How to Find a Used T-Shirt Printer

T-shirt printers are considered heavy industrial machinery because of their capabilities. Unlike the average printer, T-shirt printers are specialty printers, dedicated to all types of digital printing, such as silk-screening, embroidery and other graphic-design elements. Because of their commercial classification, they tend to be a lot more expensive than most printers, which is why most users opt to start out with a used machine, before eventually upgrading. Finding a used T-shirt printer requires a little legwork and some online searching, but the task is not impossible. Just be diligent and consistent in your search.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Read through your local classifieds. Local classifieds include newspapers, free listing magazines, and community house items for sale within your area. In most cases, these are advertisement listings by persons, rather than companies.

2. Check out online classified sites. Online classifieds are more broadly based than local newspaper classifieds. The ads usually encompass multiple cities and states. Sites such as Craigslist and Oodle.com are updated daily, and pricing is flexible.

3. Look for print shops that are closing or looking to sell older equipment. This is one of the most effective ways to find T-shirt printers, or any type of office equipment for that matter. Although difficult to find, print shops can be quite beneficial. Some generous print-shop owners will simply give away their used equipment. When a print-shop owner is looking to clear out a building in a hurry, someone simply willing to take equipment away is enough.

4. Bid and purchase a used T-shirt printer on eBay or at a local auction. Ebay's online auction, as well as local auctions, have hundreds of listings for T-shirt printing machines. They all vary in size, condition, quality and price, so you are guaranteed to find something. The only downfall is the bidding process. Unless there is a "Buy Now" option next to the printer on an eBay listing, it's a fight to the finish, because someone else is probably watching the same item.

5. Browse T-shirt printer manufacturing sites. Some manufacturers have a surplus of older equipment. They tend to sell their used equipment dirt cheap.

Tips & Warnings

• Know exactly what you're looking for. Some ads may not use the terminology, "T-shirt printer," but the item being sold or given away does just that. The device may also be referred to as silkscreen, embroidery or screen-print machines. Don't limit your search and rule out possible findings because of how it is advertised. Read everything to avoid losing out on a good T-shirt printer.

• If you are trying to find a printer online and have it shipped to you, be advised that shipping on large industrial items is considered freight. Freight is much more expensive than average shipping.

• Be advised that used equipment should always be examined before purchase. When you have found what you're looking for, make sure the item works before buying it. If the printer is not purchased through a secure network, such as a store, you may get taken advantage of and lose a substantial amount of money.

• A valid license or form of identification is usually needed for local auctions.

• If you are interested in bidding and purchasing on eBay, make sure you have a free eBay account and Paypal account established. Without these two assets, eBay listings can be viewed, but you wll not be able to bid or purchase.

References

• Buyer's Guide for Tee Shirt Printing Machines