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Do I have to pay V.A.T.?
Where do I get my supplies?
Are there any fees to pay to The Quill Press?
Will I have to pay for any initial or extra training?
How do I get my customers?
What about competition?
How much will buying a machine or package kit cost me?
How can I pay for my machines?
What are the advantages of the plate making
system?
Why is a post exposure tray on a plate maker so important?
What are the disadvantages of the polymer plates?
Can I buy a new foil printer from The Quill Press?
How many individual prints can I achieve in lets say 1
hour?
How can I learn about the different aspects of printing?
Why does the Quill Press only sell one
make of used machine?
When I have a demonstration of a hot foil
machine what points should I look out for?
Does the Quill Press offer any form of finance?
What if I don't wish to purchase a package
of machine, plate maker and stock but just wish to purchase the individual
machines, is that possible?
If I am interested in a demonstration what
is the procedure?
How do The Quill Press provide the back up and
support after I have purchased from you?
Can the Quill Press export the machines for me?
When I purchase a "HF-85 Digital package" from the
Quill Press how can I be sure I'm getting value for my money?
How much will it cost for me to purchase the blank
products?
VAT is now due on all our machines and packages. VAT payable is currently
17.5%
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| Where do I get my supplies? |
Over the last ten years we have got to know many of the major suppliers
within the industry and we will recommend over 30 of these suppliers
to you. It is entirely up to you whether you use them.
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| Are there any fees to pay to The Quill Press? |
No, you are buying the machines and The Quill Press will always be here
to help you in any way it can. We set no selling targets and do not require
you to purchase a level of stock from us.
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| Will I have to pay for any initial or extra training? |
No, most people choose to come to our premises for an initial demonstration.
We can then arrange for the actual training to be completed in our print
room or we can deliver to your home. Any extra training will be free
of charge at our premises. We also give people the opportunity to contact
us until 9pm six days a week with any problems they may be having. It
is quite normal and not improper to charge for delivery and training
especially if it's over and above what is normally expected. At The Quill
Press we choose not to make any charges for either. Beware there are
companies who charge huge amounts for their training packages and you
could be paying anything from £800 - £1200 on top of the
cost of the actual machine.
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| How do I get my customers? |
You can be the greatest printer in the world but if you have no customers
then you may as well not have the machine. Over the years we have found
many ways to find business from Craft and Wedding Fairs through to advertising
in church magazines and local newspapers. The things you can do are varied
and profitable. Even the Internet has helped us with local businesses.
You just have to put the work in initially. We will be happy to explain
the ideas we have used successfully for our business.
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Do not see your local high street printer as a competitor. They are
more interested in long runs of printing because they are using inks.
Therefore the longer the print run, the more profitable it is for them.
Generally speaking, you could be described as a short run printer. Indeed
you should see them as someone who can give you business and vice versa.
You will find that there are very few foil printers actively advertising
and you should take advantage of that.
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How much will buying a machine or package kit cost me?
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We set our prices dependent on the age and overall condition of the
machine when we purchased it. Every machine will be in superb condition
when we come to sell it. All plate making systems are brand new.
Machines start from £850 up to £1200 and the New plate makers
cost £750 - £850. We can put together a package that includes
a printer, plate maker and a generous amount of stock for £1800
- £2000. We will also provide you with on going training, support
and a free artwork service and will also provide you with printing plates
for your own business card and letterhead when you first start.
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How can I pay for my machines?
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We always ask for a deposit of £300 and the balance is payable
on delivery of the machine. We will only accept a guaranteed method of
payment on delivery. Such as a bank draft or Building Society Cheque.
We do not accept personal or company cheques unless posted 7 days prior
to delivery.
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What are the advantages of the plate making system?
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The plate maker will allow you to manufacture polymer printing plates
within half an hour of the artwork coming off your computer. The cost
of such a plate will only be £2, whereas if you get a metal plate
made it can cost up to £14 for a business card size design and
could take 2-3 days to arrive. You will also be able to manufacture Rubber
stamps and photo glaze onto dinner plates etc. Not every printing job
will allow itself to be viable with a polymer plate so we will give you
details of the best metal plate making companies in the country.
