The MerchMaker heat press offers a rare combination of top level features, streamlined design, and affordability, making it a smart entry point for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to launch or expand their custom apparel operations.

Designed to help garment decorators achieve professional results with every press, the MerchMaker combines smart functionality with space-saving portability. It’s the ideal solution for startups, crafters, small shops, and on-the-go entrepreneurs who want to take on more custom orders with confidence and consistency, with features not found in other presses at this price point.

Engineered with both function and flexibility in mind, the MerchMaker allows decorators to press with precision in even the smallest of workspaces or live events, pop-ups, or market spaces.

A New Standard in Entry-Level Heat Presses

The MerchMaker stands out with features typically reserved for higher-end machines, including:

• Dual Functionality: use as a traditional clamshell or pull-out draw press
• Smart Display: LCD screen shows time, temperature, and pressure for consistent results
• Fast Heating: heats quickly to 300°F – ideal for transfers and HTV
• Perfect Pressure: patented over-the-center pressure adjustment ensures even application
• Lightweight & Portable: designed for tight workspaces and on-the-go availability
• Safety Certified: (UL/ULC/CE), with 110v standard operation

Getting Started Made Easier with Bonus Marketing Kit

To support new decorators, Transfer Express is including a free Marketing Kit (a $75 value) with every MerchMaker purchase. The kit includes heat transfers samples, educational materials, how-to guides, application charts, and more tools to help decorators promote, produce, and profit from selling custom apparel successfully.

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Taking place on Wednesday, July 17th, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Lane Seven’s Irwindale location, this half-day event will provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and expert guidance to help attendees enhance operational efficiency, expand their product offerings, and maximize profitability through heat printing.

Partnering with Lane Seven Apparel, STAHLS’ Heat Press Pro Day will offer attendees an opportunity to engage in high-impact, hands-on training led by industry experts. Participants will gain real-world strategies to improve operational efficiency, harness the power of e-commerce, and diversify their product offerings with heat printing. In addition, attendees will learn critical pricing calculations and business strategies to ensure they are maximizing their bottom line.

“We are excited to provide an opportunity for attendees to not only learn from the experts but to experience firsthand how heat printing can transform their business,” said Kelly Walters, STAHLS’ Director of Experiential Marketing. “This hands-on event is designed to help decorators enhance production and find new ways to grow in a competitive market, with live demos and real techniques they can instantly incorporate in their operations.”

The Heat Press Pro Day Experience:

• Hands-On Training with Industry Experts: Engage in interactive sessions covering the entire decoration process, from setup to application.
• Comprehensive Business Growth Strategies: Gain insights to increase production efficiency and enhance profitability, with new ways to stay ahead in a competitive industry.
• Exclusive Merch & Promos: Receive a curated set of branded merchandise and exclusive product credits to showcase what’s possible with STAHLS’ products.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow decorators and entrepreneurs, share experiences, and foster a supportive community.

Bonus: Each attendee will receive a $50 product credit to be added to their STAHLS’ account after the event.

With attendance limited to 100 participants, Heat Press Pro Day promises an intimate, impactful experience that allows for personalized interaction with experts. Interested decorators should register as soon as possible to secure their spot. For more details and to register, visit transferexpress.com/heat-press- accessories/heat-press-pro-day.

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All Hotronix models are in stock and ready to ship, ensuring decorators can maintain production schedules without the uncertainty tied to overseas equipment sourcing.

“When decorators invest in Hotronix, they’re getting U.S.-engineered quality, next-day shipping, and the confidence of long-term reliability,” the company stated. “It’s smart business protection in today’s unpredictable market.”

Key Benefits of Hotronix Heat Presses:

Tariff-Free Assurance: Domestic production means no surprise cost increases from international trade shifts.

Reliable Availability: All models ship quickly from U.S. warehouses, with consistent stock and short lead times.

