Looking to take your DTF printing business to the next level? Images discovers how DecoNetwork’s print shop management software and ecommerce websites have saved Wizard Printers both time and money, and acted as a springboard for the company’s growth
Robert Reid
It’s been five years since Robert Reid of Wizard Printers signed up to DecoNetwork, yet his enthusiasm for the print shop management product continues to shine through.
”It’s probably the best service I’ve ever paid for,” he declares.
“It allows you to be free – you just put in the information and it does its thing.”
Back then Wizard offered screen print and embroidery services – it has since replaced its screen work with DTF (direct-to-film) and added a trade DTF transfer service. Controlling the workflow and email was starting to prove too time-consuming, so they tried a few software solutions, including business management software FastManager.
“FastManager was great, that was when we moved up a level,” recalls Robert. “We could now control the workflow. But then as we grew we wanted to add website shops for our customers to order direct from us.”
Amazing value
DecoNetwork was pitching its product as being able to reduce a shop’s admin time by 70%. It would allow them to do everything from ordering and approval to invoicing in one place.
“I said to my dad that we have to try this. He said it was a bit expensive, but I knew if we could reduce our admin time by 70% it would be more than worth it.”
It turned out to be, says Robert, amazing value. Growth at the company has rocketed: they are currently projecting 30-40% growth this year with an anticipated £500,000 turnover next year with just four staff, which Robert believes is only possible because of the freedom DecoNetwork gives him to work on other aspects of the company.
Worth every penny
Wizard is now on the Premium package that is currently advertised on the DecoNetwork website as being £299 a month, which Robert says is “worth every penny”. The business hub is where he spends the majority of his time, replying to emails, sending out quotes, uploading artwork and signing off orders.
“Admittedly, people don’t contact us unless they are already interested in a service-based product, whether that’s embroidery or DTF. But for every email I get, the sales conversion rate is 90-95% – it is just amazing. It’s because DecoNetwork is so clean and clear: the customer sends me a query, I can convert it into a quote in two minutes, and then once the customer has confirmed it and sent me the logo, it’s ready to go to the printer or embroidery machine.”
Wizard also makes the most of the ecommerce websites available through the software. Currently, it runs 208 webshops for customers – with the Premium package, it can host up to 500.
“Initially I’ll do a quote for a company and send the prices for the various items for approval. They do the first order and then when they want to repeat it, I just build a webshop for them, send them a link, and they can reorder what they want, when they want.”
For those wondering if it’s for them, Robert recommends that you need to be putting through at least £1,500-worth of orders each month for a steady return on investment, as well as to ensure you’re not “just twiddling your fingers” in between jobs now that the admin side has been vastly reduced.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by emails and quotes, however, then this could be the product for you as it consolidates everything, says Robert. You do need to be computer literate, he advises, but even more importantly, new users need to be aware that it takes time to learn and take full advantage of the many tools that DecoNetwork offers.
Slowly and progressively
“People want to be able to use all the tools at once, but the truth is, we are hugely experienced at using DecoNetwork, which is why we see so much benefit from it. You need to start with the Business Hub then work your way towards setting up websites. Work slowly and progressively – you need to put in the time to learn how to use it properly.
“Do it logically and get over the fact that you’ve got to spend money on it. Because it will be the best money you ever spend.”
