members confused about next steps
• Delays in invoicing or delivery
• No clear system for reorders

How to Fix It

• Map your workflow: From intake to delivery—every step matters.
• Use shop management tools: Like Printavo, Trello, or DecoNetwork.
• Automate repeatable tasks: Quotes, invoices, customer updates.
• Hold weekly huddles: Keep everyone aligned and improve communication.

Pro Tip: Take a day to document your ideal workflow and train your staff on it. Consistency scales better than chaos.

Bonus Mistakes (And How to Dodge Them Fast)

• Skipping proofreading: Always double-check spelling and alignment.
• Ignoring print method differences: Sublimation vs. DTF vs. screen—each has its place.
• Not getting deposits: Don’t start custom work without one.
• Falling for trends: Stick to what sells and experiment in small batches.
• Avoiding financial planning: Use tools like QuickBooks Canada to stay on top of cash flow.

Tools to Help You Succeed

Final Thoughts: Build a Shop That Lasts

Every shop makes mistakes—but the key is learning fast and improving faster. Whether you're in Toronto, Calgary, or a small town in Nova Scotia, you have access to tools, training, and support that can turn your business into a success story.

At Joto Imaging Supplies, we don’t just sell blanks and machines. We support Canadian printers with expert advice, tested products, and real human support.

Ready to get started? Need help choosing the right blanks or fixing a workflow issue? Contact us. We’re proud to be your Canadian print partner.