Revolutionizing the Apparel Industry with Matt and Tyler

In the ever-evolving world of apparel decoration, the introduction of Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing has created a significant buzz. Recently, I had the pleasure of watching a fascinating video featuring Matt Marcotte and Tyler Springer, two industry experts who shared their journey and insights into DTF printing and their innovative software solution, Stream by Deco Flow. Their story not only highlights the transformative potential of DTF printing but also underscores the importance of automation and community in the apparel industry.



Table of Contents

The Genesis of Stream by Deco Flow


Matt and Tyler's journey began with a simple yet powerful idea: to create a ride-share model for the decorated apparel industry. Inspired by the success of Uber and Lyft, they envisioned a platform where businesses could seamlessly outsource screen printing, embroidery, and DTF printing tasks. This idea led to the creation of Stream by Deco Flow, a software designed to automate and streamline the DTF printing process.

Tyler recalls the early days of Deco Flow, "I had this idea like, hey, it would be really cool to do like a ride-share model essentially with Uber and Lyft but in the decorating apparel industry." With Matt's extensive experience in the industry and Tyler's entrepreneurial spirit, they teamed up to bring this vision to life. They later partnered with Dan PW, a web developer and IT manager, who became the CTO of Deco Flow.

 

The Evolution of DTF Printing


DTF printing has come a long way since its inception. Initially met with skepticism, the technology has proven its worth by offering high-quality prints on various substrates with remarkable efficiency. Tyler's shop was one of the early adopters of DTF printing, and he quickly realized its potential. "We really leaned in hard on my shop to DTF printing because the quality is getting hard to tell the difference between a screen print and a DTF print," Tyler shared.

The flexibility and efficiency of DTF printing have made it a game-changer for businesses of all sizes. Matt highlighted the benefits, stating, "If it's more than one color and under 24 units, it's only DTF, and we're not even explaining it to the customer. We're charging three-color screen printing prices for DTF, which are making massive profit margins."

 

Stream by Deco Flow: A Revolutionary Platform


Stream by Deco Flow aims to revolutionize the way businesses handle DTF printing. The platform functions much like a ride-share service, connecting users with decorators who can fulfill their DTF printing needs. Users simply upload their designs, specify their requirements, and the platform matches them with qualified decorators. The process is seamless, efficient, and ensures high-quality results.

Tyler explained the process, "If you are the user on it, it's very easy. You're going to just put in some information, upload your design, and say, 'I want the DTF prints shipped to this ZIP code.' If you are a decorator on Stream, you get an automatic ping like, 'Hey, you have a job.' You accept the job, print, and ship it. As soon as that gets scanned by UPS, the process of releasing those funds starts."

 

The Importance of Automation and Community


The apparel industry is rapidly evolving, and businesses must adapt to stay competitive. Automation plays a crucial role in this transformation. Matt emphasized the importance of automation, "If you can't find a way to make yourself more efficient and effective with the monotonous things you have to do throughout the day, you're going to get left behind sooner than later."

The sense of community and collaboration within the industry is also vital. Matt and Tyler's journey is a testament to the power of networking and working together. "If you want to go far, go together," Matt said, highlighting the importance of building strong relationships and leveraging collective knowledge.

 

The Future of DTF Printing


As DTF printing technology continues to advance, the possibilities are endless. Tyler envisions a future where DTF printing can achieve even more intricate and specialized effects. "In terms of DTF, you're already starting to see it a little bit, but some of those specialty effects like metallics, glitter, and glow-in-the-dark, that stuff's going to come with DTF at some point," he predicted.

The introduction of Stream by Deco Flow is just the beginning. The platform is set to expand, offering more features and capabilities to meet the growing demands of the industry. Matt and Tyler are committed to continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring that their solutions add significant value to their customers.

 

Conclusion


The rise of DTF printing marks a significant milestone in the apparel decoration industry. With its superior quality, efficiency, and versatility, DTF printing is poised to become a staple in the industry. The innovative Stream by Deco Flow platform further enhances the potential of DTF printing by automating and streamlining the process, making it accessible to businesses of all sizes.

As Matt and Tyler's story demonstrates, the key to success in this rapidly changing industry lies in embracing new technologies, fostering collaboration, and continuously seeking ways to improve. By staying open-minded and adaptable, businesses can thrive in the ever-evolving world of apparel decoration.

So, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the industry, consider exploring the possibilities of DTF printing and the Stream by Deco Flow platform. The future of apparel decoration is here, and it's more exciting than ever!

 

For more information about DTF printing techniques, visit our blog where we cover the proper steps in detail.

 

You'll also find a comprehensive guide on how to properly use a Heat Press, including the correct way to Heat Press DTF transfers.

 

Additionally, we help you understand the difference between various Peel techniques, so you can choose the best one for your needs. Discover more about these Peel methods and their advantages on our blog.


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