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Why is a post exposure tray on a plate maker so important?
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Because UV light comprises of both long wave and short wave UV. Some
UV light will be absorbed by the glass on which you put your polymer
plate during the exposure. When we come to give the plate its final 15
minute exposure for its durability It needs the full force of both the
long wave and short wave. Placing the plate in a post exposure tray will
allow this to happen as it will not be impeded by the glass. We must
add that in some cases where the UV bulbs are in the lid of the machine
it is not necessary to have the post exposure tray.
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What are the disadvantages of the polymer plates?
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The life of polymer plates is maybe 2000-3000 impressions at the most.
On plastics its probably no more than 500-1000. We would never use a
polymer plate where fine artwork or small typefaces are being used. Using
polymer plates take practice to become proficient, but we will teach
you how they can be most effective and we will also give you details
of suppliers for all the raw material needed to use the machine properly.
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Can I buy a new foil printer from The Quill Press
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Yes you can. Whilst we are mainly suppliers of used machines in excellent
condition, we have linked up with two of the countries leading manufacturers
of foil printing machines and are able to supply these machines and ancillaries
for the same prices you would have paid had you decided to purchase your
machine directly from them. We will also include all the training you
need and delivery within the price you pay. We do ask for £500
deposits when wishing to purchase a new machine.
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How many individual prints can I achieve in lets say 1 hour?
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These machines are hand operated, even so you will quite easily be able
to achieve in excess of 1000 impressions per hour. Even as a complete
novice over 500 impressions can be achieved. We must hasten to add though
speed is not the essential aspect of a machine, but a good consistent
quality is absolutely vital. In teaching you about foil printing we will
show you how that can be achieved.
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| How can I learn about the different aspects of printing? |
There are many aspects of printing apart from foil that over the years
staff at The Quill Press have actively been involved with, including
Pad printing, T-shirt printing, Balloon and Silk screen printing. We
will be able to show you where to find these machines and teach you how
to use them. With regards to foil printing, we have a vast amount of
experience in it's various aspects. These include embossing, cutting,
tipping, sublimation printing and many other tasks that can be carried
out on the machines. We will be glad to teach you these areas at no extra
charge. All we ask is that you take the time to visit us in Nottinghamshire.
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| Why does the Quill Press only sell one make of used machine? |
Quite simply it is the best, (in our opinion). If there is a finer hand
operated hot foil machine out there we are still to find it. We have
had experience of many makes of machine and some were good, some where
bad, and some were awful. We have used this make of machine for over
9 years and there are very few machines that even come close.
Do not take our word for it come and have a demonstration.
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| When I have a demonstration of a hot foil machine what points
should I look out for? |
Make sure you have a full and complete demonstration of the printer.
If you are told the machine can easily emboss, die-cut, be used in conjunction
with type, print pens and pencils, use polymer plates, use unifraction
plates, print onto plastics, can print over the full area of an A4 sheet
of paper or that the machines can carry out any other task make sure
you see it being done. Do not settle with the demonstrators telling you
it can be done. This will enable you to find out about their understanding
of the machine and of foil printing in general. It is vital you actually
see the task being completed. Asking at a demonstration will save a lot
of heartache later.
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| Does the Quill Press offer any form of finance? |
No, If a company such as ours were to offer finance the total cost of
purchasing the equipment would be very expensive. The criteria would
also be very strict i.e. you would have to be a home owner, with at least
2 years business accounts etc.
We find the best way to go if you are looking for finance is through
your own bank.
If you are given quotes for finance on these machines check out exactly
how much you are paying compared to the actual cost of the printer.
