Running a screen printing business isn’t easy, but staying informed about industry trends and smart strategies can make all the difference. We’re excited to feature a recent episode of Printavo’s PrintHustlers Podcast, where they hosted industry economist Alex Chausovsky. This episode is packed with actionable insights to help your shop navigate 2025 and beyond.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can learn from the conversation!
THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY
The PrintHustlers Podcast kicked off by tackling a big question: where is the economy headed? Despite lingering concerns about inflation and borrowing costs, Chausovsky offered a balanced view. He emphasized that while interest rates are higher, the economy remains stable, and opportunities for growth are still strong. For screen printing businesses, this means keeping a close eye on costs and planning carefully for future investments.
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TREAT YOUR BUSINESS LIKE IT’S FOR SALE
Chausovsky highlighted a principle that applies to all shop owners: run your business like you’re preparing to sell it, even if you never plan to. Why? A well-structured business is easier to scale, more efficient, and ultimately more profitable.
He explained that buyers look for four key qualities in a business: stability, profitability, growth potential, and diversity. Stability means consistent sales without huge swings. Profitability comes from making steady profits, not just growing revenue. Growth potential refers to the value of larger businesses, though smaller businesses can still succeed with the right focus. Diversity involves offering a mix of products or services and serving a variety of customers to reduce risk.
Even smaller shops can benefit by improving their financial records, keeping loyal customers, and exploring new revenue streams.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEAN FINANCIALS
One major theme from the podcast was the value of financial clarity. Clean and accurate financial records help shop owners better understand where their business stands and allow them to make smarter decisions.
The discussion focused on the importance of tracking costs daily to understand overhead and break-even points. Hiring a professional bookkeeper or using tools like QuickBooks can ensure your financials are organized and reliable. The episode also highlighted the value of analyzing your customer base to identify which customers and products bring in the most profit.
ADJUST PRICES REGULARLY
Another key insight from the episode was the importance of adjusting pricing more often. Many shops review their prices only once a year, but the podcast made it clear that this isn’t enough in today’s market.
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With rising costs from inflation, materials, and labor, shop owners should review prices at least twice a year, if not quarterly. This involves looking closely at which products and customers are the most profitable and making adjustments where necessary. Renegotiating contracts with vendors, such as shipping companies, can also help lower costs and boost overall profitability.
EMPLOYEE RETENTION IS CRUCIAL
Employee retention remains one of the biggest challenges for screen printing shops, as skilled workers have more options than ever before. The podcast emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and flexible work environment to keep employees happy and engaged.
The conversation encouraged shop owners to offer flexibility, such as extra days off when possible, and to listen to employee feedback. Treating employees as partners in the business’s success, rather than just workers, can significantly reduce turnover and create a stronger team dynamic.
FOLLOWING INDUSTRY TRENDS
One of the most exciting parts of the episode was Chausovsky’s analysis of Printavo’s open-source data. By comparing shop performance with economic indicators like disposable personal income and retail clothing sales, he confirmed that the screen printing industry is gaining momentum.
This is great news for shop owners, as it suggests rising demand in the coming year. The podcast encouraged businesses to prepare for growth by stocking up on inventory, expanding production capacity, and hiring early to meet future demand.
WHY YOU SHOULD LISTEN
If you want to get ahead in 2025, this episode of PrintHustlers Podcast is a must-listen. From practical financial advice to insights about employee retention and pricing, it’s full of actionable strategies to help your business grow.