Built in the USA: Each unit is engineered to meet rigorous performance standards for durability and consistent results.

Lifetime Warranty: Every Hotronix press includes a lifetime warranty on the heating element, offering peace of mind and long-term value.

With continued volatility in global supply chains, Hotronix heat presses present a stable, high-performance solution for businesses of all sizes looking to secure their equipment investments and avoid costly delays.

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Stevensville Highschool in Stevensville, Montanna, is dedicated to providing students with real-world skills through its career and technical education program. By receiving this Dream Shop Package, the school will enhance its curriculum in apparel decoration, empowering students with hands-on experience using professional-grade heat printing technology.

Elite Design Solutions based in Minnetonka, Minnesota, offers custom apparel for local businesses and through Etsy. With the addition of the Dream Shop Package, the business will increase its production capabilities, meet growing demand, and expand its services to better serve the local community while tapping into new markets beyond apparel.

Since its launch in 2020, the Stahl Family Scholarship has awarded over $100,000 worth of equipment to 39 winners. For the remainder of 2025, STAHLS’ is continuing the tradition of helping small businesses and educational programs turn their dreams into reality by awarding six more Dream Shop Packages throughout the year.

“We’re thrilled to continue supporting schools and small businesses with all the tools they need to succeed,” said Dan Stahl, president of the Stahl Family Scholarship. “The work these winners are doing in their communities is inspiring, and we’re proud to provide them with the equipment and training to take their operations to the next level.”

Every quarter in 2025, one small business and one school will receive The Dream Shop Package, complete with a Hotronix® Fusion IQ® heat press and a 360 IQ® hat press, along with essential platens, accessories, and expert training. Winners will also receive virtual consultations, access to Fulfill Engine software, and a product credit for use at STAHLS’ or Transfer Express.

This initiative is designed to help winners expand their decorating capabilities, grow their businesses, and inspire the next generation of apparel decorators.

Applications for the second quarter of the 2025 Stahl Family Scholarship are now open. Schools and small businesses interested in applying can visit www.stahls.com/scholarship for more information and to submit their applications.

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Hosted by STAHLS’ industry experts Dave Conner, Kelly Walters, and Jenna Sackett, the weekly series has become a trusted source of education and insight for apparel decorators, small business owners, and heat printers across North America.

With Episode 100, the podcast delivered a comprehensive breakdown of trend-driven strategies, product shifts, and production insights for 2025, including:
• Apparel Trends: Bold minimalism, typography-driven designs, heavyweight blanks, and vintage-inspired sportswear.
• Decoration Techniques: Rising demand for textured and dimensional heat transfers, scalable creative methods, and the continued heat press advantage.
• Print-On-Demand (POD): How decorators are leveraging POD to lower inventory risk, test new products, and operate with greater flexibility.
• Direct to Film (DTF): Equipment adoption, common pain points, and the growing importance of innovation and differentiation in DTF workflows.
• HTV Resurgence: Renewed interest in specialty HTV finishes like glitter, flock, foam, and silicone for unique applications and material compatibility.
• Operational Strategies: How hybrid shop models, automation, and lean production are driving profitability and responding to evolving market demands.

“This 100th episode is a significant milestone, not just for our STAHLS’ team, but for the ever- growing community of decorators we are committed to serving,” said Dave Conner, STAHLS’ Content Director. “It reflects the momentum of this industry and the STAHLS’ mission of helping build confident and capable decorators in charge of their business growth.”

Heat Press for Profit LIVE airs every Thursday at 3:00 PM ET on LinkedIn Live and YouTube. The show features actionable education, live discussion, and direct engagement with industry professionals aimed at helping decorators maximize their success with heat-applied graphics.

From in-person events, a vast library of YouTube videos, monthly live webinars and trade shows, and weekly podcast episodes, STAHLS’ is dedicated to being the leader in help and education and supporting decorators in their growth.

Learn more about the upcoming podcast, webinar, and trade show schedule at stahls.com/events.