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| What if I don't wish to purchase a package of machine, plate
maker and stock but just wish to purchase the individual machines,
is that possible? |
Yes it is. The beginner to foil printing is normally looking for the
complete package although it may seem to be the most expensive, it's
the more comprehensive way to get started. However it is not uncommon
to be asked just to supply an individual machine. We will supply you
with a list of suppliers should you wish to purchase your own initial
stock. Our HF-85 Digital starts from as little as £1400 and that includes
delivery and comprehensive training in your home or office and a continued
back up and support here in Nottinghamshire. Sometimes we are asked to
supply the HF-85 Digital without any training at all and the cost of
the machine can come down to £1249 including delivery. Whether you purchase
just the machine or a package will depend on your own circumstances and
we will be happy to explain the pros and cons depending on those circumstances.
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| If I am interested in a demonstration what is the procedure? |
We will invite you to come to Mansfield and we will give you a complete
demonstration of the machines capabilities. We will show you how the
make printing plates, print with them, emboss, die cut, print onto pens
and pencils and a multitude of products. You will be given the opportunity
to try some printing and setting the equipment up for yourself. We will
answer any question you wish to fire at us and we guarantee that at no
point will we require you to make a decision there and then about purchasing
our machine. What we want you to do is go back home and consider everything
that you have seen and discuss it fully with anyone who will be involved
with the business you are considering starting. Whether your spending £800
or £2500 with any company never make a decision on the day, otherwise
if you haven't thought it through you could be making an expensive mistake.
Our advice is if you are asked to place a deposit on the day of a demonstration
with any foil supplier offering a price that is only available on that
particular day, walk away you need time to fully consider your options.
Remember we are giving this advice after 10 years in this industry so
along with the successes we have seen the failures.
Unless specifically asked to do so we won't even contact you on the
phone. We know if you like us and our product you will take the time
to contact us. If you want to revisit or have any further questions before
looking to purchase we would be delighted to oblige.
If at a later date you decide to purchase the machines we look for a
deposit which is non-refundable. Delivery can normally be arranged for
a week to 10 days after that.
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| How do The Quill Press provide the back up and support after
I have purchased from you? |
Firstly we welcome you to come to Mansfield at any time after the initial
training, our time is free and you can come along as much as you wish.
Indeed, we normally like to see you visit us after about the first month
just so we can see how you are progressing.
A vital asset available to you is the telephone helpline. If there is
something I have learnt over my years in this industry it's that most
of you chose to start this business on a part time basis. This means
your probably printing during the evening or at weekends. Well if you
have a problem during that time and you don't have someone available
to give advice then frustration will start to creep in and the simplest
of problems will prevent you from enjoying the printer. What we offer
is the opportunity for you to contact us from 9am to 9pm six days a week
(sometimes 7 days a week) No other company selling hot foil machines
offers such a service and we pride ourselves on the reputation we have
built up in providing this excellent service.
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| Can the Quill Press export the machines for me? |
Yes we can. Over the last 18 months we have exported our machines to
Holland, Estonia, Spain, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, United States, Ireland,
BFPO addresses and Poland. We use Bamptons of Nottingham as our shipping
agent and have found them able to provide an exceptional service. You
may decide to use your own agent in which case we will be happy to liaise
with them.
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| When I purchase a "HF-85 Digital package" from the Quill Press
how can I be sure I'm getting value for my money? |
The cost of the HF-85 Digital and the PSE1 or 1V plate maker you purchase
from us will obviously bear the majority of the cost of the package price
(£2100 + Vat). We will also include about £350-£400 worth of stock which
includes 2 sets of type, the foils, cards and promotional products etc
and a starter kit for the plate maker. It is important for you to also
be aware that we are also offering a free artwork service during your
first year and free support and help 6 days a week for as long as you
need it. At present we are also offering over £160 of metal plates free
of any charge.
We hear many stories of people who have purchased machines along with
the "support" and have found they have made very costly mistakes because
the support on offer has proved to be less than favourable. Make sure
you ask to speak to genuine customers and if you read testimonies on
websites etc ask to speak to the people concerned to ensure they are
genuine thoughts of genuine people. We offer a support and back-up service
which is second to none and not only our customers but the two major
Hot Foil Associations will be able to offer their thoughts on us. Another
important thing to remember is that the new version of the HF-85 Digital
has been made completely to our specification. The A4 extension and book
holding jigs came about because we requested them to be made and a specialist
holding jig that now comes with every machine came about because one
of our customers needed to print on pre-made chocolate box lids but can
be utilised to be used with many awkward shaped items.
