How do I hand a tint shop’s film cutting plotter and pattern files to a buyer?

Take stock first. Record the plotter’s make and condition, the computer it runs from, the film types it handles and every pattern file you rely on. Add where the files live now: on the machine, a drive or a cloud account in your name. Do not forget small things such as cutting blades, spare parts, calibration sheets and the supplier contact who services the machine. A buyer who inherits these will be able to run a job on the first morning instead of searching for them.

Ask whether you may transfer what you use. Software and pattern libraries often come with terms, and some are tied to a personal account. Read them, and find out what the supplier needs to move them to a buyer. Do this before the buyer asks.

Make a backup, and test restoring it on a different computer. A copy that cannot be opened is no copy at all. Keep a short guide to your habits, such as how you name files, calibrate blades and handle odd vehicle models. Name the items in the purchase agreement and the schedule of assets. Plan a short training session for the buyer as part of the handover.

Key takeaways

• Inventory the plotter, software, computer and every pattern file with their locations.
• Check the terms that govern the software and pattern library before promising them.
• Back up the files and test a restore on another computer.