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Goof Proof® transfers are a fast, cost-effective alternative to DTF, delivering the soft feel of real screen printing. Perfect for 1-2 color designs, they arrive pre-cut and ready to apply—no cutting apart required. Orders placed by 3 PM ET ship the next business day, helping decorators meet tight deadlines without the setup, equipment, or overhead of traditional screen printing.

Goof Proof transfers can be applied to cotton and poly/cotton blends, with two temperature settings to prevent scorching on heat-sensitive fabrics. They are available in two standard sizes— 9-inch by 12.75-inch and 11-inch by 14-inch—with a minimum order of 25 pieces. Bulk pricing discounts make them a cost-effective choice for decorators fulfilling orders for teams, schools, businesses, and events.

“By offering Goof Proof transfers on stahls.com, we’re giving more decorators access to one of the industry’s most trusted screen printed transfers,” said Josh Ellsworth, Chief Revenue Officer at GroupeSTAHL. “It’s a proven, fast and reliable solution to help them meet customer demands with confidence.”

For more details, including free sample requests, color options, and pricing, visit stahls.com/goof-proof.

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This agreement integrates Hotronix IQ heat press technology into the innovative Stampinator concept, allowing automatic screen print press users unprecedented flexibility for achieving specialty finishes beyond the limits of traditional screen printing. In addition, it allows screen printers to improve screen print results with underbase stamping to smooth fibers for better opacity and quick cure capabilities, producing very bright soft transfer results on all types of fabrics.

The Hotronix Stampinator fits seamlessly and easily on automatic screen printing presses, transforming the way screen printers operate. Hotronix SVP & Chief Manufacturing Officer Ben Robinson explains that with the Stampinator, “high-speed screen printing is now at your fingertips, ready to plug, press and play.” By incorporating this in-line heat press technology, decorators can achieve full automation, increasing output from 20 shirts per hour to a staggering 480 shirts per hour—all within their existing automatic screen print press setup.

Backed by the industry-leading Hotronix heat press technology, the Stampinator delivers:

• Flawless applications of all types of heat transfers, including DTF and screen printed transfers
• The ability to use premium add-ons for apparel including foil, rhinestones and more
• Screen printing of numbers along with HTV and specialty CAD-CUT finishes
• Stamping of underbases to smooth fibers and quick cure of all prints

The advanced Hotronix heat press technology not only expands creative possibilities but also enhances production efficiency without sacrificing print quality.

“This partnership combines Hotronix’s heat press expertise with Stampinator’s innovative screen print press conversion concept,” said Carleen Gray, CEO of STAHLS’. “We’re proud to help deliver technology that allows screen printers to scale and offer premium results with every job.”

Improving the Custom Screen Print Process

STAHLS’ Chief Revenue Officer Josh Ellsworth agreed stating, “With the Stampinator, screen printers not only improve their screen print process, but also optimize work within their current footprint. The Stampinator innovation allows heat transfer to complement screen printing and vice versa. With the demand for new fabrics, full color graphics and shorter run sizes it is an addition certain to bring an immediate benefit to every shop.”

“The Stampinator brand is built by screen printers, for screen printers,” said Jeff Fiorucci, founder and president of Stampinator. “Our call to action is make your prints better. We are excited to take the Stampinator to the next level with the precision of Hotronix technology, including international distribution and future adaptations.”

Updated 4/25/25

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The 2025 STAHLS’ catalog is a comprehensive resource that empowers businesses with decorating solutions through heat printing technologies. Now available for digital download, the catalog provides instant access to essential product information, including materials, transfers, services, heat presses and fulfillment software.

Key features include quick-reference charts, detailed application and cutting instructions, material and color options, product descriptions and pricing, equipment specifications, and a wide range of specialty finishes through STAHLS’ custom transfer services.