Others may sell the machine under different names (and even suggest
they manufacture the HF-85 Digital) but they are selling the machine
that we helped to make what it is today.
Don't get caught up on the idea of individual prices for individual
Key fobs, book marks etc, look at the bigger picture, we sell a quality
product that we are confident that is being unsurpassed by anyone.
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| How much will it cost for me to purchase the blank
products? |
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How much will it cost for me to purchase the
blank products? We will supply you with a comprehensive list of
suppliers. A lot of these suppliers can give you the best prices
possible of unprinted products.
For example:-
Wharfedale and Bowies in Leeds supply
leather promotional products
Key fobs £11 per 100
Book marks £11-£13 per 100 (dependent on size)
Coasters £11-£13 per 100 (dependent on size)
Tax Disc holders £8 per 100
Spee-Dee in Chester supply a huge range
of cut cards, foils and promotional products
1000 Chromolux cards any colour £8-£13 (dependent on size and colour)
1000 linen finish cards £27
50 book matches £1.90
400 3-D cards from £28-£46 (dependent on design)
Die clean sticks (for cleaning you metal plates) cost around £12
Foil and Tool in Redditch Foils are wide
in colour and very varied in application
but just to give you an idea a General purpose roll of 4 inch wide
metallic foil will cost about £5.35.
The standard length of foil will be 122 metres (400 feet).
Matt and gloss foils will be of a very similar price.
Abbey Wholesale in Stoke An excellent
supplier of quality pens and pencils.
100 Hex Pencils with erasers £4.60
100 HB pencils with erasers £6.50
100 Corvina stick pens £4.40
100 Corton Deluxe pens £13.60
100 Super retractable pens £9.40
100 safety stick pens £3.40
Albafoil in Scotland One of the very
best suppliers of printing foils and plastic cards.
Foils again from £5.50 for a 4" wide foil up to £25 for a 4" Holographic
foil.
100 White plastic cards £4.75
100 Metallic cards £6.75
100 Fluorescent cards £7.75
Stephenson Blake of Sheffield Type can
also vary in price from as little as £40 for a set of lead type
up to over £100 for the font made out of a hard alloy such as Mazak.
An alloy set of type will last considerably longer and for printing
on pens it comes highly recommended.
C.S. Concord of Sheffield Suppliers of
magnesium printing plates.
Plates can vary in thickness and the price you pay is dependent
on area and that thickness,
not the amount of detail you want on the design. The price for
an average business card sized plate is approx £13- £14.
The Quality of plates produced by C.S. Concord is excellent and
they can turn plates around with just a few days.
As with all metal plate makers they do charge a minimum plate price
up to a certain size which is normally but not always approx 16
square inches.
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These are just a few of our recommended suppliers
we use ourselves. We have only given you a small selection of their
products as a guide but we will include their price lists with
every machine we sell. It's very misleading to suggest that, for
example every type of pen or business card has the same price.
As you can see, there is no such thing as one price for a quantity
of cards or pens etc. The cost you pay will depend on the quantity
and the quality of the item you order. You must also be aware that
they will all charge for postage and packaging.
When we put a package together for you we put
together quality items including sales folders, foil colour charts
with all the technical details of the foil and many more items
that will enable you to get started rather than running around
trying to source the items yourself. New items in our kits are
clear plastic presentation boxes that add a superb quality finish
to your printed products when you supply them to your customers.
We spent a lot of time finding the right supplier with the right
quality of product at the right price for you.
We are here to do the hard work to get you started.
Remember if you are just looking to purchase
the machine and get your own stock we will still provide you with
the suppliers we use ourselves.
During the delivery of your machine and/or package we will spend
quite a bit of time going over suppliers and their products.
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