In this episode of Shirt Show, we get into the nitty-gritty of why most print shops are drowning in self-inflicted problems. Whether it’s pinholes ruining jobs, ink being dumped by the gallon, or just plain bad shop flow—this is the episode you need to watch.
Guest Ross Hunter (ROQ) dives into how small tweaks like QR codes and Lean practices can revolutionize your shop’s workflow—without blowing up your budget.
Key Takeaways
☑️ Eliminate Pinholes (For Good)
If you're still exposing screens from film, you're gambling with pinholes. CTS (Computer-to-Screen) systems eliminate that variable entirely. No more discovering a pinhole after 200 shirts are ruined. It’s a no-brainer.
☑️ Ink Dumping is Not a Workflow
More ink ≠ faster jobs. Overloading your screens creates more mess, downtime, and inconsistency. Learn how proper ink volume affects print shear and why less is often more.
☑️ Lean Manufacturing (Start Small)
Lean isn’t scary. You don’t need to cut foam inserts for every tool. Start with obvious shop flow issues: dryer placement, press access, wasted steps. Fix the low-hanging fruit first.
☑️ QR Codes for SOPs
Ross shares how his team uses QR codes at every station (ink mixing, dryer maintenance, press setup). New hire? Scan the code, watch a quick how-to, and they’re productive—without you holding their hand.
RELATED: HOW TO CREATE AND PRINT QR CODES
Advice for Sub-$1M Shops
Ross is blunt: If you’re the owner and still on press, you’re holding your business back. Your best ROI is in your own business education. Read E-Myth Revisited. Build systems. Delegate. Focus on growth, not grunt work.
3 Action Items to Implement Today
- Find Your Bottleneck: Audit your workflow and fix the most obvious daily time-waster.
- Create Your First QR SOP: Ink mixing, screen coating, press setup—start small.
- Prioritize Business Education: Commit to 1 hour a week of learning outside of printing.
Want More Shop Hacks?
For more actionable tips on workflow, equipment, and screen print shop efficiency, stay connected with us. We’re all about cutting through the fluff and making your life easier.