New in the STAHLS’ 2025 Product Catalog

STAHLS’ Fulfill Engine ProPlace IQ Projection System Dual Air Fusion IQ® 120V Inktra® Screen Printed Transfers
EasyRip for UltraColor MAX DTF Transfers Flexbroidery
NEW CAD-CUT® HTV
Easy View® LTE Team Builder Barcelona Soccer Kits
Heat Press Heroes

In addition to new products and services, the 2025 catalog unveils the STAHLS’ Heat Press Heroes – a lineup of heat printing experts each representing a critical aspect of running a successful business. The STAHLS’ Heat Press Heroes are powered by innovative solutions that streamline operations while maximizing efficiency. From the precision of a Hotronix® heat press to the vibrant designs of UltraColor MAX DTF transfers, these heroes are ready to help any business, large or small.

With the latest STAHLS’ advancements in heat printing, decorators can confidently accept orders of any size and easily create custom T-shirts, hats, jackets, bags, accessories, and more. Every product and service in the STAHLS’ catalog is designed to be a solution so businesses are always prepared for success.

“With the new year and new catalog, our mission remains the same. We are committed to supplying businesses with the resources and tools they need to thrive in a competitive market,” said Dane Clement, STAHLS’ VP Executive Creative Director. “The 2025 catalog is filled with trusted STAHLS’ products, services, and solutions that will empower more decorators to achieve their business goals and become the hero of their own story.”

Download the 2025 STAHLS’ Product Catalog at stahls.com/catalog. Learn more about each of the STAHLS’ Heat Press Heroes by visiting blog.stahls.com/2025-catalog.

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This collaboration enables OMG users to tap into the STAHLS’ Fulfill Engine network to efficiently sell and fulfill custom decorated orders of all sizes, including single-unit orders, while also optimizing their workflows for all types of apparel and hard good decoration methods.

“We’re excited to collaborate with OrderMyGear to offer users the ability to access our Fulfill Engine network when they need expert decoration support,” says Jayson Tompkins, Chief Digital Officer of Stahls’ Fulfill Engine. “Our goal is to provide both sellers and decorators with tools and resources to streamline production and scale their businesses.”

“We couldn’t be more thrilled about our partnership with our friends at STAHLS’ Fulfill Engine,” says Matt Kaplan, President of OrderMyGear (OMG). “This unique collaboration combines OMG’s powerful online store technology with Fulfill Engine’s print-on-demand expertise, giving clients a new tool to grow sales and take advantage of innovative decoration methods. With the integration, clients can now offer customers a retail-like online shopping experience combined with high-quality, quick-turn products from premier suppliers without the hassle of managing single-unit orders.”

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This year, STAHLS’ is discounting a selection of their best-selling Hotronix® heat presses ahead of a 2025 price increase. In addition, the all-new Inktra® screen printed transfers are being offered at a 50% discount for first time orders, as well as 50% off select CAD-CUT® heat transfer vinyl.

The industry-leading UltraColor MAX direct-to-film (DTF) transfers are also receiving a promotion. Orders over $300 are eligible for a free upgrade to EasyRip so transfers can arrive ready to rip apart, place, and press, significantly reducing overall prep time.

“We offer Black Friday & Cyber Monday sales each year so businesses can take advantage of lower pricing to get ahead of new profit opportunities in 2025,” says Josh Ellsworth, Chief Revenue Officer GroupeSTAHL. “With savings on quality equipment and innovative custom apparel technologies, decorators are prepared for short-term holiday orders, as well as the approaching spring busy season and beyond.”

2024 Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals

• $200 OFF Fusion IQ® Heat Press
• $200 OFF Auto Clam 16” x 20” Heat Press
• $200 OFF 360 IQ® Hat Press
• 50% OFF First Order of Inktra®
• 50% OFF Select CAD-CUT® HTV
• FREE EasyRip on UltraColor MAX Orders $300+

To learn more about the products offered in this year’s Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals, visit stahls.com/home.

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