Starting a business is a whirlwind of excitement and challenges, especially when you’re running the entire operation solo. One of my early business goals was to produce custom stickers in-house. I envisioned myself designing, printing, and cutting them with precision—creating products that were uniquely mine from start to finish. However, my journey into sticker production didn’t go quite as planned.
When I started, I invested in a Cameo 3 cutting machine and an Epson printer, confident these tools would allow me to create beautiful stickers for my shop. The plan seemed simple:
- Design the stickers.
- Print them with the Epson printer.
- Cut them precisely using the Cameo.
I was excited to create designs that would reflect my brand’s personality, and everything felt like it was on track to add a new product line to my store.
Unfortunately, my excitement quickly turned into frustration.
- The Cameo 3: Despite knowing how to use the software, I faced endless issues with the machine not cutting correctly. I went through a substantial amount of sticker paper due to misaligned cuts, wasted sheets, and time spent troubleshooting.
- The Epson Printer: After just two months, the printer stopped functioning entirely. It had to be returned, leaving me with no way to print the stickers I had painstakingly designed.
I realized that while creating stickers in-house sounded great in theory, the time, effort, and money I was losing on unreliable equipment made it an unsustainable solution for my small business.
After many frustrating hours and wasted materials, I decided to outsource my sticker production. This was a tough decision because I initially wanted to handle everything myself. But looking back, it was one of the best choices I made for my business.
- Saved Time: I could shift my focus from fighting with equipment to working on other aspects of my business, like marketing and planning new products.
- Improved Quality: My outsourced stickers were produced with a professional finish that I wouldn’t have been able to achieve at home.
- Reduced Stress: No more worrying about wasted materials or troubleshooting machines.
Sometimes, letting go of control is the best move you can make for your business. Outsourcing allowed me to free up time and mental energy to focus on what I do best: creating products and growing my brand.
While I still value the idea of creating things in-house, I now understand that some tasks are better left to professionals. Outsourcing doesn’t mean you’re giving up; it means you’re smartly prioritizing your resources. Outsourcing my stickers has improved my workflow. With the extra time I’ve gained, I’m working on expanding my product range, including new designs and patterns. For any business owners considering outsourcing, I highly recommend exploring this option if you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Sometimes, a little help can go a long way in bringing your vision to life.
My stickers are now better than ever, and they will be available alongside planners, notepads, and more when I launch the website! Sign up for my mailing list to stay updated on product launches and enjoy 15% off your first order.